RNG Plant Manager

AD Energy Recruitment; Indiana; On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

AD Energy Recruitment is seeking a Plant Manager for a large-scale waste-to-value RNG facility in Indiana. You will lead all daily operations, overseeing anaerobic digestion, biogas upgrading, and wastewater systems while ensuring safety, compliance, and performance targets.

This senior, site-based role requires 10+ years in regulated industrial operations, with strong leadership, data analysis, and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience managing an industrial process facility or wastewater treatment plant.
• Proven leadership in regulated, safety-critical environments.
• Background in wastewater treatment, anaerobic digestion, biogas, RNG or related industries.
• High school diploma; technical or engineering education is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead all daily plant operations to meet production, uptime, and performance targets.
• Develop, implement, and improve operational programs and SOPs.
• Own site performance across anaerobic digestion, biogas upgrading, and related systems.
• Oversee CMMS use to support maintenance and reliability.
• Manage staffing and development of plant personnel; conduct performance reviews.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and regulatory reporting.
• Drive safety culture and incident investigations; manage budgeting and procurement.
• Coordinate with HR, leadership, and contractors for staffing and escalation.

Skills

People leadership

Operations leadership

Regulatory compliance

Data analysis

Troubleshooting

Education

High school diploma

Technical or engineering education advantageous

Tools

CMMS

Regulatory reporting tools

Job description

Plant Manager – Waste-to-Value / Renewable Natural Gas Facility

Indiana, USA | Full-Time | Site-Based | 24/7 Operation

The Opportunity

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