Application Guide

How to Apply for Associate, Business Development - Programs

at Terracycle

🏢 About Terracycle

TerraCycle is a pioneer in transforming traditionally unrecyclable waste into eco-friendly products, tackling everything from ocean plastics to creating playgrounds. Unlike typical recycling companies, they specialize in hard-to-recycle materials through innovative partnerships with major brands. Working here means contributing directly to circular economy solutions while collaborating with global companies on sustainability initiatives.

About This Role

This Associate role focuses on identifying and securing new partnerships for TerraCycle's waste transformation programs through proactive outreach and managing inbound inquiries. You'll develop client-specific presentations showcasing TerraCycle's unique programs and move deals through the pipeline to contract finalization. This position directly impacts TerraCycle's mission by expanding their partner network and diverting more waste from landfills.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves researching potential brand partners for waste stream programs, crafting personalized outreach emails, and managing inbound partnership inquiries through TerraCycle's CRM system. You might develop customized presentations for virtual meetings with sustainability managers at consumer goods companies, then update deal stages and next steps in the sales pipeline. Regular coordination with global business development teams ensures alignment on partnership strategies and program offerings.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Terracycle Is Looking For

  • Has 1-3 years in B2B sales or sustainability roles with proven success closing business deals, ideally in services or environmental sectors
  • Demonstrates strong prospecting skills and self-starter mentality with specific examples of generating new leads and managing sales pipelines
  • Has hands-on experience with CRM systems (like Salesforce) for tracking accounts and managing partnership opportunities
  • Shows genuine excitement for TerraCycle's mission with knowledge of circular economy concepts and business sustainability trends

📝 Tips for Applying to Terracycle

1

Quantify your partnership or sales achievements with specific metrics (e.g., 'secured 5 new B2B partnerships worth $X in annual revenue')

2

Highlight any experience with sustainability-focused sales or partnerships, even if tangential - TerraCycle values mission alignment

3

Mention specific CRM platforms you've used (Salesforce, HubSpot, etc.) and how you maintained accurate records

4

Research and reference specific TerraCycle programs (like Loop or Ocean Plastic initiatives) in your application materials

5

Demonstrate your virtual presentation skills by preparing a concise, compelling summary of why you're interested in this specific role

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Explain why TerraCycle's specific waste transformation model (not just general recycling) excites you personally and professionally", 'Provide concrete examples of successfully moving deals through sales pipelines from identification to contract closure', 'Describe your approach to researching and identifying potential partners in the sustainability space', "Connect your CRM management experience directly to how you would maintain TerraCycle's partnership records"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Study TerraCycle's specific programs like Loop, Zero Waste Boxes, or their Ocean Plastic initiatives to understand their business model
  • → Research TerraCycle's major brand partners (like Procter & Gamble, Nestlé, etc.) and how these partnerships work
  • → Understand the difference between TerraCycle's approach and traditional recycling companies
  • → Look into recent TerraCycle news or announcements about new partnerships or program expansions

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through how you would identify and approach a potential new partner for TerraCycle's programs
2 Describe a time you successfully negotiated and closed a business opportunity with a sustainability angle
3 How would you handle an inbound partnership inquiry that doesn't fit TerraCycle's current program offerings?
4 What experience do you have creating and delivering virtual presentations to potential business partners?
5 How do you stay organized and maintain accurate records when managing multiple partnership opportunities simultaneously?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application without mentioning TerraCycle's specific programs or mission
  • Failing to provide specific examples of sales/pipeline management experience with quantifiable results
  • Showing enthusiasm for general environmental causes without understanding TerraCycle's unique business-to-business partnership model

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Terracycle!

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