Senior Manager - Container Deposit Schemes

About Us
At Lion, we’re helping shape the future of container deposit schemes across Australia and New Zealand - driving better environmental outcomes, stronger community impact and smarter industry collaboration.

The Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) in Australia is a recycling initiative that allows consumers to receive a refund for returning eligible beverage containers, promoting recycling and reducing litter.

Our CDS team works at the centre of government, industry and operations, partnering with beverage companies, scheme coordinators and regulators to help design, establish and evolve high-performing recycling schemes. From influencing policy and governance to launching new schemes and leading strategic transformation, we play a hands-on role in creating sustainable outcomes that deliver value for communities, industry and the environment.

The Role
Reporting to the Head of CDS, you’ll operate across strategy, governance, operations and stakeholder engagement to help shape the future direction of container deposit schemes across Australia and New Zealand.

The role can be Sydney-based, or - with significant work planned in New Zealand over the coming years - this role also offers the flexibility to be based in New Zealand while working in a flexible hybrid way. Occasional travel to Australia will be required, particularly for board meetings and during onboarding, with the team aiming to keep travel to what's genuinely needed. 

This is a broad, high-impact opportunity suited to someone who thrives in ambiguity, enjoys solving complex problems and can confidently operate across senior stakeholder environments -

• Lead strategic projects and scheme transformation initiatives, including supporting major programme delivery across existing and emerging CDS schemes
• Partner with government, industry bodies and beverage partners to influence policy, operational outcomes and scheme performance
• Support governance activities across multiple CDS boards, including contributing to strategic direction and board-level decision making
• Lead commercial and operational workstreams including funding models, programme delivery, transition activities and establishment
• initiatives
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders across government, industry and community organisations
• Drive continuous improvement opportunities that improve scheme efficiency, sustainability outcomes and long-term value creation

This is a unique opportunity to join a highly influential team working on nationally significant sustainability initiatives with real commercial and social impact.

About You
You’re a commercially minded, adaptable leader who enjoys working across complex and evolving environments. You bring strong strategic thinking, stakeholder capability and the confidence to operate across governance, operational and project settings.

• Significant experience in complex programme, transformation, restructuring, consulting, finance or operational leadership environments
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, ideally supported by CA/CPA qualifications or similar experience
• Experience working with boards, governance structures or executive-level stakeholder environments
• The ability to navigate ambiguity, solve problems pragmatically and build structure in evolving environments
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing capability across government, industry and corporate partners
• A proactive, hands-on mindset with the ability to balance strategic thinking with delivery execution

On Offer

• Purpose-led work - Help shape recycling and sustainability outcomes that create real environmental and community impact
• Variety and complexity - Work across strategy, governance, operations, policy and programme delivery in a genuinely unique role
• High visibility - Partner with senior leaders, government stakeholders and industry partners across Australia and New Zealand
• Growth on tap - Strong long-term development and succession opportunities
• Great perks (yes, including the beer) - Competitive salary, a bar onsite at our office and access to events and experiences that make working in beer pretty special
• A culture you can feel - Open, inclusive and down-to-earth. We celebrate wins, learn fast, and look out for each other
• Flexibility - Win in both your work and personal life, you don’t have to choose
• Wellbeing matters - From mental health support to wellbeing initiatives, we’re committed to helping you feel your best - at work and outside it
• Purpose beyond profit - As part of Lion, we’re committed to sustainability and doing the right thing for our communities and the planet
• Iconic brands, real impact - You’ll be working on brands with history and heart, with the chance to make your mark on what comes next
      

Apply

If you’re looking for a role where you can influence strategy, build meaningful partnerships and help shape nationally significant sustainability initiatives, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now and help shape what’s next at Lion.