Interim Operations Manager

Interim Operations Manager – (3 months initial contract with potential to extend) Recircle is a UK-based industrial recycling company focused on sustainable solutions for the rubber materials sector. We have developed patented technology that allows previously discarded waste uncured rubber streams to be recovered and reused. The novel industrial process is engineered to reprocess waste rubber into high‑quality materials at industrial scale, supporting our mission to build a world without waste. We are looking for an Interim Operations Manager to lead our Green Rubber Pilot Plant Site in Wrexham. You will join us at an exciting time as we upgrade the pilot plant to produce large‑scale customer samples and complete our engineering process validation. Supported by an Innovate UK grant, you will help deliver all innovation milestones, ready for a customer demonstration at the end of March 2026. You will work closely with our Operations Director, Mechanical Design Engineer, and Rubber Technology Manager, and manage a team of 4 operations staff. We offer a competitive salary, dependent on experience. Key Responsibilities Deliver industrial‑size customer samples to customer specifications for testing. Lead project implementation to optimise and expand Recircle’s patented rubber recovery pilot plant. Ensure operational delivery of the Innovate UK Engineering Grant. Validate demonstration plant process parameters, evaluate mechanical and electrical designs, and propose design changes. Collect and analyse process reliability data, develop project plans, and validate modifications. Manage the budget, time‑line, and resource allocation to deliver the project on time and within budget. Rectify immediate machine performance issues and equipment failures. Manage process maintenance, including monitoring and optimisation of scheduled and unscheduled recovery. Control project OPEX budget and support CAPEX control where required. Report and elevate deviations and emerging issues to senior management. Perform and review risk management to minimise project risks. Maintain relationships with third‑party vendors and subcontractors. Maintain comprehensive project documentation, including modular installation instructions, assessments, and operational training materials. Key Requirements Project planning and project management experience. Excellent client‑facing and internal communication skills, both written and verbal. Experience designing processes and machinery from proof of concept to full production. Self‑starter with strong leadership skills. Ability to deliver key milestones by being agile and innovative to resolve technical challenges. Proficient in managing changes in design, scope, schedule, and cost using appropriate verification techniques. Experience measuring process performance using suitable systems, tools, and techniques. Experience in the food and beverage industry, including fluid dynamics, pumping systems, drying systems, water filtration, and material handling. Experience with industrial waste and/or recycling applications. Solid industrial electrical and mechanical technical background with a hands‑on, problem‑solving approach. Excellent organisational and multitasking skills with an attention to detail. Strong IT skills, including fluency with Microsoft Excel and CAD packages. Senioriy Level Mid‑Senior level Employment Type Full‑time Job Function Engineering, Management, and Project Management Industries Industrial Machinery Manufacturing and Biotechnology Research Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Recircle by 2x. #J-18808-Ljbffr