Operations Manager – Waste-to-Value / Renewable Natural Gas Facility
📍 Indiana, USA
🕒 Full-Time | Site-Based | 24/7 Operation
The Opportunity
AD Energy Recruitment is partnering with a privately backed waste-to-value and renewable energy platform to appoint a Operations Manager for a large-scale anaerobic digestion and Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) facility in Indiana.
This is a senior, hands-on operational leadership role with full responsibility for day-to-day plant performance, safety, compliance, people management, and operational optimisation. The Plant Manager will take ownership of a complex industrial process facility converting organic waste into renewable energy, working closely with executive leadership and external stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
- Lead all daily plant operations to meet production, uptime, and performance targets
- Develop, implement, and continuously improve operational programs and SOPs
- Own site performance across anaerobic digestion, biogas upgrading, wastewater systems, and balance-of-plant equipment
- Oversee the implementation and ongoing use of CMMS systems to support maintenance and reliability
- Work closely with a dedicated Maintenance Lead and external contractors
Team Leadership & Culture
- Manage, train, and develop plant personnel across operations and maintenance
- Build a strong culture of accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement
- Conduct performance reviews and support workforce planning as the site scales
- Act as the senior on-site leader and escalation point for operational issues
Compliance & Regulatory Oversight
- Ensure full compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal environmental regulations
- Maintain compliance with wastewater discharge permits, air permits, and RNG quality standards
- Oversee all regulatory reporting related to wastewater, air emissions, RNG injection, and safety
- Maintain accurate records for OSHA, EPA, IDEM, DNR, and other governing bodies
- Support audits, inspections, and regulator engagement
Safety & Environmental Performance
- Champion a safety-first culture across all site activities
- Conduct safety audits, toolbox talks, and incident investigations
- Ensure all staff receive appropriate safety and environmental compliance training
- Drive continuous improvement toward zero incidents
Budget, Inventory & Resources
- Support development and management of the site operating budget
- Track operating costs and optimise resource utilisation
- Manage inventory of consumables, spare parts, and critical equipment
- Coordinate procurement with corporate and supply partners
Scheduling & Staffing
- Develop and manage staffing schedules for a 24/7 continuous operation
- Ensure adequate coverage across operations, maintenance, and emergency response
- Coordinate with HR and leadership on staffing strategy and succession planning
Community & Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as the site representative within the local community
- Maintain positive relationships with local authorities, regulators, and neighbours
- Proactively address community concerns related to operations and environmental impact
Candidate Profile
Experience & Education
- 10+ years of experience managing an industrial process facility or wastewater treatment plant
- Proven leadership experience in regulated, safety-critical environments
- Background in wastewater treatment, anaerobic digestion, biogas, RNG, or similar process industries strongly preferred
- High school diploma required; technical or engineering education is advantageous
Certification
- Ability to obtain/hold a Class III (or higher) Indiana Wastewater Treatment Operator License (IDEM)
Core Competencies
- Strong people leadership and site ownership mentality
- Deep understanding of wastewater treatment processes and industrial operations
- Familiarity with biogas upgrading and RNG quality standards
- Strong troubleshooting, data analysis, and decision-making capability
- Highly organised with excellent documentation and compliance discipline
- Clear communicator with regulators, executives, and external stakeholders
