Chief Operating Officer

COMPANY:
Private equity-backed waste management and recycling platform.

REPORTS/RELATIONSHIPS:
A key member of the executive leadership team, the Chief Operating Officer will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and lead a team of six direct reports across plant operations, logistics and transportation, document and product destruction services, as well as the company’s safety program.

BASIC FUNCTIONS:
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for overseeing and managing the operational aspects of the business. This individual works closely with the executive team to develop and execute strategies that drive growth, profitability, and operational excellence across all plant locations. The primary focus of this position is to ensure seamless operations, maintain high standards of service, quality, and safety while maximizing efficiency and productivity.

Specific duties will include, but not necessarily be limited to:

Strategic and Financial Leadership

Collaborate with the executive team to develop the company’s strategic goals and objectives.
Develop and execute long-term operational strategies aligned with company goals and growth objectives.
Partner with executive leadership to drive innovation, sustainability, and operational scalability.
Lead the annual budgeting and capital planning process for operations.
Collaborate with the finance department to develop annual budgets and financial forecasts for each plant location.
Analyze financial statements and reports to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for cost savings and revenue growth.
Implement cost control measures and optimize operational expenses without compromising quality or service.

Operational Oversight

Translate the strategic vision into actionable plans and initiatives for each plant location; monitor and evaluate the progress of strategic initiatives and adjust plans as needed.
Direct and oversee all recycling plant operations (which are P&L centers), including material processing, plant performance, environmental compliance, and throughput efficiency.
Manage freight, logistics, traffic control, and order management for the company’s brokerage and consultative businesses.

Manage logistics and transportation functions, including routing, fleet operations, third-party logistics (3PL), and supply chain coordination.
Supervise document and product destruction services, ensuring secure handling, regulatory compliance (e.g., HIPAA, FACTA), and high service standards.
Increase plant profitability/margin to best-in-class standard; sustain margin for acceptably performing plants; bring weak-performing plants to average profitability within 18 months.
Integrate all acquired plants successfully (as measured by people, processes, financial results).

Performance Management

Develop and implement best practices to ensure plant standardization (safety, housekeeping, equipment maintenance, operational efficiencies – throughput, cost per ton/unit).
Establish KPIs and operational benchmarks for productivity, cost control, and service delivery.
Monitor, evaluate, and improve operational performance through data-driven decision-making.
Implement best practices in safety, quality, and environmental stewardship.

Team Leadership

Lead, mentor, and develop senior operations managers and site leaders.
Promote a high-performance culture grounded in collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Ensure workforce engagement, retention, and succession planning across all operational areas.

Compliance and Risk Management

Ensure compliance with health, safety, and sanitation regulations across all plant locations.
Implement quality assurance programs, conduct regular inspections, and address any issues or deficiencies promptly.
Optimize cost savings from outsourced freight and logistics.
Optimize blending process using blend sheets and other inputs for maximum profitability.
Maintain excellent plant safety record.
Ensure all operations comply with local, state, and federal regulations including OSHA, EPA, DOT, and relevant industry standards.
Identify and mitigate operational risks through preventive and responsive measures.

Customer and Stakeholder Engagement

Collaborate with sales, customer service, and compliance teams to ensure service quality and client satisfaction.
Represent the company in client meetings, industry associations, and regulatory forums as needed.

REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum of 10-15 years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing or warehouse environment, ensuring people and processes are in place and optimized (have managed 10+ plants); paper or recycling industry experience preferred.
Strong P&L management experience with a track record of successfully driving growth and profitability.
Ability to run multiple plants with a GM approach, including managing P&Ls with accurate annual forecasting.
Solid understanding of financial statements and budgeting processes.
Talent management experience – assess/evaluate plant managers, able to make talent changes, as needed.
Experience in standardizing onboarding/training/staffing.
Excellent leadership and team management skills.
Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
Commercial-minded; must be able to coach the plant managers to ensure sales and appropriate margin.
Experience in improving safety records.
Lean/Six Sigma experience is highly desirable.
Early experience working in a large company known for best practices followed by leadership experience in a smaller, less-resourced company is desirable.
Experience in successful utilization of third parties (freight forwarders and offshore back-office support).
Bachelor’s degree in operations management, industrial engineering, business administration, or related field is required; MBA or advanced degree is preferred.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
This role will require regular travel to operational sites, customer locations, and industry events (estimated 50% travel).

COMPENSATION:
Compensation will be commensurate with experience including a competitive base salary, short-term bonus opportunity, equity, and competitive benefits package.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Jonas Hedin, Managing Partner
jhedin@CLCBsearch.com
704.377.0362