AD Energy Recruitment is partnering with a privately backed waste-to-value and renewable energy platform to appoint a Plant Manager for a large-scale anaerobic digestion and Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) facility in Indiana.
This is a senior, hands-on operational leadership role with full responsibility for day-to-day plant performance, safety, compliance, people management, and operational optimisation. The Plant Manager will take ownership of a complex industrial process facility converting organic waste into renewable energy, working closely with executive leadership and external stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
• Lead all daily plant operations to meet production, uptime, and performance targets
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve operational programs and SOPs
• Own site performance across anaerobic digestion, biogas upgrading, wastewater systems, and balance-of-plant equipment
• Oversee the implementation and ongoing use of CMMS systems to support maintenance and reliability
• Work closely with a dedicated Maintenance Lead and external contractors
Team Leadership & Culture
• Manage, train, and develop plant personnel across operations and maintenance
• Build a strong culture of accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement
• Conduct performance reviews and support workforce planning as the site scales
• Act as the senior on-site leader and escalation point for operational issues
Compliance & Regulatory Oversight
• Ensure full compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal environmental regulations
• Maintain compliance with wastewater discharge permits, air permits, and RNG quality standards
• Oversee all regulatory reporting related to wastewater, air emissions, RNG injection, and safety
• Maintain accurate records for OSHA, EPA, IDEM, DNR, and other governing bodies
• Support audits, inspections, and regulator engagement
Safety & Environmental Performance
• Champion a safety-first culture across all site activities
• Conduct safety audits, toolbox talks, and incident investigations
• Ensure all staff receive appropriate safety and environmental compliance training
• Drive continuous improvement toward zero incidents
Budget, Inventory & Resources
• Support development and management of the site operating budget
• Track operating costs and optimise resource utilisation
• Manage inventory of consumables, spare parts, and critical equipment
• Coordinate procurement with corporate and supply partners
Scheduling & Staffing
• Develop and manage staffing schedules for a 24/7 continuous operation
• Ensure adequate coverage across operations, maintenance, and emergency response
• Coordinate with HR and leadership on staffing strategy and succession planning
Community & Stakeholder Engagement
• Act as the site representative within the local community
• Maintain positive relationships with local authorities, regulators, and neighbours
• Proactively address community concerns related to operations and environmental impact
Candidate Profile
Experience & Education
• 10+ years of experience managing an industrial process facility or wastewater treatment plant
• Proven leadership experience in regulated, safety-critical environments
• Background in wastewater treatment, anaerobic digestion, biogas, RNG, or similar process industries strongly preferred
• High school diploma required; technical or engineering education is advantageous
Certification
• Ability to obtain/hold a Class III (or higher) Indiana Wastewater Treatment Operator License (IDEM)
Core Competencies
• Strong people leadership and site ownership mentality
• Deep understanding of wastewater treatment processes and industrial operations
• Familiarity with biogas upgrading and RNG quality standards
• Strong troubleshooting, data analysis, and decision-making capability
• Highly organised with excellent documentation and compliance discipline
• Clear communicator with regulators, executives, and external stakeholders
