POSTED: 27th June 2025
STARTING DATE: As soon as possible - Please state your earliest availability in your application.
FULL TIME, ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

MISSION TO METRICS

The mission of The Ocean Cleanup is to develop and scale technology to rid the world’s oceans of plastic.

The Valorization team is responsible for maximizing value from our ocean and river catch – generating revenue for more cleanup. This includes physical waste streams as well as the impact we create with our projects. The job of the River Catch Valorization Manager is to develop solutions for river waste, that generate revenue streams to ensure continued cleanup operations.

“We are looking for a maternity cover for River Catch Valorization Manager who understands the challenges of the local context of our River projects, and is able to translate this into pragmatic River Waste sorting and recycling solutions that are technically feasible and financially viable.” - Stella van den Berg, Catch Management Director

RESPONSIBILITIES

• During the timeframe of the maternity leave cover, take over the responsibilities of the River Catch Valorization Manager:
• Develop the portfolio of business models for River Waste Valorization to be tested and validated;
• Develop and execute River Waste recycling pilot projects that generate revenue streams for continued cleanup operations in collaboration with the project teams;
• Work in collaboration with the local partners to implement and validate the pilots, adapting to the local circumstances;
• Develop an existing network of technology providers capable of river waste sorting and recycling.
• Create a portfolio of plug-and-play solutions for River Waste recycling.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in plastic sorting and/or recycling projects.
• General understanding of the international waste management landscape, including recycling technologies, regulations, trends, key players, market drivers and requirements.
• Familiarity with waste sorting operations and small-scale waste sorting equipment configurations.
• Proven understanding of business principles and the ability to develop effective business models for river waste valorization, considering financial sustainability.
• Proven experience in project management to effectively plan, execute, and oversee river waste valorization pilot projects.
• Experience in dealing with various cultures, interacting with local stakeholders from local communities to C-level executives.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills to collaborate effectively with waste managers in river projects and communicate methodologies, tools, and templates clearly.
• Ability to manage and lead a pipeline of opportunities from ideation to successful delivery, with strong attention to detail to ensure accuracy and quality in the development and execution of the projects.
• Degree (BSc/MSc) in a relevant field such as environmental sciences, environmental engineering, environmental economics, or sustainable business.
• Relevant international experience, preferably in Asia, Latin America, and/or Africa.

PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• You are a self-starter with an analytical and data-driven approach to problem-solving;
• You are always ready to improvise, pragmatic and bring plans on track when they face adversities;
• You are able to work on a strategic level as well as getting things done on the ground;
• You have excellent communication and social skills including a strong cultural awareness and ability to communicate on all levels;
• You are willing to push boundaries on status quo thinking and you question and explore the unknown.
• You are curious and willing to travel (abroad) for site visits on a regular basis. A driving license B is required;
• You have a strong command of the English language, verbal and written. Spanish is preferred;
• And above all: an intrinsic motivation to work on our ambitious and meaningful mission.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

• Starting date – Asap. Please note your earliest availability in your application.
• Location – Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
• Please note: because we are a non-profit, our salaries reflect that of an organization fully reliant on donations rather than that of a commercial entity. Conducting a pre-employment check may be part of this recruitment process. At The Ocean Cleanup, we believe we are stronger together, while harnessing the uniqueness each individual brings. That is why we take a fair, equal opportunity, and transparent approach to hiring and welcome special needs requests.