Operations Manager - Metals Recovery and Processing

NF Recovery Manager

Operations - Metals Recovery & Processing

Tacoma, WA
$120,000 - $145,000 per year

Lead Operations. Drive Performance. Build a Safer Workplace.

We are seeking an experienced NF Recovery Manager to lead a critical operation within our recycling and manufacturing facility in Tacoma, WA. This role is responsible for overseeing recovery operations, managing production teams, optimizing material processing systems, and ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on manufacturing leader with experience in production, processing, recycling, operations, maintenance, heavy industry, aggregates, mining, logistics, or similar industrial environments.

If you're passionate about continuous improvement, developing teams, and driving operational excellence, we'd like to hear from you.

What You'll Do

Operations Leadership

• Lead daily operations of the nonferrous recovery and material processing department.
• Supervise employees across multiple shifts while maintaining safe and efficient production.
• Coordinate staffing and work assignments to maximize productivity and minimize downtime.
• Monitor key performance metrics and implement improvements that increase recovery rates, throughput, and profitability.
• Collaborate with plant leadership, maintenance, environmental, safety, and commercial teams to achieve operational goals.

Safety & Compliance

• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental, and company standards.
• Lead safety training initiatives and support employee development.
• Participate in safety committees and continuously improve workplace safety programs.
• Ensure department operations remain compliant with applicable regulatory requirements.

Maintenance & Equipment Reliability

• Partner with maintenance teams to ensure equipment is properly operated and maintained.
• Assist with planning major maintenance projects, shutdowns, equipment upgrades, and capital improvements.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and support implementation of new processing technologies.

Team Leadership

• Hire, develop, coach, and evaluate employees and supervisors.
• Support employee relations initiatives and maintain compliance with company policies and labor agreements.
• Foster a positive, accountable, and performance-driven work environment.

Continuous Improvement

• Analyze production data and develop strategies to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Research and implement new technologies and best practices.
• Manage departmental budgets, capital projects, and return-on-investment initiatives.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 5 years of manufacturing, industrial, production, recycling, processing, heavy equipment, mining, aggregates, logistics, or related operations experience.
• 2 years of leadership or management experience.
• Experience leading production or operations teams in a fast-paced industrial environment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of industrial equipment and manufacturing processes.
• Experience using production metrics to drive operational improvements.
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred

• Maintenance or equipment reliability experience.
• Experience managing departmental budgets and capital projects.
• Continuous improvement experience with measurable results.
• Experience working in a union environment.
• Spanish language skills.
• Knowledge of material recovery, recycling, shredding, sorting, or processing operations.

Work Environment

This role is based in an active industrial recycling facility and includes time spent both in the office and throughout the operation. Candidates should be comfortable:

• Working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Walking on uneven surfaces and navigating industrial environments.
• Climbing stairs, platforms, and equipment as needed.
• Lifting up to 50 pounds on occasion.
• Working extended hours, weekends, or holidays when business needs require.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking a leader who:

• Leads by example and prioritizes safety.
• Thrives in a hands-on manufacturing environment.
• Makes data-driven decisions.
• Communicates effectively across all levels of an organization.
• Embraces change and continuous improvement.
• Knows how to build, motivate, and develop high-performing teams.

Salary: $120,000 - $145,000 annually

Apply today if you're ready to take ownership of a high-impact operation and help drive safety, performance, and operational excellence in a growing industrial environment.

Benefits:

Salary : $120,000 - $145,000