Plant Manager - Cyclyx Circularity Center

Cyclyx Overview

Only 10% of plastics are recycled today, and that must change. Cyclyx is a new kind of plastic feedstock management company that works with industry participants to increase plastic recyclability. Cyclyx operates as a membership consortium, uniting stakeholders around the circular value chains to work together and drive new results in plastic recycling. By working with partners to source, collect and pre-process large volumes of waste plastic based on exact technical specifications, Cyclyx redirects more plastic into recycling. This new partner-driven model aims to boost plastic circularity - and break the cycle that has kept recycling from reaching its full potential.

The Cyclyx Circularity Center (CCC) facility in Houston is a first of its kind recycling facility which accepts clean and mixed sources of waste plastics and processes them into usable feedstock for the advanced and mechanical recycling market. This facility is significant in scale, with an annual capacity of >400 million lbs. of inbound plastic.

Role Overview

As a first of its kind recycling center, this role will require a person with an entrepreneurial spirit and a proven track record of optimizing the operational efficacy and efficiency of material handling and processing facilities. The role will require a person with an aptitude for 1) Building and leading teams, 2) Managing the operations of a bulk material handling facility, and 3) Flexing between leadership and individual contributor activities in support of standing up and operating the facility. This position requires a hands-on manager who regularly interacts with the operations team and has a keen eye towards process improvement and optimization.

During the mechanical completion and commissioning of the plant, (scheduled to be operational in April 2025) the focus of this role will be on supporting the hiring process, development of SOP's and the development of production and planning processes. In this leadership position, the role will be responsible for team building, personnel management, including goal setting and progression, training adherence, and improvement plans.

The Plant Manager is responsible for the Houston CCCs operation and maintenance, personnel safety, capital improvements, and financial performance, in accordance with environmental, health and safety regulations, and customer/partner contractual agreements. The Plant Manager will have prior experience with plastics recycling or bulk material processing and handling operations on an industrial scale.

The safety of all personnel is the highest priority. The Plant Manager is responsible for developing and maintaining a strong safety culture and that is evident the plant's daily operations and EHS related KPI's.

The Plant Manager is responsible for ensuring the CCC meets operational and financial goals, including production goals, raw material and product quality specifications, maintenance and asset utilization targets, budget compliance, and managing financial risk at the facility. The Plant Manager is ultimately responsible for the flow of material in and out of the facility and as such, a strong logistics background is preferred.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Management

1. Production Oversight:

• Oversee all production activities, ensuring that recycling processes run smoothly and efficiently.


• Monitor production metrics and optimize processes to increase throughput and minimize waste.

2. Quality Control:

• Ensure that the quality of recycled plastic meets industry standards and customer specifications.


• Implement and maintain quality control systems and procedures.

3. Process Improvement:

• Continuously assess and improve recycling processes to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and increase yield.


• Implement lean manufacturing and other best practices to streamline operations.

Safety and Compliance

4. Safety Management:

• Develop and enforce safety protocols to ensure a safe working environment for all employees.


• Conduct regular safety training and audits to minimize workplace accidents and injuries.

5. Environmental Compliance:

• Ensure the plant complies with all environmental regulations and standards.


• Manage waste disposal and emissions to minimize the plant's environmental impact.

6. Regulatory Compliance:

• Stay updated on relevant regulations and ensure the plant operates within legal requirements.


• Prepare and submit required reports to regulatory bodies.

Financial Management

7. Budgeting and Cost Control:

• Develop and manage the plant's budget, controlling costs to achieve financial targets.


• Monitor expenditures and implement cost-saving measures where possible.

8. Resource Allocation:

• Allocate resources effectively to meet production goals while staying within budget.


• Manage inventory of raw materials and finished products to ensure efficient use of resources.

Personnel Management

9. Staff Supervision:

• Hire, train, and supervise plant staff, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge required for their roles.


• Conduct performance evaluations and provide feedback to help employees develop and improve.

10. Team Leadership:

• Foster a positive work environment and promote teamwork and collaboration among employees.


• Resolve conflicts and address employee concerns to maintain high morale and productivity.

Maintenance and Equipment Management

11. Equipment Maintenance:

• Ensure that all machinery and equipment are well-maintained and operate efficiently.


• Develop and implement preventive maintenance schedules to minimize downtime and extend equipment life.

12. Technical Troubleshooting:

• Address technical issues that arise during production, coordinating with maintenance and engineering teams to resolve problems quickly.

Strategic Planning

13. Operational Planning:

• Develop long-term plans for plant operations, aligning with company goals and market demands.


• Evaluate and implement new technologies and processes to enhance plant capabilities.

14. Project Management:

• Oversee projects such as facility upgrades, new equipment installations, or process changes.


• Ensure projects are completed on time, within scope, and within budget.

Customer and Supplier Relations

15. Customer Service:

• Ensure customer satisfaction by delivering high-quality recycled plastic products on time.


• Address customer complaints and implement corrective actions as needed.

16. Supplier Management Oversite:

• Manage relationships with suppliers of raw materials and equipment.


• Negotiate contracts and ensure timely delivery of materials required for production.

Reporting and Communication

17. Reporting:

• Prepare and present regular reports on plant performance, including production, quality, safety, and financial metrics.


• Communicate effectively with senior management and other stakeholders.

18. Stakeholder Communication:

• Maintain open lines of communication with employees, customers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies.


• Represent the plant at industry meetings, conferences, and other events as needed.

Experience and Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years' experience as a Plant Manager, or position with similar operations, budgetary, and personnel responsibilities.


• Excellent judgment regarding health, safety, environmental and fire protection risks with emphasis on injury prevention and business continuity.


• Experience managing Plant P&L and controlling costs to maintain adherence to budget.


• Experience with recycling equipment and processes, including but not limited to shredders, contaminant removal technologies, belt and pneumatic conveyors, optical sortation, and palletization.


• Experience managing vendors/contractors.


• Expert understanding of mechanical plastic recycling equipment.


• Excellent logistics and inventory control knowledge.


• Proficient communication skills both verbally and in writing.


• Experience in a Process Safety Management (PSM) regulated facility is preferred.


• Familiar with Management of Change (MOC) preferred.


• Experience in developing and operationalizing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) and training programs preferred.


• Excellent business acumen, commitment to teamwork, and results driven.


• Confident, proactive, and possessing strong problem-solving skills.


• Impeccable personal and professional ethics.


• Ability to build, maintain, and contribute to a team environment.

Education and Training

• Bachelor's degree or greater in an operational or engineering related field.


• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook).


• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, Microsoft Dynamics preferred.


• Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) experience.

Position Mechanics

Reports to: Vice President of Operations

Type: Salaried; full time with full benefits

Work Hours: Generally, 8:00am - 5:00pm; this is a multi-shift, 24/7 operation, so there will be evening and weekend work.

Staff: 14 direct reports in operations, maintenance, logistics, and quality personnel. 80+ onsite through contracted O&M provider.

Location: Houston, TX

Work environment: professional office and manufacturing.

Travel: Up to 10%

Physical Demands: Varied between work performed in an office environment to that of equipment operators.

• Stand and walk multiple miles per day.


• Sit for prolonged periods of time.


• Handle tools, equipment, fine motor skills.


• Reach with hands and arms.


• Climb and walk on heights often greater than 4 feet.


• Stoop, kneel, bend, push, pull, crawl.


• Ascend and descend stairs and stationary vertical ladders as part of normal work activity and emergency egress situations.


• Lift 50 lbs.


• Move about all areas of the plant, including catwalks, deck grating, and uneven surfaces.


• Close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, corrected or otherwise.


• Operate a 1.5-inch fire hose operating at 125 psi line pressure to the extent required to extinguish fire.


• Operate fire extinguishing equipment ranging from handheld extinguishers to 200 lb portable units.


• Access confined spaces and pressure vessels through standard 12" by 16" manways.


• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements.

Company Benefits

Cyclyx offers a competitive benefits package which goes beyond just a paycheck. Our comprehensive benefits package includes competitive, company funded (up to 90% company-paid premiums) health, dental, vision and insurance plans to robust retirement benefits that include company-matching contributions, and much, much more. We also provide development and growth opportunities because we believe investing in your success is investing in our success. Also, working for a rapidly growing, fast-paced organization, you will have the opportunity to grow professionally and expand your network while building a rewarding and dynamic career.

Company Culture

We are committed to recruiting, developing, and retaining diverse and highly talented individuals. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, an engaging and growing culture, and a variety of opportunities for our employees' professional growth and development.

Cyclyx is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We value mutual respect and diversity in the workplace and are committed to Employment Equity and Inclusion. We celebrate the unique differences of our employees that drive curiosity, innovation, and the success of our business. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and do not discriminate any applicant's status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Accommodation is available for applicants with disabilities.