Operations Manager Recycling & Waste Disposal 90–100 %

About the job

REWAG Entsorgung AG is a regionally rooted and entrepreneurially managed SME in the circular economy in northwestern Switzerland. We collect, sort, recycle, and professionally process recyclable materials and waste using modern facilities.

In view of the planned retirement of our long-standing operations manager, we are looking for a strong and down-to-earth leader as of 1 January 2027 or by arrangement for the position of

Operations Manager Recycling & Waste Disposal 90–100 %

In this key position, you will take over the operational management of our sites with a main focus on Kaiseraugst. You will report directly to the managing director and lead around 15–20 employees. You do not manage from the office but are present where the operation runs. If you lead teams with respect and a clear stance and understand technology, you are in the right place with us.

Your tasks – lead, organise and develop:

• Manage operations: You lead the day-to-day operations of our sites with a main focus on Kaiseraugst. You plan the daily deployment of staff and machinery, set priorities, and ensure smooth operation.
• Lead the team: You manage around 15–20 employees (site manager, machine operators, sorting/operational staff, weighbridge) with clear, fair and reliable communication at eye level.
• Coordinate material flows: You keep an overview of acceptance, classification, sorting, storage and transport of our recyclable materials and waste and ensure that materials are at the right place at the right time.
• Develop the operation: You identify potential improvements in processes, organisation and technology and pragmatically implement them together with management.
• Maintain machinery: You ensure that our excavators, wheel loaders, forklifts, presses, shredders as well as processing and sorting plants are ready for use, maintained and cared for. You coordinate major repairs with external partners.
• Site & safety: You ensure cleanliness, structure and order throughout the site and consistently enforce safety, environmental and fire protection regulations.
• Take responsibility: You represent the managing director during absences and contribute your ideas for new acquisitions and projects.

Your profile – leadership, technical skills and common sense:

• Professional training: Completed technical, craft or comparable vocational training.
• Further education: Further training as a technical business administrator, process specialist, operations specialist or a comparable qualification is an advantage.
• Leadership experience: Leadership experience in an operational environment with employees of varying qualifications is especially welcome. You communicate directly, respectfully, clearly and remain calm even in hectic moments.
• Hands-on mentality: You tackle problems pragmatically, enjoy making decisions and organising, and are visible and present on site.
• Place of residence: Your place of residence allows reliable presence in Kaiseraugst.
• Driving licence: Category B driving licence is mandatory; construction machinery licence and/or machine operator experience is a plus.
• Industry experience: Experience in recycling, bulk goods or construction site sectors is an advantage – motivated career changers with solid leadership experience are welcome!

What we offer you:

• Lots of freedom: High personal responsibility and genuine trust in your daily work.
• Key position: You work directly with the managing director and can actively shape the operation.
• Varied operation: Different materials, machines, plants and sites ensure that no day looks exactly the same.
• Secure workplace: A financially healthy, regionally anchored SME with short decision-making paths and long-standing employees.
• Modern technology: Good machines and contemporary recycling plants.
• Clear responsibilities: Administration, ISO system, budgeting and fleet management are supported or managed by other positions – you can focus on the operational management of the sites.
• Contemporary employment conditions: 5 weeks’ holiday, good social benefits and fair, market-appropriate employment conditions.

Ready for the next step?

Please send us your application directly. We will of course treat your application confidentially. Only the managing director has access to the application address.

(Note: We only consider direct applications. We cannot process dossiers from recruitment agencies.) 

Questions about the position? Contact me directly:

Fabian Mombelli

Managing Director

061 816 99 70

REWAG Entsorgung AG

Rinaustrasse 633

4303 Kaiseraugst

www.rewag-entsorgt.ch