Senior Plastics Reduction Policy Lead

Job Title: Senior Plastics Reduction Policy Lead
Location: Bristol, London, Newcastle or York (Hybrid - 3 days per week on site)
Contract Duration: 12 Months
Daily Rate: £ 550/day (Umbrella – Maximum)
IR35 Status: Inside IR35
The team is responsible for developing and delivering producer responsibility policies, including Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging. This includes oversight of Producer Responsibility Organisations, integration of policy objectives into industry-led delivery bodies, and management of dual-use packaging reforms.
The role also involves improving regulatory frameworks, stakeholder engagement, and reform of packaging evidence and note systems to support economic growth and a more circular packaging economy. Beyond regulation, the team drives forward circular packaging initiatives, single-use plastic reduction measures, and future policy development. It supports industry agreements such as the Plastics Packaging Pact, contributes to international negotiations on plastics, and ensures effective implementation of existing rules on single-use plastics and carrier bags.
There is also a strong focus on promoting reusable packaging through evidence gathering, campaigning, and planning, alongside alignment of UK and EU regulatory approaches.
You will engage regularly with a wide range of industry stakeholders, including retailers, producers, trade associations, and local authorities. This includes leading structured engagement, identifying delivery risks, monitoring progress against key metrics, and escalating issues where necessary. The ability to spot trends, build strong relationships, and communicate confidently with senior stakeholders is essential.
Why we are seeking an industry representative
We are looking for an experienced industry professional who can bring credible, practical expertise to policy development. The ideal candidate will be able to engage professionally with external stakeholders, translate complex industry realities into workable policy, and help build trust and confidence across the sector.
This role offers the opportunity to update senior decision-makers on progress, ensure consumer needs remain central to policy design, and help shape communication approaches that resonate with industry. You will play a key part in developing policies that are both ambitious and deliverable.
The team is collaborative, supportive, and delivery-focused. While the work is demanding, it is also highly rewarding, with visible impact on real-world environmental outcomes.
Hybrid Working
The role requires a minimum of 3 office days per week, in line with organisational expectations for hybrid working. Flexibility is offered for the remaining time.
Key Responsibilities
* Advise on policy and legislative options for plastic reduction
* Interpret and apply UK and EU regulatory frameworks
* Support alignment between producer responsibility schemes and circular design principles
* Build and maintain effective relationships with industry and other stakeholders
Disability Confident
As a member of the disability confident scheme, CLIENT guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group.
Armed Forces Covenant
CLIENT is proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant and as such, we guarantee to interview all veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group.
If you qualify for the above, please notify us on (phone number removed).
We will be in touch to discuss your suitability and arrange your Guaranteed Interview.
Should you require reasonable adjustments at any point during the recruitment process or if there is a more accessible way for us to communicate, please do let me know.
To apply for this role please submit your latest CV or contact Aspect Resources on (phone number removed)