Plant Manager

Plant Manager – Refining / Waste Oil Recovery Operations - Near Waterloo, ON

We are seeking an experienced Plant Manager to lead operations at our refining and waste oil recovery facility. This position provides hands-on leadership for a diverse team while ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient plant operations. The successful candidate will oversee daily performance, financial results, and long-term growth initiatives, making safety, compliance, and operational excellence top priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership: Direct day-to-day plant operations, ensuring performance against key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Financial Management: Oversee profit & loss (P&L) performance, manage operating costs, and ensure alignment with revenue and margin targets.
• Team Management: Lead, develop, and evaluate employees through hiring, training, coaching, performance reviews, and succession planning.
• Safety & Compliance: Enforce corporate and facility-specific health, safety, and environmental standards. Partner closely with Safety and Compliance teams to ensure adherence to all regulations.
• Processing Oversight: Manage hazardous and non-hazardous waste processing (e.g., wastewater treatment, fuels blending, incineration, shredding, pumping, bulking, lab pack processing).
• Logistics & Customer Service: Coordinate with the National Logistics team to ensure timely transportation of materials. Maintain a clean, audit-ready facility for customers and regulators.
• Maintenance: Supervise the Maintenance department and ensure proactive facility upkeep using preventative maintenance systems.
• Purchasing & Reporting: Approve purchasing activities, oversee billing accuracy, and maintain timely reporting systems.
• Collaboration: Build strong working relationships with field service, technical service, and logistics leadership.
• Perform additional duties as required.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent education/experience).
• 5–7 years of leadership experience in refining, chemical processing, waste management, hazardous materials handling, or similar industrial settings.
• Strong background in environmental compliance, health & safety, and regulated operations.
• Proven P&L management experience, plus labor relations/CBA or union experience.
• Skilled in organizational leadership, problem-solving, and financial analysis.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Valid driver’s license; ability to travel 10–25%.
  
  

What We Offer

• Competitive salary & benefits package.
• Retirement savings plan contributions.
• Comprehensive health coverage.
• Generous paid time off.
• Company-paid training & tuition reimbursement.
• Opportunities for career growth in a safe and supportive work environment.
  
  

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

We appreciate your interest; however, only candidates who are permanent residents, currently residing in Canada, and who meet the required experience criteria will be considered.

David Aplin & Associates Inc., operating as Aplin, and its associated brands, CompuStaff and Impact Recruitment, is an award-winning employment agency connecting diverse, top-tier talent with exceptional organizations across North America. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and charge no fees to apply or engage with our recruiters. Our clients partner with us to help expand and diversify their teams. Please note that all applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada, including holding any necessary work permits.