Summer Associate - Strategy Operations (Graduate Student)

Position: Summer Associate (Graduate Students) 

 Duration: Summer 2026 (10-12 weeks); Targeting June 1 as start date 

 Location: Sunset Park MRF (Brooklyn, NY)

About Circular Services:
Circular Services is a leading developer and operator of circular economy infrastructure and services and the largest private recycling company in the U.S. with operations across the country. We help businesses and municipalities reduce and divert waste, lowering disposal costs and fueling local supply chains by ensuring materials are recovered, recycled, and reused. 

Position Overview:
 Working directly with the Director of Strategic Operations, this role offers a high-impact opportunity for a graduate-level candidate to apply strategic thinking and analytical skills within the recycling and sustainable materials management industry. This role sits at the intersection of corporate strategy and operational execution, and the associate will contribute to cross-functional projects and address critical business challenges and strategic initiatives across Circular Services. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Spearhead automation of facility-wide KPI tracking and performance dashboards to identify operational efficiencies and strategic opportunities
• Develop financial analyses to evaluate facility upgrades and improve material recovery
• Build and refine KPI tracking tools, dashboards, and performance reporting (Excel, Power BI/Tableau)
• Participate in on-site due diligence of potential acquisitions, developing strategic recommendations and supporting financial modeling efforts
• Support RFP responses, including pricing models, analytics, and narrative development
• Support workflow optimization, documentation, and cross-functional coordination
• Create executive-level presentations and recommendations for leadership

Qualifications:

• Current graduate student (MBA or master’s program in business, engineering, environmental management, sustainability, or related field)
• 3+ years of prior professional experience in consulting, finance, operations, or a related field
• Exceptional analytical, financial modeling, and quantitative problem-solving skills
• Strong project management capabilities with demonstrated leadership experience
• Excellent executive communication and presentation abilities
• Proficiency in advanced Excel, PowerPoint, and data visualization tools
• Passion for sustainability, circular economy principles, and environmental solutions
• Prior experience in sustainability, renewable energy, or related industries preferred

Impact Opportunities:

• Drive measurable business outcomes with direct P&L impact
• Gain hands-on experience in circular economy business models
• Develop expertise in a high-growth area of environmental services
• Experience working across corporate and field teams on real business challenges
• Mentorship from experienced operators and strategic leaders 
• Build a strong foundation for potential full-time opportunities following graduation

Hours: Full-time, Monday-Friday 9am to 5pm 

Compensation: $30/ hour 

EEOC: Circular Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind: Circular Services is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Circular Services are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Circular Services will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.