Recycling Operations FE Manager

About the role

Reporting to the General Manager, the Recycling Operations FE Manager is responsible for any of the following departments in use at this facility: Stockpiling, Shearing (Fixed and/or Mobile), Torching, Baling, Shiploading, Container Loading, Barge loading/unloading and Scale Operations. The position also oversees port‑specific security and maintains a safe work environment, assisting with employee safety‑procedure training. It forecasts, budgets, directs, coordinates, plans, and monitors production for these departments, operating within flexible parameters. The primary goal is to achieve excellence in all facets of facility management by providing the highest quality product safely, effectively, and efficiently, thereby decreasing accidents and errors and increasing profits.

Responsibilities

• Environmental and Health & Safety (H&S) – Ensure safe work practices and equipment are used per company policies, OSHA, and regulatory guidelines; maintain a safe environment for employees, customers, and visitors; monitor regulatory environment; create Health & Safety SOPs with Regional Safety Engineer(s); ensure timely safety and operational training and proper documentation; maintain employee files per regional practice; assign and rotate Safety Committee attendance; monitor safety program, implement new safety ideas/procedures, and set safety goals.
• Operational Performance & Best Management Practices – Implement operational goals based on monthly projections; coordinate with Buy Program and Commercial Team for proper grading and customer pricing.
• Equipment & Maintenance – Approve and oversee scheduling for major projects (manpower, equipment, downtime, timeline) with Maintenance Manager; review repair and maintenance needs with Plant and Maintenance Managers; provide monthly 6‑month general plan of scheduled repairs, upgrades, and major projects.
• Inventory & Quality Control – Monitor inventory levels and accuracy per MRB finance policies; train and coordinate inventory teams; periodically test commodities for shrink and acceptable quality; keep operations within internal quality standards; discuss off‑grade/off‑spec materials with supervisor prior to shipment to avoid complaints, downgrades, and claims.
• Budgeting & Forecasting – Work with departmental supervisors and financial business‑partnering team on internal budgeting and forecasting.
• Shiploading – Plan, direct, coordinate, and evaluate ship loading and barge operations; coordinate with maritime agencies; review and evaluate operations with Plant Manager; supervise yard and shear personnel in sorting and preparing scrap for shipment; coordinate inventories and shipments of shredded material and by‑products; coordinate, set up, schedule, and manage production employees for cost‑effective work‑in‑process; maintain/manage port security per local laws, Coast Guard, and Homeland Security.
• Stockpiling – Oversee, monitor, and report inventory levels monthly; responsible for scrap grading and quality.
• Shear (Fixed and Mobile) – Forecast and establish program to process all shearable material; monitor and report daily production and schedule shift work; monitor inventory backlog and communicate purchasing requirements to Commercial team; communicate maintenance needs to Maintenance Manager.
• Torching – Forecast and establish program to process all torchable material; communicate inventory levels of unprepared material and purchasing requirements to Commercial team; monitor and report tons per man‑hour (target 1.5‑2 tons/hr/man).
• Container Loading – Coordinate container movement with Transportation Coordinator; monitor commodities loaded into containers for quality; evaluate inventory vs. production to forecast shipments.
• Scale Operations – Oversee truck and rail scale activities; responsible for scrap grading and quality.
• Port Security – Oversee overall facility security, including outside security contractors; at port facilities may designate another manager as Maritime Security (MARSEC) Facility Security Officer (FSO); maintain contracts with outside security company; address physical security breaches as needed.
• Administrative Management – Monitor and maintain exempt and/or hourly staff at cost‑effective levels; monitor supervisory practices for compliance with HR policies and union contracts; review performance of direct reports; interview prospective management/production employees; work with HR to prepare job descriptions.
• Special Projects – Perform special projects or other duties as assigned.
• Specific Other Responsibilities (regional/location/compliance) – Rail: work closely with Rail Coordinator to schedule inbound/outbound car movement; oversee rail switching requirements for Tacoma yard and neighboring businesses; manage rail maintenance within the yard. Cast Iron Breaking: oversee breaking of cast iron to achieve a sale‑ready product. Member of the Shiploading Committee.
• Internal Control Responsibilities – Support the Company’s Internal Control process; understand, communicate, and comply with defined internal controls; suggest and make modifications to policies, procedures, and controls; communicate upward problems in operations, non‑compliance with code of conduct, or other policy violations or illegal actions.
• Supervisory Responsibility – Directly supervise multiple employees in various cost centers such as Stockpiling, Shearing (fixed and mobile), Torching, Baling, Shiploading, Container Loading, Transportation, and Scale Operations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 5‑10 years manufacturing experience, with 2‑5 years managerial experience.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and knowledge of manufacturing processes required.
• Prior experience managing and leading a work crew is necessary.
• Maintenance and shiploading background preferred.
• Previous exposure to working within a unionized environment is a plus.
• This is a specialized job that requires intensive in‑house training.
• Spanish speaking helpful but not necessary.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and ability to drive an automobile.
• Ability to communicate, both orally and in writing, in a professional manner.
• Working knowledge of Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Successful candidate will have previously been involved with continuous improvement initiatives with documented success.
• Must exhibit analytical skills to manage production metrics and implement new technologies.
• Must have experience managing a departmental budget, justifying capital expenditures and measuring return on investment.
• Ability and understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagrammatic form; deal with problems involving several specific variables in or from standard situations.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans for employee and dependents.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Flexible Time Off.
• Paid holidays.

Pay

$130,000 - $147,000 per year

Schedule

Operates 5 to 6 days a week or as needed; requires overtime hours to perform.