AD Energy Recruitment is partnering with a growing renewable fuels platform to appoint a Plant Manager for an operational Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) facility in Maine, USA.
This is a senior, site-based leadership role with full responsibility for plant operations, safety, production performance, maintenance execution, and people management. The Plant Manager will lead day-to-day operations while driving a strong safety culture, operational discipline, and continuous improvement across the facility.
The role requires a hands-on operational leader with proven experience managing industrial or process facilities and leading multidisciplinary plant teams.
Key Responsibilities
Safety, Compliance & Culture
• Establish, lead, and maintain a strong safety-first culture across the site
• Ensure full compliance with all plant safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements
• Lead regulatory audits and inspections, providing documentation and corrective actions as required
• Maintain plant security and control site access
• Act as site lead during emergency situations in accordance with emergency response procedures
Operations & Production
• Oversee all plant operations to meet or exceed RNG production targets
• Monitor and direct daily plant performance within environmental and operational limits
• Analyze daily operational data to identify efficiency, reliability, and throughput improvements
• Maintain detailed logs of plant activities, shutdowns, abnormal conditions, and troubleshooting events
• Lead response and recovery from operational upsets to return systems to normal operation
Maintenance & Asset Management
• Develop and oversee preventative and corrective maintenance programs
• Ensure plant equipment is operated and maintained in line with manufacturer specifications
• Coordinate with maintenance teams and contractors to resolve outstanding issues
• Monitor consumables inventory and manage timely procurement and deliveries
Leadership & People Management
• Lead, coach, and develop plant operators, technicians, and support staff
• Partner with the Lead Technician to coordinate daily staffing and shift coverage
• Manage workforce scheduling, including vacation, sick leave, overtime, and timesheets
• Support HR activities including hiring, performance management, disciplinary processes, and policy adherence
• Deliver training and ongoing development for operations and maintenance personnel
Procedures, Systems & Continuous Improvement
• Develop, implement, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Support engineering and project teams with operational input, procedures, and commissioning activities
• Recommend and implement improvements to production methods, equipment reliability, and product quality
• Manage quality control testing and ensure accurate logging and documentation
Financial & Planning Responsibility
• Set and manage annual operating and capital budgets
• Forecast operational requirements and control site-level operating costs
Qualifications & Experience
Education
• High School Diploma or GED required
• Associate or Bachelor’s degree preferred (Engineering, Operations, or related discipline)
Experience
• Minimum 7 years’ experience operating and managing industrial or process plant equipment
• Proven experience leading plant-based teams in manufacturing, energy, biogas, waste, or similar environments
• Demonstrated responsibility for safety, production, maintenance, and compliance
Skills & Competencies
• Strong people leadership and communication skills
• High attention to detail with excellent organisational and analytical capability
• Solid commercial awareness with experience in budgeting and operational forecasting
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining operational discipline
• Strong problem-solving skills with a structured, logical approach
• Ability to communicate technical and operational data clearly to all levels of the organisation
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Teams
• Strong understanding of industrial safety standards and regulatory compliance
• Ability to train others in safe and effective use of tools and equipment
• Demonstrated commitment to ethical conduct, professionalism, and respect in the workplace
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
• On-site RNG / biogas production and upgrading facility
• Combination of plant-based operations and office-based monitoring and reporting
• Regular use of hand tools and instrumentation
• Physical activities may include standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and squatting during equipment inspections and maintenance activities
