About the Role
We are seeking a results-driven and operationally focused Recycling Plant Manager to oversee daily plant operations, drive efficiency, and ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations. This role is ideal for a hands-on leader with strong experience in waste, recycling, or industrial processing environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee all plant operations, including sorting, processing, and outbound logistics
- Lead, train, and develop plant staff to ensure high performance and safety compliance
- Manage production schedules to meet volume and quality targets
- Monitor equipment performance and coordinate maintenance to minimize downtime
- Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal environmental regulations
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency and reduce costs
- Maintain accurate reporting on production, safety, and financial performance
- Collaborate with sales and logistics teams to optimize material flow and customer satisfaction
Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in recycling, waste management, manufacturing, or similar industrial operations
- 2+ years of leadership or plant management experience
- Strong knowledge of safety standards (OSHA) and environmental compliance
- Experience managing P&L, budgets, and operational KPIs
- Mechanical aptitude and familiarity with processing equipment (conveyors, balers, shredders, etc.)
- Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
Preferred Experience
- Background in single-stream, C&D, or industrial recycling operations
- Lean manufacturing or Six Sigma experience
- Experience scaling or optimizing plant operations
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary Range: $95,000 – $135,000 base (in compliance with Illinois pay transparency laws), plus performance bonus potential
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off and holidays
- Career growth opportunities within a growing organization
Why Join Us
Join a company committed to sustainability, operational excellence, and long-term growth. This is an opportunity to take ownership of a facility, make a measurable impact, and grow your career in a high-demand industry.
Apply Today
Submit your resume through LogicMelon or contact us directly for a confidential discussion. gogpac.com
All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.
GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.
