Plant General Manager

PLANT GENERAL MANAGERGeneral SummaryThe General Manager (GM) is responsible for the overall leadership, performance, profitability, compliance, and strategic growth of an electronics recycling and IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) facility. The GM oversees all operational, financial, environmental, health and safety, sales, and customer service functions while ensuring the facility meets business objectives, regulatory requirements, and sustainability goals.This role requires a strong combination of operational leadership, financial acumen, process improvement expertise, environmental compliance knowledge, and people management skills. The GM drives a culture of safety, accountability, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction while delivering profitable growth.Essential Job FunctionsStrategic LeadershipDevelop and execute the facility’s strategic plan.Establish annual business objectives, budget expectations, and performance targets.Identify growth opportunities in electronics recycling, ITAD, data destruction, and commodity recovery markets.Lead continuous improvement initiatives that increase productivity, quality, and profitability.Build a high-performance culture focused on accountability and operational excellence.Monitor industry trends, regulations, and market conditions to maintain competitiveness.Operations ManagementDirect all recycling, refurbishment, dismantling, shredding, logistics, warehousing, and downstream processing activities.Ensure operational efficiency through standardized processes and Lean methodologies.Develop and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) including:ThroughputProductivityRecovery ratesInventory turnsLabor efficiencyEquipment utilizationOn-time shippingOptimize plant layout, workflows, and resource allocation.Manage facility maintenance and capital equipment planning.Ensure proper handling of hazardous and regulated materials.Financial ManagementManage annual operating budgets.Monitor revenue, expenses, margins, and profitability.Analyze financial performance and implement corrective actions as necessary.Drive cost reduction initiatives without compromising quality or compliance.Manage capital expenditures and return-on-investment analyses once completed.Forecast business performance and prepare management reports.Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS)Maintain compliance with all federal, state, and local environmental regulations.Ensure adherence to industry certifications and standards including:R2e-StewardsISO 9001ISO 14001Lead safety programs and maintain a zero-incident culture.Conduct regular audits, risk assessments, and corrective action reviews.Ensure proper training for all employees.ITAD and Data Security ManagementEnsure secure handling, tracking, and destruction of customer assets.Maintain chain-of-custody controls and data destruction procedures.Ensure compliance with customer contractual requirements and data security standards.Oversee inventory accountability and asset tracking systems.Support audits and customer inspections.Sales and Customer Relationship ManagementPartner with sales leadership to achieve revenue growth targets.Maintain strong relationships with key customers and strategic partners.Support contract negotiations and service agreements.Resolve escalated customer issues.Ensure exceptional customer experience and service delivery.Team Leadership and DevelopmentRecruit, develop, and retain high-performing employees.Provide leadership and coaching to department managers and supervisors.Establish performance goals and accountability measures.Develop succession plans and employee development programs.Promote employee engagement and continuous learning.Quality and Continuous ImprovementImplement Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles.Lead root cause analysis and corrective action processes.Utilize process engineering techniques to improve:ThroughputYieldQualityLabor productivityEquipment effectivenessDevelop systems for data-driven decision making.Drive operational excellence initiatives across all departments.Required QualificationsEducationBachelor’s degree in:Business AdministrationEngineeringOperations ManagementEnvironmental ScienceSupply Chain ManagementRelated fieldMBA preferred.Experience5+ years of progressive leadership experience in:Electronics recyclingITADManufacturingWaste managementIndustrial operations5+ years managing multi-department operations.Experience managing P&L responsibility.Experience leading teams of 50–200+ employees preferred.Experience with environmental compliance and regulatory audits.Core CompetenciesBusiness LeadershipStrategic planningFinancial managementBudgeting and forecastingProfit and loss managementBusiness developmentCustomer relationship managementOperations ExcellenceLean ManufacturingSix SigmaProcess optimizationCapacity planningSupply chain managementInventory controlKPI development and managementEngineering and Analytical SkillsRoot cause analysisStatistical analysisProcess mappingValue stream mappingData analysisWorkflow optimizationContinuous improvement methodologiesLeadership SkillsTeam buildingCoaching and mentoringChange managementConflict resolutionCommunicationDecision makingOrganizational developmentCompliance and Risk ManagementEnvironmental regulationsOccupational safetyData security requirementsIndustry certificationsAudit managementRisk assessmentKey Performance Indicators (KPIs)The General Manager will be measured on:Revenue growthEBITDA performanceFacility profitabilityThroughput volumeLabor productivityRecovery and commodity yield ratesSafety performanceCustomer satisfactionRegulatory complianceAudit resultsEmployee retentionInventory accuracyContinuous improvement savings