General Metal Recycling Manager

Job description:

Job Overview

Foss Recycling, North Carolina's largest recycler and one of the East Coast's fastest-growing metal recycling companies with over 40 years of expertise and nearly 30 locations, is seeking an experienced, hands-on General Manager to lead operations at our La Grange, NC facility. The Yard Manager will oversee all yard activities, driving safety, efficiency, quality, and profitability in a fast-paced industrial environment. This role requires a proactive leader with deep knowledge of scrap metal processing, heavy equipment, team supervision, and regulatory compliance to manage daily operations and a team of skilled workers while delivering exceptional customer service.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and direct all daily facility operations, including receiving, sorting, processing, upgrading, baling, stainless production, and shipping of ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metals.
• Coordinate inbound/outbound logistics, ensuring accurate loading/unloading of trucks, containers, and transfer vans (including NF transfer vans).
• Lead crews in cleaning, sorting, and upgrading incoming materials; perform and enforce quality control on baled materials from the bailor and overall production standards.
• Optimize workflows to maximize throughput, reduce downtime, and apply lean/continuous improvement strategies.
• Manage inventory, coordinate with sales/procurement teams, and align processing with market demands and company goals.
• Serve as primary on-site leader for commercial customers: buy materials, inspect/check for downgrades on loads, assist in unloading for accurate weighing, and ensure proper handling/grading.
• Coordinate closely with key team members (e.g., discuss baling needs with Santos two days in advance, address sorting issues, prepare weighing/material for next-day operations).
• Oversee stainless steel production processes to ensure correct grading, processing, and output quality.
• Supervise specialized operations, including drain guys and related activities.

Safety and Compliance

• Champion and enforce strict adherence to OSHA regulations.
• Lead regular safety audits, toolbox talks, training sessions, and inspections to maintain a zero-incident culture.
• Oversee proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials in full compliance with environmental permits.

Staff Supervision and Development

• Lead, motivate, and develop a team of 10-40 employees (including scale operators, crane operators, material handlers, laborers, etc.) to foster a high-performance, collaborative environment.
• Create work schedules, assign tasks, monitor performance, conduct evaluations, address disciplinary matters, and implement retention/morale strategies.
• Provide hands-on training and mentorship in equipment operation, material identification/grading, safety protocols, and best practices.

Customer Service and Vendor Relations

• Act as the facility's primary point of contact for customers, suppliers, contractors, and commercial clients; resolve issues swiftly and build lasting relationships to ensure steady material flow.
• Maintain high standards for accurate grading, pricing, and quality to uphold trust and reputation.

Equipment and Facility Management

• Direct the operators to upkeep of heavy equipment (cranes, forklifts, shears, balers, shredders, bobcats, material handlers).
• Ensure all equipment is kept clean, greased, and maintained; partner with maintenance for preventive schedules and rapid repairs.
• Assist with hands-on tasks as needed, such as shipping/loading specific materials using bobcat or other equipment.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe facility: optimize material storage, space utilization, and overall housekeeping, 5S.
• Monitor and ensure scale house operations are accurate, compliant, and efficient in all weighing/processing activities.

Financial and Administrative Duties

• Manage site-level costs (labor, fuel, maintenance, etc.) to achieve budgets, maximize profitability, and contribute to company financial goals.
• Maintain precise records of transactions, employee hours, safety compliance, and inventory using Foss Recycling’s internal systems (including ScrapIT software).
• Prepare and present reports on key metrics (production, safety incidents, inventory, performance) to senior leadership.
• Contribute to annual site budgets, operational plans, and strategic initiatives for the facility.

Qualifications

Required

• Experience: Minimum 5 years in metal recycling/scrap yard operations, with at least 3 years in a supervisory/management role (preferably as a Yard Manager, Operations Manager, or similar site leadership position).
• Knowledge:
• Expert understanding of ferrous/non-ferrous metal grading, processing, quality control, and market trends.
• Extensive hands-on experience with heavy equipment operation/maintenance in a recycling environment.
• Comprehensive knowledge of OSHA, NCDEQ/environmental regulations, and industry safety standards.
• Skills:
• Strong leadership to inspire and manage diverse teams in a high-pressure, hands-on setting.
• Superior organizational, multitasking, problem-solving, and communication skills (verbal/written).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and inventory/tracking software (e.g., ScrapIT).
• Physical Requirements:
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather; lift up to 50 lbs; stand/walk/climb for extended periods in a dynamic yard.
• Education: High school diploma or GED.
• Other: Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation to La Grange, NC 28551. Willingness to be on-call for operational emergencies.

Preferred

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in business, operations management, or related field.
• Certifications: Heavy equipment operation, OSHA 10/30, safety management, or recycling industry standards.
• Experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or process optimization in industrial settings.
• Familiarity with Foss Recycling systems or comparable industry software.

Job Details

• Location: Foss Recycling Inc., 7037 Hwy 70 West, La Grange, NC 28551.
• Job Type: Full-time, salaried.
• Shift and Schedule: Monday–Friday, weekends, or on-call for emergencies.
• Benefits:
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays).
• Life and disability insurance.
• Work Environment and Physical Demands:
• Setting: Industrial outdoor yard with exposure to dust, noise, and heavy machinery.
• Physical Demands: Requires physical stamina for walking, climbing, and occasional lifting in a dynamic, hands-on role.
• Safety Gear: Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, steel-toed boots, gloves, and safety glasses required (provided by Foss Recycling).

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Safety equipment provided
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person