General Manager

General Manager

Take the helm of a purpose-driven state-of-the-art waste management operation in the heart of the Waikato.

• New State-Of-The-Art Facility + Waste Management 
• Generous Package + Wellbeing Allowance
• Entrepreneurial Leadership Team + Make an Impact 

My client is on the hunt for a forward-thinking and inspiring General Manager to lead a cutting-edge new waste management facility. 

About the Company

My client has created a new state-of-the-art waste management plant in the heart of the Waikato. It is a hub of innovation, sustainability and operational excellence. The entrepreneurial leadership team has expert knowledge and experience in managing residential and commercial demolition waste and created a smarter resource recovery facility for easy waste recycling. They invest heavily in technology, infrastructure making it a fast, no-fuss disposal process with automated check-in and seamless access. There are big plans for growth, other transfer sites will be opened across the top of the North Island. Working with local contractors, truck drivers or business owners this is a business making waste disposal quick, straightforward and environmentally responsible. 

About the Role

My client is on the hunt for a forward-thinking and inspiring General Manager to lead a cutting-edge new waste management facility. You will be as comfortable in steel caps as you are in the strategy meetings, while overseeing this comprehensive waste management plant. This is more than just a leadership role - it’s a hands-on opportunity to shape the future of resource recovery, build a high-performance culture and drive measurable environmental impact in the community. 

We need someone who can talk ‘waste’ with their expert knowledge and expertise in residential and commercial building demolition by-products, hard-fill, green waste and more. You will have real autonomy, leading this site and being involved with the creation of more sites across the North Island. On a daily basis you will oversee the day-to-day operations of the business to ensure seamless transaction with contractors, truck drivers, staff ensuring compliance of waste management. You know how to grow a successful team and get the best out of people. This isn’t a role where you’ll be firing directions from behind your desk, you’ll roll up your sleeves and assist on the yard when needed - you may have even driven a big rig or excavator in your time. The entrepreneurial owners need someone who is excited by innovation, driven to succeed and gets on with all involved with reducing and recycling waste. They need someone who is excited knowing they will be integral to the success and growth of the business. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee all plant operations including waste collection, processing, segregation, recycling, shipping and inventory management.
• Lead and develop plant team members through coaching, training, and performance management.
• Align plant operations and team objectives with broader company strategy and sustainability goals.
• Drive forward innovation and improvements to support strategic goals and policy decisions.
• Ensure the plant meets or exceeds environmental, health and safety compliance and best practice at all times. Safety is at the forefront - a culture of zero harm.
• Maintain operational efficiency through financial management of effective cost supply, budget and facilities management.
• Provide regular updates and reports to the senior leadership team and directors.
• Serve as the key liaison between upper management, staff, regulatory agencies and key partners.
• Address and resolve customer service or operational issues quickly and effectively.
• Engage with local council, key stakeholders and industry networks to share knowledge and drive collaboration.

You Must Have:

• Proven leadership in a regulated, industrial, or waste management environment - your CV will speak for itself. You will lead from the front - manage and motivate a diverse team to deliver top-tier performance and safety outcomes
• A mind for strategy, an eye for efficiency, and the ability to lead change.
• Run a tight ship - oversee everything from collection and processing to inventory and shipping operations.
• Champion safety and compliance - uphold the highest environmental, health and safety standards and best practice.
• Drive strategy and efficiency - align plant operations with national sustainability goals while managing costs and maximising productivity.
• Be the face of the company - liaise with anyone from truck drivers to senior leadership and key stakeholders fostering transparency, trust, and innovation.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience managing budgets and reporting performance.
• Exceptional communication skills and a collaborative mindset.
• A tertiary qualification in environmental engineering, business, or a related field (preferred but not essential).
• Strong understanding and capability around waste management and compliance

This is a chance to shape the future of waste recovery and resource management - in a role where hands-on leadership meets purpose. Hi Apply today and contact Shelby Cowley @ Fred Recruitment for a confidential chat.