Position Title: Plant General Manager Department: Operations
Reports to: VP of Operation Effective Date: August 12, 2026
FLSA: Exempt Job Class: Salary Exempt
Position Summary:
This is a high-impact leadership opportunity with full accountability for the performance, profitability, and growth of Integrity Fiber's Akron, Ohio recycling operation. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Operations, the Plant Manager is responsible for all aspects of site leadership, including operational execution, P&L performance, safety, talent development, supplier and sourcing strategy, customer support, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Core Responsibilities:
- Own full P&L performance for the Akron operation, driving revenue growth, cost control, margin expansion, working capital management, and return on capital investments.
- Lead and develop a high-performing operations team, including production, shipping, maintenance, and front-line leadership, through clear expectations, accountability, coaching, and succession planning.
- Drive operational excellence initiatives that improve throughput, productivity, equipment reliability, quality, and overall plant profitability.
- Championing a world-class safety culture, ensuring compliance with all safety policies and regulatory requirements while fostering an environment where safety is the first consideration in every decision and action.
- Maximize commodity value and plant profitability through effective inventory management, quality control, bale optimization, grade consistency, and strategic shipment timing.
- Develop and manage annual operating and capital budgets, ensuring disciplined financial management, proactive variance analysis, and effective allocation of resources.
- Establish and maintain exceptional facility standards related to housekeeping, operational discipline, visual management, and continuous improvement.
- Partner cross-functionally with Sales, Procurement, Logistics, Finance, and Corporate Leadership to support growth objectives, improve customer service, and optimize supply chain performance.
- Operate within Integrity Fiber's EOS framework, maintaining ownership of departmental Rocks, Scorecards, Issues Lists, and L10 meeting disciplines to ensure execution and accountability across the operation.
Sourcing & Business Development
- Develop and execute a strategic sourcing plan to identify, qualify, and secure new suppliers of recyclable commodities throughout the assigned territory.
- Build and maintain a robust pipeline of supply opportunities to support volume growth, plant utilization, and long-term business objectives.
- Establish and cultivate strong supplier partnerships through regular engagement, exceptional service, and solution-oriented relationship management.
- Negotiate supplier agreements, pricing structures, and service terms that maximize profitability while creating long-term value for both Integrity Fiber and its partners.
- Analyze commodity market conditions, pricing trends, and competitive activity to identify opportunities, mitigate risk, and drive informed purchasing decisions.
- Collaborate closely with Sales, Fiber Coordinators, Logistics, and Operations teams to align sourcing strategies with customer demand, transportation efficiencies, and plant requirements.
- Identify and pursue new service offerings and value-added solutions that strengthen customer relationships and increase supplier retention.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to suppliers, providing expertise on recycling markets, program optimization, and sustainability solutions.
People & Culture
- Build, lead, and develop a high-performing team that reflects Integrity Fiber's Core Values and is committed to safety, operational excellence, and customer service.
- Establish clear performance expectations and accountability standards, providing ongoing coaching, feedback, and development to drive individual and team success.
- Create a culture of engagement, ownership, and continuous improvement by empowering employees and fostering strong workplace relationships.
- Partner with Human Resources on talent acquisition, workforce planning, succession planning, performance management, and employee relations matters.
- Identify and develop future leaders through training, mentorship, and career development opportunities that strengthen organizational capability.
- Lead by example, demonstrating integrity, professionalism, accountability, and a genuine commitment to the growth and success of employees.
- Drive employee retention and engagement initiatives that support a high-performance culture and contribute to long-term business success.
- Effectively manage employee concerns and workplace challenges, ensuring consistent application of company policies and fair, respectful treatment of all employees.
Alignment with Company Core Values STAGES:
- Safety: Ensure all decisions and actions prioritize safety for our customers, partners and team members.
- Take care of the environment: Thoughtfulness and care given to the people and environment around you.
- Attitude and Effort: Work hard, with positive attitude, when no one is looking. Set an example for your team.
- Genuine: Honest, authentic, a relationship builder.
- Excellence in Service: Establish and uphold service standards that leave no doubt in our customers’ minds that we are the best to work with. Continuously strive to improve and exceed expectations.
- Scrappy: Solve problems creatively and efficiently, especially in fast-moving and high-pressure situations. Find solutions and be agile.
Required Qualifications:
- 7+ years of progressive operations or plant management experience, with at least 3 years in a GM or senior leadership role
- Proven track record of owning a P&L and driving measurable operational improvement
- Experience in recycling, waste management, manufacturing, or industrial operations — recycling industry experience strongly preferred
- Demonstrated ability to build supplier relationships and develop a sourcing pipeline from scratch
- Strong commercial instinct — understands commodity markets, pricing dynamics, and how to optimize material value
- A leader who builds accountability without breaking people — direct, fair, and consistent
- Experience operating within structured management systems (EOS, lean, or similar) preferred
- Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent experience considered
- Based in or willing to relocate to the Akron, OH area
Why Integrity Fiber:
- Real ownership -- this is not a role where you manage someone else's decisions. You own the operation.
- Growth company -- we are actively expanding through acquisitions, new territories, and new service lines
- Schwarz Partners backing -- the stability and resources of a well‑capitalized family of companies
- A culture that means something -- STAGES is how we operate, not just words on a wall