Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Manager, Business Development, South Eastern US

at Terracycle

🏢 About Terracycle

TerraCycle is a global leader in recycling hard-to-recycle waste, turning materials like ocean plastics and cigarette butts into new products. The company's mission-driven approach and innovative circular economy model make it a unique and impactful place to work for those passionate about sustainability.

About This Role

This role involves driving business development across the Southeastern US, focusing on expanding TerraCycle's recycling programs with corporate partners. You'll build strategic relationships, manage a sales pipeline, and directly contribute to reducing waste, making a tangible environmental impact.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing pipeline reports in SAP, followed by a series of outreach calls or emails to potential partners in manufacturing or retail. You'd then join a virtual meeting with a prospect to discuss TerraCycle's recycling solutions, and later analyze market trends to refine your sales strategy. Afternoons could involve negotiating contract terms with a client or collaborating with the marketing team on a targeted campaign for the Southeast region.

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🎯 Who Terracycle Is Looking For

  • A seasoned sales leader with 7+ years in senior sales management and a proven track record of exceeding targets in the waste management or recycling industry.
  • Deep knowledge of universal waste streams, e-waste, or recycling initiatives, with the ability to identify and capitalize on emerging market opportunities.
  • Expert in high-volume outreach (email, phone, conferences) and CRM management (SAP experience a plus), with strong skills in Excel and Word for data analysis and reporting.
  • A strategic thinker who can develop and execute a sales plan, negotiate contracts, and manage complex stakeholder relationships across diverse industries.

📝 Tips for Applying to Terracycle

1

Highlight specific examples of exceeding sales targets in waste management or recycling, quantifying results (e.g., revenue growth, new partnerships).

2

Demonstrate knowledge of TerraCycle's programs (e.g., Zero Waste Boxes, national recycling platforms) and how you would sell them to Southeastern US businesses.

3

Tailor your resume to emphasize experience with universal waste, e-waste, or similar regulated streams, as this is a key requirement.

4

Mention any experience with SAP or similar CRM systems explicitly, as it's a plus and shows readiness for their tech stack.

5

In your cover letter or application, reference a specific TerraCycle initiative (e.g., recycling with major brands like Procter & Gamble) to show genuine interest.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Emphasize your passion for sustainability and how it aligns with TerraCycle's mission to eliminate waste.", 'Showcase your sales leadership in the waste management industry, with concrete examples of building pipelines and closing deals.', 'Explain your strategic approach to business development, including how you research prospects, identify decision-makers, and manage contracts.', 'Mention your familiarity with the Southeastern US market and any existing network or knowledge of regional industries (e.g., manufacturing, retail).']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Explore TerraCycle's website to understand all current programs, especially those targeting business partners (e.g., Zero Waste Boxes, Loop platform).
  • → Read recent news about TerraCycle's partnerships in the US (e.g., with major retailers or CPG companies) to understand their growth areas.
  • → Look into the company's financials or funding history (e.g., backed by investors like BlackRock) to grasp its scale and ambitions.
  • → Research competitors in the recycling space (e.g., Waste Management, Republic Services) to articulate TerraCycle's unique value proposition.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe your experience with universal waste regulations and how you've navigated compliance in sales.
2 How would you develop a strategic sales plan for the Southeastern US? Walk us through your process.
3 Tell us about a time you turned a challenging prospect into a long-term partner. What was your approach?
4 How do you use CRM data to prioritize leads and track pipeline progress? Give an example.
5 What emerging trends in recycling or waste management do you see as opportunities for TerraCycle in the Southeast?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic sales resume without highlighting waste management or recycling experience; it's a core requirement.
  • Avoid vague claims like 'I'm passionate about the environment' without backing them up with specific actions or results.
  • Don't overlook the importance of CRM proficiency; failing to mention your experience with tools like SAP could hurt your candidacy.

📅 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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