Operations Manager

Polycarbin is a mission-driven plastics recycling company advancing the circular economy through innovative recovery solutions. We process and certify post-consumer plastic products like FDA-compliant recycled polypropylene products for reuse by manufacturers across the life sciences, consumer goods, and industrial sectors. Our Hanover, MA facility is the operational hub of our growing recycling business. We are seeking a hands-on, detail-oriented Operations Manager to lead day-to-day operations at our Hanover, MA warehouse and processing facility. This is a critical leadership role that sits at the intersection of people management, industrial equipment operations, and continuous process improvement. You will report directly to the COO, Noah Pyles, and serve as the on-site operational lead for a four-person team. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in industrial equipment operations and maintenance, a safety-first mindset, and the organizational skills to manage scheduling, metrics, and logistics in a fast-paced, hands-on environment. Team Leadership Directly manage and develop a four-person operations team, including daily task assignment, performance feedback, and professional growth Foster a collaborative, accountable, and safety-first team culture Conduct regular one-on-ones and team check-ins to ensure alignment and morale Equipment Operations & Maintenance Oversee installation, calibration, and optimization of industrial recycling equipment including grinders, granulators, conveyors, and separation systems Lead and perform routine preventive maintenance and troubleshooting; coordinate third-party repair vendors as needed Maintain equipment logs, maintenance schedules, and service records Identify and implement operational improvements to maximize equipment uptime and throughput KPI Tracking & Reporting Define, track, and report on personal and team key performance indicators including throughput, equipment uptime, waste rates, and safety incidents Prepare and present regular operational reports to the COO Identify trends and develop action plans to address performance gaps Scheduling & Logistics Coordination Build and manage shift schedules to ensure adequate coverage and operational continuity Coordinate inbound and outbound material logistics, including carrier scheduling and DOT compliance requirements Manage inventory of materials, consumables, and spare parts Safety & Compliance Maintain a safe, clean, and OSHA-compliant facility at all times Conduct regular safety audits and incident investigations Ensure all team members are trained and current on safety protocols, PPE requirements, and emergency procedures Manage and update facility safety documentation, SOPs, and training records Required Qualifications 3+ years of hands-on experience operating, maintaining, or repairing industrial machinery or equipment Demonstrated experience managing a small team in a warehouse, manufacturing, or industrial environment Strong working knowledge of safe machine maintenance practices, lockout/tagout (LOTO), and industrial safety standards OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification (or willingness to obtain within 90 days of hire) Proven ability to track and report operational metrics Excellent organizational, scheduling, and communication skills Preferred Qualifications Experience in plastics recycling, waste management, or materials processing Familiarity with DOT regulations and commercial carrier coordination Forklift certification Experience with WMS, ERP, or operational tracking software Passion for sustainability and the circular economy Compensation & Benefits Competitive salary commensurate with experience 40 hours of PTO granted at the start of each calendar year, plus 15 days of additional PTO Health, dental, and vision insurance (details provided during offer stage) Relocation assistance available for candidates outside the greater Boston area Direct reporting relationship to COO with high visibility and growth opportunity The opportunity to make a tangible environmental impact every day

Pay:

$120,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Relocation assistance

Work Location:

In person