EPR & Product Stewardship Specialist

EPR & Product Stewardship Specialist

The EPR & Product Stewardship Specialist will report directly to the Senior Associate General Counsel. As Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs rapidly expand across jurisdictions, you will serve as the primary execution resource for EPR, product stewardship, and environmental product/packaging compliance across the United States and Canada, with secondary support for ESG and sustainability compliance initiatives. The position requires hands-on management of regulatory filings, data collection, consultant oversight, and cross-functional coordination to maintain compliance and audit readiness across packaging, electronics/batteries, vehicle/boat components, bottle bills, plastics/PFAS, recycling labeling, and other emerging product stewardship programs. This role will also support the development of compliance policies, procedures, and internal training materials. This position will be based in Springfield, Missouri.

Essential Functions

EPR Program Execution

• Execute or coordinate execution of EPR registrations, reporting, and filings across U.S. state packaging EPR programs and Canadian provincial programs; maintain or coordinate maintenance of Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) relationships.
• Coordinate or support other departments in coordinating electronics and battery stewardship and vehicle/boat component programs (e.g., lead-acid batteries, tires) in the U.S. and Canada.
• Own emerging product stewardship program responsibilities as new regulations develop, including registration, takeback/recycling coordination, data capture, and reporting.
• Implement and coordinate product stewardship obligations, including labeling requirements and handling logistics with Stores/Ops.

Environmental Labeling & Claims

• Support governance of environmental labeling and claims (recyclable/compostable marks, chasing-arrows, "plastic free," "biobased," etc.) in coordination with Legal and Marketing; maintain a substantiation library.
• Monitor plastics and PFAS-in-packaging/products regulatory developments and translate requirements into practical design and labeling guidance for packaging and product development teams.

Data, Reporting & Audit Readiness

• Build and maintain data flows from PLM/ERP/PIM systems, supplier declarations, and 3PLs; implement EPR tooling, controls, and audit trails.
• Prepare or coordinate preparation of annual fee budgets and quarterly forecasts by state/province; reconcile actuals and prepare variance narratives. (Budget ownership and approval remain with the responsible departments.)
• Maintain audit-ready evidence files and furnish documentation within established SLAs.

Consultant & Vendor Management

• Manage third-party consultants, including statements of work, deliverables, timelines, and knowledge transfer.
• Coordinate with external advisors to support regulatory filings, data validation, and program implementation.

Policy, Training & ESG Support

• Assist in developing compliance policies, procedures, and playbooks for EPR, product stewardship, and environmental labeling.
• Assist in developing training materials for internal business partners on product stewardship, EPR, and environmental compliance topics.
• Support circularity and takeback pilots with Operations and vendors.
• Coordinate ESG and climate disclosure readiness activities with Finance, including monitoring SEC, California, and Canadian regulatory developments.

Regulatory Monitoring

• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments in EPR, product stewardship, PFAS, packaging, and sustainability; proactively identify compliance risks and communicate impacts to the Senior Associate General Counsel and internal business partners.

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in environmental science, sustainability, business administration, or a related field required.
• 3 to 5 years of experience in regulatory compliance, environmental compliance, or a related field, preferably in retail, consumer products, or manufacturing. Experience with product stewardship or EPR programs is a plus.
• Hands-on experience preparing regulatory compliance reports and filings, preferably across multiple jurisdictions.
• Working knowledge of, or demonstrated ability to quickly develop expertise in, packaging EPR programs, deposit systems, electronics/battery stewardship, plastics/PFAS regulatory trends, and environmental labeling rules in the U.S. and/or Canada.
• Regulatory compliance background preferred.
• Experience developing policies, procedures, and operational guidance documents.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing third-party consultants or external service providers.
• Comfort working with ERP/PLM/PIM data, supplier attestations, and building audit-ready documentation.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CHMM) or coursework in environmental law or regulatory affairs.

Knowledge, Skills, & Ability

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate regulatory requirements into clear business guidance and training materials.
• Ability to manage complex data sets across multiple regulatory programs and jurisdictions simultaneously.
• Strong organizational and project management skills; ability to prioritize across competing deadlines.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; comfortable working cross-functionally with merchandising, operations, packaging/engineering, finance, IT, and EHS teams.
• Ability to manage consultant relationships and hold external partners accountable to deliverables and timelines.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy in filings and regulatory documentation.
• Ability to comprehend complex and evolving regulations and apply them to practical business scenarios.

Travel Requirements

• 5% Limited travel when necessary

Physical Requirements

• Regular computer work and sitting
• Occasional walking, standing, and lifting
• Ability to attend meetings and presentations

Independent Judgement

Executes product stewardship and EPR compliance programs, maintains regulatory filings and data systems, and develops operational procedures under the direction of the Senior Associate General Counsel. Makes day-to-day decisions on filing preparation, data management, and consultant coordination within established parameters. Escalates matters involving legal interpretation, new regulatory obligations, or significant compliance risk to the Senior Associate General Counsel. Requires independent judgment in managing multiple concurrent filing deadlines and reconciling complex data across jurisdictions.

Full Time Benefits Summary: Enjoy discounts on retail merchandise, our restaurants, world-class resorts and conservation attractions!

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Account
• Voluntary benefits
• 401k Retirement Savings
• Paid holidays
• Paid vacation
• Paid sick time
• Bass Pro Cares Fund
• And more!

Bass Pro Shops is an equal opportunity employer. Hiring decisions are administered without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Reasonable Accommodations

Qualified individuals with known disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please visit your nearest location or contact us at hrcompliance@basspro.com.

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