Leadpoint is seeking an experienced and hands-on MRF Recycling Plant Manager to oversee operations for our customer at their new Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Grand Junction, CO. This is a key leadership role responsible for day-to-day plant performance, production efficiency, safety, maintenance, and team leadership. The ideal candidate brings a deep understanding of recycling operations and is passionate about driving continuous improvement, safety culture, and throughput optimization. Yearly Salary: $120K – $140K.
Key Objectives
• Ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operation of the MRF.
• Maximize recovery rates and material purity through process control and team management.
• Lead and develop plant staff while fostering a strong safety and accountability culture.
• Oversee preventative and corrective maintenance of all processing equipment.
• Analyze performance metrics and implement process improvements.
Operations Management
• Oversee all aspects of MRF operations including inbound/outbound material flow, equipment utilization, staffing, and safety.
• Monitor and optimize throughput, contamination rates, and bale quality.
• Coordinate daily production schedules and adjust staffing or equipment as needed.
• Maintain compliance with all local, state, and federal environmental regulations.
Personnel Leadership
• Supervise and mentor a team of shift leads, sorters, equipment operators, and maintenance staff.
• Hire, train, and evaluate team members; address performance issues and enforce plant policies.
• Foster a culture of safety, respect, accountability, and teamwork across all shifts.
Equipment & Facility Management
• Oversee routine and preventive maintenance schedules in collaboration with maintenance staff and vendors.
• Ensure equipment uptime goals are met and that repairs are documented and executed promptly.
• Maintain facility cleanliness, safety systems, and emergency response protocols.
Safety & Compliance
• Lead safety meetings, incident investigations, and corrective actions.
• Ensure OSHA and company-specific safety procedures are followed at all times.
• Serve as the point of contact for inspections and compliance reporting.
Reporting & Continuous Improvement
• Track and report on KPIs such as tons processed, recovery rates, downtime, staffing levels, and contamination.
• Use data and field observation to recommend operational changes or capital improvements.
• Collaborate with leadership on long-term strategy and capital planning.
Community Engagement & Outreach
• Promote public education and awareness about recycling and the importance of proper material separation.
• Coordinate facility tours, school visits, and community events that showcase MRF operations and environmental impact.
• Collaborate with local governments and organizations on sustainability initiatives.
• Represent the client as a visible and active participant in the community.
• Support public feedback initiatives to improve service quality and build positive community relationships.
Required Qualifications
• 5+ years of experience operating in a Material Recycling Facility (MRF).
• 2+ years in a supervisory or management role with direct reports in a MRF.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and familiarity with opticals, balers, conveyors, screens, and sorting lines.
• Proven leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety and operational excellence.
Preferred Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Experience with Lean/6-Sigma, preventative maintenance systems, or SCADA.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus.
Additional Information
• This role is based on-site in Grand Junction, CO.
• Full-time, salaried position with benefits.
• Some evening or weekend work may be required based on shift coverage or maintenance needs.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
This is a safety sensitive position for which impairment while working presents substantial risk of injury so the company will be testing for THC.