General Manager for Global Reuse Company

Position Overview

Perpetual is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented General Manager for Global Reuse

Company to lead the implementation of a reusable packaging system for drink and foodware in

Hilo, Hawaiʻi. This individual will be responsible for all aspects of launching and operating the

reusable packaging system, including sales, account management, washing operations, delivery

and back-hauling logistics, customer invoicing, and staff management to ensure seamless,

efficient, and high-quality service delivery. The candidate will be employed by a leading global

reuse company (referred to as Reuse Service Provider throughout position description), with a

strong track record in operating reuse systems.

The ideal candidate will have a strong entrepreneurial mindset and be a hands-on operational

leader who thrives in fast-paced environments, excels in managing people and processes, and is

passionate about sustainability, circular systems, and reducing single-use waste across the

island.

Project Overview

Zero Waste Hawaiʻi Island, The County of Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi Sea Grant, and national nonprofit

Perpetual have built the foundation for an immersive Reusable Foodware System in Hilo,

Hawaiʻi. The Reuse Service Provider has been selected and contracted through a Hawaiʻi

County RFP process service provider to operate and manage the system, and will be

announced publicly in the near future.

Over the past two years, project partners have collaborated with the community to co-design an

accessible and equitable system that serves all stakeholders. This effort has involved engaging

more than 1,600 community members, 130 businesses, 7 K-12 schools, and 38 stakeholders

and potential partners—building strong momentum and support for the initiative. The name and

brand of the upcoming system is “Hoʻi” which means “to return.”

The next phase will focus on system set-up and preparing for launch: acquiring key equipment

and supplies, coordinating installation, onboarding businesses and organizations to participate

in the Hoʻi program, and preparing the community for the exciting launch of this new program.

Partners expect this collaborative effort to launch the system in early 2026.

Key Responsibilities

Initial phase: hire date through anticipated system launch (April 2026)

1. System Set-Up and System Launch Oversight

● Recruitment and onboarding of partner foodservice establishments.

● Support coordination of procurement with project partners.

● Manage permitting processes necessary for installation of equipment.

● Manage receiving of supplies and equipment along with maintaining documentation for property management procedures.

● Identify, manage, and coordinate contractors for installation of equipment and supplies.

● Participate in virtual team meetings and provide updates on ongoing tasks and projects.

● Other tasks as assigned.

Sustained program operations and optimization (post-launch)

2. Facility Operations Management

● Oversee daily operations of the Hilo washing and logistics hub, including washing,

drying, sorting, inspection, and packing of reusable foodware.

● Maintain compliance with all hygiene, safety, and quality control standards established by the Reuse Service Provider, the County of Hawaiʻi, and local health departments, while implementing and enforcing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all washing, handling, and storage activities.

● Manage facility maintenance, equipment calibration, and inventory of operational

supplies (e.g., detergents, crates, labels).

● Ensure water and energy use align with sustainability targets and report monthly metrics.

3. Logistics & Delivery Oversight

● Manage all inbound and outbound logistics for reusable containers — including route

scheduling, delivery coordination, back-hauling, and storage optimization.

● Supervise hub drivers, dispatch schedules, and crate-level tracking to ensure timely and efficient service for participating foodservice establishments (FSEs).

● Utilize route optimization software and digital tracking tools to maximize return rates

and minimize carbon footprint.

● Coordinate closely with the County of Hawaiʻi and local partners to align operations with broader circular economy initiatives.

4. Team Leadership & Staffing

● Recruit, train, and supervise washing and logistics staff, fostering a culture of safety,

accountability, and teamwork.

● Conduct regular performance evaluations, safety training, and team meetings.

● Oversee shift scheduling to balance labor efficiency with service reliability, including

weekend or after-hours shifts as required.

5. Quality Assurance & Data Tracking

● Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as return rates, wash yield, turnaround times, and equipment uptime.

● Track daily washing throughput and delivery volumes, ensuring accurate reporting

through the Reuse Service Provider’s digital dashboard.

● Investigate and resolve operational issues, identifying process improvements to reduce waste and increase system efficiency.

6. Customer Management & Invoicing

● Support acquisition of new clients and their onboarding and provide operational support to partner foodservice establishments (FSEs), schools, other institutional partners (e.g., Meals on Wheels), and events.

● Manage customer invoicing and billing processes in coordination with the Reuse Service Provider’s finance team.

● Communicate regularly with customers to ensure satisfaction, troubleshoot issues, and capture feedback for continuous improvement.

7. Compliance & Reporting

● Maintain compliance with OSHA, DOH, and other applicable safety and sanitation

regulations.

● Prepare weekly and monthly reports summarizing washing output, logistics

performance, staffing, and financial metrics.

● Support sustainability reporting, including metrics on carbon reduction, waste diversion, and water/electricity conservation.

● Support reporting for Hawaiʻi County contract and project grant requirements.

Qualifications

Required:

● Minimum 2 years of experience in a high-paced environment, preferably in operations, logistics or foodservice.

● Experience with business development.

● Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.

● Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and be physically active in a warehouse or industrial environment.

● Valid Hawaiʻi driver’s license and clean driving record.

Preferred:

● Experience in logistics systems, route optimization, inventory management, commercial dishwashing, foodservice, or waste diversion/recycling operations.

● Knowledge of local health department sanitation standards and safety practices.

● Familiarity with sustainability, zero-waste, or circular economy programs.

● Proficiency in digital dashboards, spreadsheets, and invoicing systems.

Personal Attributes

● Strong “getting things done” attitude

● Detail-oriented and highly reliable.

● Passionate about environmental sustainability and waste reduction.

● Proactive problem solver with strong leadership instincts.

● Excellent communicator and team motivator.

● Adaptable and capable of managing evolving operational needs as the program scales.

Compensation & Benefits

● Competitive salary (commensurate with experience).

● Health, dental, and vision insurance.

● Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.

● Professional development opportunities.

● Opportunity to play a pivotal role in Hawaiʻi’s transition to a circular, zero-waste foodware system.

To Apply

Please send your resume and 1-2 paragraphs about why you are interested in this position to Kaitlin Kennedy at kaitlin@perpetualuse.org.

Applications received by December 5 will be included in the first round of review. Afterward, we’ll accept and evaluate applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Pay: $70,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person