Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Recycling Supervisor

🎯 Role Definition

At the heart of a sustainable materials management operation, the Recycling Supervisor serves as the frontline leader responsible for the safe, efficient, and productive functioning of a recycling facility or a dedicated team within it. This individual is the crucial link between the hands-on workforce and plant management, charged with translating operational goals into daily tactical execution. Success in this position hinges on a hands-on leadership style, a keen eye for process improvement, and the ability to mentor and motivate a diverse team in a fast-paced, physically demanding environment. The Recycling Supervisor champions a culture of safety and quality, ensuring that all activities meet stringent regulatory and commodity standards.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Lead Recycling Sorter / Quality Control Technician
Senior Equipment Operator (Baler, Forklift, Loader)
Maintenance Technician in an industrial setting

Advancement To:

Operations Manager
Plant Manager
Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Manager

Lateral Moves:

Warehouse Supervisor
Logistics Supervisor
Production Supervisor (Manufacturing)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Oversee and coordinate the daily activities of the recycling operations team, including sorters, equipment operators, and general laborers, to ensure maximum productivity and material throughput.
Develop and implement daily work schedules and assign specific tasks to team members to meet production goals, quality specifications, and operational deadlines.
Conduct pre-shift huddles and safety meetings to communicate daily objectives, safety protocols, and any relevant operational updates to the team.
Actively monitor sorting lines and processing equipment to ensure the quality and purity of sorted materials (e.g., plastics, paper, metals) consistently meet buyer specifications.
Enforce all company, state, and federal safety regulations, including OSHA standards, to maintain a safe and hazard-free work environment for all employees and visitors.
Perform regular safety audits, facility walk-throughs, and job hazard analyses, promptly addressing and documenting any identified risks or non-compliance issues.
Lead incident and accident investigations, completing all necessary reports and implementing robust corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Train new and existing employees on safe work practices, proper operation of equipment like balers and forklifts, and material identification standards to ensure a competent workforce.
Manage the performance of direct reports through regular coaching, providing constructive feedback, and conducting formal performance reviews to foster employee growth and accountability.
Address employee relations issues, including conflict resolution and progressive disciplinary actions, in a fair, consistent, and respectful manner, often in partnership with Human Resources.
Monitor and manage the flow of inbound raw materials and outbound processed commodities to optimize plant efficiency and minimize equipment downtime.
Operate heavy equipment such as forklifts, front-end loaders, and balers as needed to support operations, cover for employee absences, or assist in training.
Conduct routine inspections of all machinery and equipment, coordinating with the maintenance department to schedule preventative maintenance and address urgent repair needs.
Maintain accurate and timely operational records, including production volume data, downtime logs, safety reports, and employee attendance and training logs.
Manage inventory levels of processed bales and raw materials, ensuring accurate tracking and reporting for financial planning and logistics coordination.
Collaborate with the Plant Manager to develop and execute strategies for continuous process improvement aimed at enhancing efficiency, reducing operational costs, and increasing material recovery rates.
Ensure the facility, processing areas, and surrounding yard are kept clean, organized, and in compliance with all environmental regulations and company housekeeping standards.
Act as the primary point of contact for operational issues during the shift, demonstrating strong problem-solving skills to resolve challenges with minimal disruption.
Supervise the loading of outbound trailers, verifying that bale counts and weights are correct, the product quality is acceptable, and all shipping documentation is completed accurately.
Foster a positive and inclusive team culture that emphasizes safety, quality, and mutual respect as core values among all team members.
Participate in budgeting and cost management activities for the department, monitoring expenses related to labor, supplies, and equipment usage.
Communicate effectively with other supervisors, departments (maintenance, logistics, sales), and management to ensure seamless coordination across shifts and functions.

Secondary Functions

Support the Operations Manager with ad-hoc reporting and data analysis related to production metrics, safety incidents, and quality control trends.
Contribute to the facility's continuous improvement initiatives by identifying and suggesting new technologies or process changes to enhance operational effectiveness.
Collaborate with the logistics and sales teams to understand commodity quality requirements and align production outputs accordingly.
Participate in facility-wide planning meetings and agile-style operational huddles to help drive both short-term and long-term strategic goals.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficient in the operation of heavy industrial equipment, including forklifts, front-end loaders, and skid steers.
Expertise in running, troubleshooting, and maintaining industrial balers and conveyor systems common in a Material Recovery Facility (MRF).
Strong knowledge of OSHA safety standards (e.g., LOTO, machine guarding, PPE) and environmental regulations (EPA) applicable to the waste and recycling industry.
Ability to accurately identify and grade various recyclable commodities, including different grades of paper, types of plastic, and ferrous/non-ferrous metals.
Experience with inventory management systems and software for tracking inbound/outbound material.
Competency in performing basic preventative maintenance and troubleshooting on recycling equipment to minimize downtime.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) for reporting, scheduling, and professional communication.
Current Forklift Operator Certification (a Train-the-Trainer certification is a significant plus).
Deep understanding of and commitment to executing lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) procedures and other critical safety protocols.
Familiarity with lean manufacturing or Six Sigma principles as they can be applied to improve operational efficiency.
Experience with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) for tracking work orders and maintenance schedules.

Soft Skills

Exceptional leadership and team-building abilities to motivate and guide a diverse workforce.
Clear, direct, and respectful communication skills, effective in one-on-one, group, and written formats.
Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking capabilities to address challenges in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
A high degree of safety consciousness and a demonstrated commitment to fostering a zero-incident culture.
Natural ability to coach, mentor, and develop employees to reach their full potential.
Proven skill in conflict resolution and managing employee relations with professionalism and empathy.
Adaptability and resilience when faced with unexpected operational challenges or changing priorities.
Excellent organizational and time-management skills to juggle multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Business Administration
Operations Management
Environmental Science
Industrial Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-5 years of progressive experience in a recycling, manufacturing, or comparable industrial environment.

Preferred:

A minimum of 2 years in a direct supervisory or formal leadership role, ideally within a Material Recovery Facility (MRF), transfer station, or similar high-volume processing plant.