Recycling Plant Manager

Job Title: Recycling Plant Manager

Location: Colton, CA

Job Type: Full-Time | On-Site

About the Job:

We are seeking an experienced Recycling Plant Manager to oversee the daily operations of a recycling and material processing facility. This leadership role is responsible for managing plant operations, supervising production teams, ensuring workplace safety, optimizing processing efficiency, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in manufacturing, recycling, industrial operations, or material processing with proven experience leading plant personnel and improving operational performance.

Key Responsibilities:

Manage all day-to-day plant operations to ensure safe, efficient, and productive performance.

Lead, coach, and develop production, maintenance, and warehouse personnel.

Plan and coordinate production schedules to meet operational goals and customer requirements.

Monitor plant performance metrics, including throughput, productivity, downtime, recovery rates, and quality standards.

Implement continuous improvement initiatives to increase operational efficiency and reduce costs.

Ensure compliance with all environmental, health, safety (EHS), and regulatory requirements.

Oversee preventive maintenance programs and ensure equipment reliability.

Coordinate inbound and outbound material logistics with internal teams and external vendors.

Maintain inventory accuracy and optimize material flow throughout the facility.

Develop and manage operating budgets while controlling labor and production costs.

Resolve operational issues quickly to minimize downtime and maximize productivity.

Collaborate with senior leadership to improve plant performance and achieve business objectives.

Foster a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and operational excellence.

Required Qualifications:

5+ years of plant management, operations management, or production management experience in recycling, manufacturing, industrial processing, waste management, plastics, or material handling.

Proven leadership experience managing production and operations teams.

Strong knowledge of production planning, quality control, lean manufacturing, and process improvement.

Experience with plant performance metrics (KPIs), productivity analysis, and cost reduction initiatives.

Solid understanding of OSHA, environmental regulations, and industrial safety standards.

Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Strong communication and leadership abilities.

Experience with ERP systems, production management software, and Microsoft Office.

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, Manufacturing, or a related field is preferred; equivalent experience will also be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience managing recycling, plastics processing, waste management, or material recovery facilities.

Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement methodologies.

Experience with preventive maintenance programs and equipment reliability.

Demonstrated ability to improve operational efficiency, reduce downtime, and increase production output.

Key Skills:

Plant Operations

Recycling Operations

Manufacturing

Production Management

Operations Management

Industrial Management

Process Improvement

Lean Manufacturing

Continuous Improvement

Quality Control

Production Planning

Material Handling

Inventory Management

Warehouse Operations

Logistics Coordination

Safety Compliance

OSHA

Environmental Compliance

Budget Management

KPI Reporting

Cost Reduction

Equipment Maintenance

Team Leadership

Staff Development

ERP Systems

Microsoft Office

Root Cause Analysis

Problem Solving

Performance Management

Waste Management

Plastic Processing