Plant Manager – Recycling Operations

Location: Strasburg, VA

Type: Full-Time, Onsite

Compensation Range: $100,000 – $115,000 base

About the Opportunity

This is a rare opportunity to lead a brand-new recycling manufacturing facility from the ground up. The Plant Manager will serve as the site leader, responsible for launching operations, building the team, developing processes, and driving safe, efficient, and high-quality production.

This facility operates more like a manufacturing environment than traditional waste management, processing materials such as telecommunications cable through shredding and separation equipment to produce copper granules and non-ferrous outputs for downstream industrial customers.

The Plant Manager will oversee all plant operations, lead the management team and workforce, establish performance standards, and ensure the facility meets operational, safety, and financial objectives. This role is fully onsite in Strasburg, VA and reports directly to senior leadership.

What You’ll Do

● Lead all day-to-day plant operations, including production, maintenance, safety, and personnel

● Support the startup and commissioning of a new facility, including process development and workflow setup

● Build, train, and lead a high-performing plant team

● Develop and implement operating procedures, job protocols, and safety standards

● Establish, monitor, and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) tied to productivity, quality, and cost

● Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency and reduce waste

● Monitor capacity utilization, production output, and quality against established standards

● Proactively resolve operational, quality, and equipment issues to prevent downtime

● Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and labor regulations

● Maintain strong relationships with vendors, partners, and internal stakeholders

● Provide regular updates to senior leadership on plant performance and operational risks

● Promote a safe, accountable, and collaborative work environment

What You Bring

● Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, or Business Management

● 6+ years of experience in a plant leadership role within manufacturing or industrial operations

● Experience developing processes and leading operations in a startup or turnaround environment

● Strong understanding of heavy equipment, industrial processing, or manufacturing workflows

● Background in recycling, non-ferrous metals, resin/plastics, foundry operations, or similar industries strongly preferred

● Proven ability to analyze data, manage KPIs, and improve operational performance

● Strong problem-solving skills and sound business judgment in fast-paced environments

● Effective communicator with the ability to lead teams and manage cross-functional priorities

● High emotional intelligence with the ability to build trust and motivate teams

● Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint)

● Ability and willingness to work a primarily 1st-shift schedule with flexibility as needed

● Living near the facility is strongly preferred (no relocation assistance available)

What’s Offered

● Base salary: $100,000 – $115,000

● Health, dental, and vision insurance

● 401(k) with 100% employer match up to 4%

● Paid time off (negotiable)

● Life insurance

● Opportunity to lead and shape a new facility from day one