Job Summary
Lead EcoCentral’s recycling operation, develop your leadership team and improve production, with scope to grow into broader operations leadership.
The Role
Good production leaders know that reliable plant performance starts with people who understand their responsibilities and have the confidence to lead.
At EcoCentral, you’ll manage the EcoSort Material Recovery Facility on Parkhouse Road, where recyclable materials are sorted and processed for recovery. Leading an operation of around 35 people through a supervisor and team leaders, you’ll bring together safe production, plant reliability, product quality and financial performance.
A central part of your role is developing the leaders around you. You’ll lead through your supervisor and team leaders, setting clear priorities and giving them the support and autonomy to deliver. Your focus will span day-to-day performance and planning ahead for the operation. Reporting to the Operations Manager and joining EcoCentral’s senior leadership team, you’ll also contribute beyond your site, with scope to develop towards broader operations responsibility.
Key Responsibilities
Build on the strengths of your capable supervisor and team leaders, backing them to lead their teams with confidence and accountability.
Improve throughput, recovery quality and plant uptime through sound production planning.
Coordinate maintenance, contractors and asset improvements to strengthen reliability.
Manage budgets, analyse performance and identify practical improvements to costs and productivity.
Lead safe working practices and maintain environmental, quality and contractual compliance.
Build effective relationships with council representatives, contractors and the wider operations team.
What We’re Looking For
You’ll bring:
Proven production leadership experience in manufacturing, processing or a comparable industrial environment.
Strong people management skills, including coaching leaders and handling performance conversations.
Practical understanding of plant, maintenance and the relationship between reliability and production.
Confidence with budgets, operational data and clear written reporting.
Sound judgement, resilience and the ability to move between immediate issues and longer-term priorities.
An open mind and the drive to keep improving both your operation and your own leadership.
An engineering, commerce or business qualification is relevant, as is equivalent practical knowledge. Recycling industry experience would help, but strong production and people leadership are the priorities.
About EcoCentral
EcoCentral provides the backbone for waste diversion in Canterbury, striving to provide solutions that protect the natural environment that we call home. EcoCentral specialises in resource recovery, processing collections from households and commercial premises across the region. Its mission is to lead and support best practice waste minimisation while providing enduring refuse and recycling services for South Island councils, businesses, and communities. Operations include EcoSort, a large semi-automated recycling facility; three EcoDrop sites for waste, green waste, hazardous items and reusables; and the EcoShop, which sells recovered goods back into the community. EcoCentral is passionate about being a great place to work, offering an environment that promotes personal and professional development. Learn more at www.ecocentral.co.nz.
Why Join EcoCentral?
Lead essential city infrastructure: Take responsibility for the operation behind Christchurch’s yellow-bin recycling.
Work with advanced technology: Lead a world-class recycling facility with sophisticated sorting systems and high standards for recovered materials.
Have a voice beyond your site: Join the operational senior leadership team and contribute to wider business priorities.
Be supported to succeed: Work with an engaged executive leadership team committed to safe operations, continued investment and long-term performance.
Broaden your leadership: Build on your production management experience, with scope to take on wider operational responsibility.
How to Apply
If you know how to lift production by building the capability of the people around you, we’d like to hear from you. Apply through SEEK with your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience.
For a confidential discussion or a full role brief, contact Kerry at [email protected].
Applications close Thursday 19 November 2026. We may progress earlier depending on applications received.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. If you’re interested but unsure whether your experience fits, please get in touch.