Associate Director, Processing Operations

Position Overview

Caglia Environmental is seeking an Associate Director, Processing Operations to lead and direct all material processing operations at a high-volume recycling facility. The role reports to the Director, Post Collection Operations and offers a starting salary range of $125,000 annually with potential for negotiation.

Basic Functions

The Associate Director of Processing Operations provides strategic leadership and full operational oversight for all material processing functions, including the MRF Sort Line, C&D Sort Line, and Baler Operations. This role is responsible for operational performance, financial outcomes, workforce development, capital planning, and continuous improvement initiatives across multiple departments.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead and direct all material processing operations to ensure maximum throughput, recovery efficiency, uptime, and safety performance.
• Develop and execute short- and long-term operational strategies that support company growth.
• Establish, monitor, and analyze Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to productivity, contamination, labor efficiency, downtime, commodity recovery rates, and cost control.
• Introduce and champion change management strategies that support automation, technology upgrades, and operational scalability.
• Maintain ownership and accountability for departmental budgets, labor planning, and cost controls.
• Participate in and provide detailed operational analysis during monthly P&L reviews, identifying margin improvement opportunities and cost drivers.
• Develop cases and ROI analysis for capital investments, system upgrades, and new processing technologies.
• Promote disciplined fiscal management and responsible use of company resources.
• Provide executive-level leadership to supervisors, leads, and front-line personnel across multiple departments.
• Develop succession planning, workforce strategy, and long-term talent pipelines.
• Establish performance objectives, accountability frameworks, and leadership development plans.
• Navigate and ensure active recruitment, performance management, disciplinary actions, and organizational structure planning align with long-term company objectives.
• Foster a high-performance culture rooted in safety, accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Champion all environmental compliance and employee safety initiatives in partnership with EH&S.
• Ensure full compliance with OSHA, EPA, and local regulatory standards.
• Drive proactive risk management and incident prevention programs.
• Collaborate with Associate Director, Equipment Operations to optimize product flow, staffing alignment, and scheduling during peak volumes and maintenance windows.
• Collaborate with Associate Director, Maintenance to ensure optimal performance of sorting equipment.
• Communicate regularly with senior leadership, vendors, municipal partners, and customers.
• Represent processing operations in executive meetings, audits, public presentations, and industry engagements.
• Develop and deliver operational reports, performance dashboards, and executive summaries.
• Lead internal training and external presentations in a professional and confident manner.
• Variety of other assignments and projects as instructed by senior leadership.

Skills, Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Business Management, Industrial Technology, or other related field, or 10+ years of progressive operational leadership experience in recycling, high-volume manufacturing, or industrial processing environments with equivalent scope of responsibility.
• Minimum 5+ years managing managers or multiple supervisory teams.
• Advanced knowledge of P&L management, financial modeling, capital planning, and budget forecasting.
• Proven success leading large-scale operational improvements or capital projects.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and business analytics tools.
• Advanced knowledge of high-speed processing systems including conveyors, screens, optical sorters, robotics, balers, and automated control systems.
• Experience with PLCs, VFDs, HMI integration, and SCADA systems preferred.
• Advanced business acumen and strategic decision-making capability.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
• Demonstrated change management expertise.
• Strong executive communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and senior leadership.
• Technology-driven mindset with commitment to operational innovation.
• Ability to work extended hours, nights, weekends, and holidays as operational needs require.
• Willingness to travel for industry education and professional development.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record and ability to pass all pre-employment screenings.
• Bilingual English/Spanish (preferred)