Operations Manager

Are You?

• Great at building manufacturing robust performance with a passion for excellence in all you do.
• Excited about being part of a rapidly growing global company that makes our planet a little greener.
• Experienced in continuous process manufacturing, preferably within Recycling Operations.
• Hungry to always find a better way to best serve your customers.

Our client, Shark Solutions, is seeking an experienced, ambitious Operations Manager to support its expanding business in North America. You’ll join a growing global cleantech market leader that produces environmentally friendly raw materials for various industries. Shark Solutions is an innovative company at the forefront of advanced, sustainable post-consumer resin materials and dispersions, using PVB (Polyvinyl Butyral) derived from recycled laminated glass, such as windshields. Founded in Denmark in 2005, Shark Solutions operates in Denmark, Belgium, and the United States. This ambitious, no-nonsense company prides itself on reducing the environmental impact of various products, decreasing landfill waste, and lowering GHG emissions. This position is based at the US headquarters in Lavonia, GA (near Atlanta). For more information, visit video and website

About the Role

As Operations Manager, you’ll be managing Shark Solutions USA Glass and PVB Recycling plant operations, including costs of operations, production, maintenance, safety, quality, administration, and other related activities. To succeed in this role, you must have a solid background, a track record of leading multi-shift operations and manufacturing in medium- to heavy-industrial environments, and a track record of leading high-performing teams. This role requires a competent leader with strong execution skills and experience in improvement/expansion projects. You will lead from the front, empowering, motivating, and developing your team. This position reports directly to our US CCO, with a dotted-line report to Danish HQ.

Main Tasks & Responsibilities

• Manage 3, geographically dispersed U.S. operations, with responsibility for overseeing budget, Capex, quality, safety, and managing day-to-day operations while driving continuous operational improvement.
• Actively drive improvement projects and business processes, systems, and equipment with own team and a wide range of suppliers, seeking continued business improvements and reporting on this progress.
• Developing skillsets within the operational team, learning from suppliers and key stakeholders – and building a best-in-class knowledge base in a niche industry.
• Maintain operational reporting systems and local ownership in results in each manufacturing site, allowing the organization to learn from mistakes and push for excellence, whilst sparring with key resources both in the US and Europe.
• Routinely visits U.S. operating facilities, developing team spirit, setting clear goals, and conducting data-driven follow-up.
• HR and Safety responsibility for U.S. operations. Maintain a safe work environment through best-in-class safety policies and training. Focus on employee retention through education and a professional work environment based on mutual respect.
• Ensure all equipment and building features are maintained and functional at high standards.
• Maintain and improve strong, long-term relations with 3rd party contractors, customers, and suppliers.
• Ensure the facilities operate in compliance with regulatory guidelines and requirements (including environmental permits, safety, quality, etc).
• Maintain good communication with the Company headquarters and other Operations Managers within the group, including the sharing of best practices to maximize success.
• Drive and support Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) initiatives of the business.
• Be a strong team player – positive and contributing to the continued success and growth of the company.

Qualifications

Your Work Experience & Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical/electrical engineering, industrial manufacturing, or similar.
• Familiar with ISO9001, ISO 45001, and ECOVADIS GOLD certifications.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and ERP system (Microsoft Business Central).
• 10 years of experience in similar roles with a proven track record in operational excellence as Plant Manager, Production Manager within heavy-duty manufacturing equipment
• Experience in managing and motivating operational teams—communicating vision and setting clear goals. Experience working in a multicultural, international company is a plus
• Experience in working with continuous business improvements and uptime development. (ex. OEE, OTIF, PPM).
• Physical Demands: The position requires occasional climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. Frequent lifts and/or moving up to ten (10) pounds and occasionally lifting and/or moving up to twenty-five (25) pounds are to be expected. This job includes close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Your Skills, Traits & Style:

• Strong, forward-thinking, and proven leadership skills characterized by:
• Proactive leadership to build a collaborative team environment.
• Experienced in operational excellence with the ability to identify and drive sustainable change.
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Organized and detailed
• Approachable. Great communicator and a good listener
• Pragmatic - you get things done. Hands-on, Can-do, Can-try approach

What We Offer Is More Than Just a Job…

• A team-focused work environment with visibility for your efforts and professional growth opportunities.
• An opportunity to join a truly innovative and growing global company.
• Attractive compensation package and benefits.