Vice President, Extended Producer Responsibility

Vice President, Extended Producer Responsibility Join to apply for the Vice President, Extended Producer Responsibility role at Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA) The Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA) is a not-for-profit Delegated Administrative Organization (DAO) entrusted by the Government of Alberta to oversee the province’s regulated recycling programs and, more recently, its Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework. For over 30 years, ARMA has worked with municipalities, producers, registered processors, and community partners to implement effective recycling programs and support Alberta’s transition toward a circular economy. ARMA operates at arm’s length while remaining accountable to the Ministry of Environment and Protected Areas. The organization administers environmental fees, manages designation and compliance frameworks, and maintains Alberta’s recycling and EPR registries. With new EPR responsibilities for packaging and paper products (PPP) and hazardous and special products (HSP), ARMA is entering a significant period of operational maturation. These expanding oversight duties require a consistent, transparent, fair, and proportionate regulatory approach that supports strong outcomes for producers, municipalities, and Albertans. The Opportunity Reports to: Chief Executive Officer Direct Reports (2): Director, Client Relations & Director, EPR Operations & Change Optimization Location: Edmonton, AB Mandate The Vice President, Extended Producer Responsibility (VP, EPR) is a member of ARMA’s Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and holds primary responsibility for ensuring the effective and efficient administration of ARMA’s delegated jurisdiction as Alberta’s EPR oversight body. The VP ensures that ARMA’s EPR oversight: Operates within the jurisdiction delegated by the Government of Alberta; Is reasonable and proportional in its administration of Alberta’s EPR laws; Fulfills its jurisdiction in a fair manner; and Remains accountable and transparent to producers, municipalities, the Government of Alberta, and Albertans at large. The VP also serves as ARMA’s Registrar, responsible for establishing and maintaining ARMA’s information systems to collect and house data from regulated entities. The role requires strong leadership to provide direction, design and oversee policies and procedures, guide communications and stakeholder relations, and ensure compliance within a complex and evolving regulatory environment. Key Accountabilities Reporting and Registry Oversight Evaluate and strengthen regulatory oversight policies and procedures by analyzing data, integrating stakeholder feedback, and ensuring alignment with requirements. Provide leadership for the maintenance and accuracy of the registry system and all reporting obligations. Contribute to managing operations within approved budget parameters, including forecasting, funding requests, and long-term planning. Compliance and Program Administration Stay current on industry trends and developments to guide informed regulatory decisions. Provide leadership and direction for administration, inspection, investigation, compliance, and enforcement activities related to EPR programs. Foster continuous improvement and the evolution of EPR oversight practices. Lead the implementation and maintenance of bylaws, policies, guidelines, tools, and systems. Identify key performance metrics and collaborate with the CEO to ensure strategic alignment. Enforcement and Risk Management Design and implement proactive risk mitigation strategies to reduce liability. Ensure bylaws, policies, and procedures fully align with ARMA’s delegated jurisdiction and all applicable laws. Work closely with the Ministry of Environment and Protected Areas (EPA), producers, Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs), and other stakeholders to support effective enforcement. Lead and manage EPR committees or advisory groups as needed. Stakeholder Relations and Inter-Jurisdictional Collaboration Monitor and ensure compliance with the EPR Agreement on Administration and Oversight with EPA. Build and maintain strong internal and external stakeholder relationships. Seek opportunities for interprovincial collaboration to increase consistency and efficiency across EPR systems. Organizational Leadership Promote cross-departmental collaboration within ARMA’s shared corporate services model. Lead the development and adjustment of the EPR organizational structure and support succession planning. Provide subject matter expertise to stakeholders and the Board of Directors. Support a positive organizational culture aligned with ARMA’s values. First-Year Deliverables / Measures of Success Success in the first year will be determined by the candidate’s ability to: Build trust and credibility with the EPR team, the Executive Leadership Team, government partners, producers, PROs, and municipalities while establishing a collaborative, steady leadership presence grounded in ARMA’s culture. Clarify and advance the operational roadmap for the shift from program build to long-term regulatory oversight, ensuring the core compliance, reporting, and enforcement processes are refined and tested ahead of its anticipated October 2026 rollout. Integrate the EPR portfolio effectively into ARMA’s shared corporate services model, strengthening alignment, cross-departmental collaboration, and organizational readiness for future program growth. Reinforce ARMA’s reputation as a fair, reasonable, and proportionate regulator by maintaining strong relationships and ensuring a smooth, transparent approach to implementation and compliance. Candidate Profile The successful candidate will have the following: Education A post-secondary degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Public Policy, Environmental Economics, Law Enforcement, or Law. Equivalent combinations of education and senior-level experience will be considered. Experience Progressive senior leadership experience within government, a regulatory body, a delegated administrative organization, or another complex public-interest environment. Demonstrated experience leading operations through a transition from program build to program implementation/operation, including implementing policies, processes, and compliance frameworks. Background working with compliance, inspection, investigation, or enforcement functions, ideally in multi-stakeholder systems involving municipalities, industry, and provincial partners. Experience developing, interpreting, or applying bylaws, policies, regulatory rules, administrative law, or similar governance instruments. Proven ability to build productive relationships with government ministries, producers, municipalities, or other regulated stakeholders, supporting compliance through partnership rather than punitive approaches. Leadership experience in data-driven regulatory environments, including reporting systems, registries, or other information-management platforms. Familiarity with legal or policy risk management; a background in law or experience collaborating closely with legal counsel would be beneficial. Competencies and Attributes Strategic & Regulatory Acumen – Anticipates emerging compliance and enforcement needs, understands the implications of delegated authority, and can guide ARMA from program build to long-term regulatory operations. Collaborative Relationship Builder – Builds trust with government, producers, municipalities, and internal teams; acts as an honest broker and promotes compliance through partnership rather than punitive escalation. Team & Culture Leader – Fosters a cohesive, humble culture; empowers staff, develops leaders, and supports a strong, values-aligned ELT. Operational Integrator – Skilled at bringing teams together within a shared corporate services model, ensuring clarity, alignment, and stability as structures and processes evolve. Clear & Credible Communicator – Communicates complex regulatory information clearly, manages sensitive interactions with diplomacy, and represents ARMA with transparency and fairness. Values-Driven & Ethical – Demonstrates integrity, proportionality, and accountability in all oversight decisions; grounded in public-interest stewardship and principled regulatory practice. Resilient & Adaptive – Able to lead through ambiguity, navigate competing pressures, and manage high-stakes files in a dynamic and politically visible environment. Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion ARMA is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognizes that a diverse team benefits and is essential to service excellence. In accordance with provincial legislation, accommodation will be provided by Mullen and ARMA for the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process, upon request, to applicants with disabilities. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. Application Instructions If this opportunity excites you, please send an application package, including your resume and cover letter, to In the subject line of your email, please include the organization’s name and the position title. #J-18808-Ljbffr