Corporate Director of Operational Readiness
Apply NowCompany: Cyclyx
Location: Houston, TX 77084
Description:
Corporate Director of Operational Readiness
Cyclyx Overview
Only 10% of plastics are recycled today, and that must change. Cyclyx is a new kind of plastic feedstock management company that works with industry participants to increase plastic recyclability. Cyclyx operates as a membership consortium, uniting stakeholders around the circular value chains to work together and drive new results in plastic recycling. By working with partners to source, collect and pre-process large volumes of waste plastic based on exact technical specifications, Cyclyx redirects more plastic into recycling. This new partner-driven model aims to boost plastic circularity - and break the cycle that has kept recycling from reaching its full potential.
The Cyclyx Circularity Center (CCC) facility in Houston is a first of its kind recycling facility which accepts clean and mixed sources of waste plastics and processes them into usable feedstock for the advanced and mechanical recycling market. This facility is significant in scale, with an annual capacity of >400 million lbs. of inbound plastic.
Role Overview
The Corporate Director of Operational Readiness is responsible for ensuring the seamless startup and operational launch of newly constructed bulk material handling and manufacturing facilities. This role oversees the coordination of all functional areas that support a new facility, ensuring that all operational systems, processes, and infrastructure are ready for sustained, efficient, and safe production. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in operations, engineering, commissioning, and cross-functional project management, ensuring facilities transition smoothly from construction to full-scale production.
Successful performance of these duties looks like:
Key Responsibilities
Operational Readiness Planning & Execution Systems & Infrastructure Readiness Process Development & Optimization Workforce Readiness & Training EHS & Compliance Readiness Supply Chain & Logistics Coordination Post-Startup Stabilization & Continuous Improvement
Experience and Qualifications
Position Mechanics
Reports to: VP of Operations
Type: Exempt; Full-time
Work Hours: Flexible, but must be available, 8:00-5:00, Monday to Friday with occasional evening and weekend work.
Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes (not initially)
Location: On site, Houston TX
Work environment: Split between an office environment, an industrial manufacturing environment, and a construction environment where the use of PPE is required. Occasional lifting and manual work.
Travel: Moderate - Less than 25% as needed to meet with members and attend off-site meetings
Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship for employment visa status.
Company Benefits
Cyclyx offers a competitive benefits package which goes beyond just a paycheck. Our comprehensive benefits package includes competitive, company funded (up to 90% company-paid premiums) health, dental, vision and insurance plans to robust retirement benefits that include company-matching contributions, and much, much more. We also provide development and growth opportunities because we believe investing in your success is investing in our success. Also, working for a rapidly growing, fast-paced organization, you will have the opportunity to grow professionally and expand your network while building a rewarding and dynamic career.
Company Culture
We are committed to recruiting, developing, and retaining diverse and highly talented individuals. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, an engaging and growing culture, and a variety of opportunities for our employees' professional growth and development.
Cyclyx is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We value mutual respect and diversity in the workplace and are committed to Employment Equity and Inclusion. We celebrate the unique differences of our employees that drive curiosity, innovation, and the success of our business. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and do not discriminate any applicant's status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Accommodation is available for applicants with disabilities.
Cyclyx Overview
Only 10% of plastics are recycled today, and that must change. Cyclyx is a new kind of plastic feedstock management company that works with industry participants to increase plastic recyclability. Cyclyx operates as a membership consortium, uniting stakeholders around the circular value chains to work together and drive new results in plastic recycling. By working with partners to source, collect and pre-process large volumes of waste plastic based on exact technical specifications, Cyclyx redirects more plastic into recycling. This new partner-driven model aims to boost plastic circularity - and break the cycle that has kept recycling from reaching its full potential.
The Cyclyx Circularity Center (CCC) facility in Houston is a first of its kind recycling facility which accepts clean and mixed sources of waste plastics and processes them into usable feedstock for the advanced and mechanical recycling market. This facility is significant in scale, with an annual capacity of >400 million lbs. of inbound plastic.
Role Overview
The Corporate Director of Operational Readiness is responsible for ensuring the seamless startup and operational launch of newly constructed bulk material handling and manufacturing facilities. This role oversees the coordination of all functional areas that support a new facility, ensuring that all operational systems, processes, and infrastructure are ready for sustained, efficient, and safe production. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in operations, engineering, commissioning, and cross-functional project management, ensuring facilities transition smoothly from construction to full-scale production.
Successful performance of these duties looks like:
- The facility and supporting infrastructure is capable of operating per specification on the Release To Operations date (RTO) and with ZeroHarm.
- Suppliers and customers are ready to engage with Cyclyx business activities on the RTO date.
- All Cyclyx functional areas act in concert to successfully stand up and operate the plant.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement a structured operational readiness framework for new facility startups.
- Establish readiness milestones, key performance indicators (KPIs), and risk mitigation strategies to ensure smooth plant commissioning.
- Lead cross-functional coordination between engineering/construction, maintenance, operations, accounting, supply chain, logistics, quality, and EHS teams to ensure all departments are aligned for startup.
- Ensure that all operational processes, procedures, and workflows are in place before facility commissioning.
- Oversee the installation, commissioning, and testing of plant systems, including mechanical, electrical, automation, and control systems.
- Ensure that utility services (power, water, compressed air, dust collection, etc.) are fully functional and optimized for production.
- Collaborate with IT teams to implement ERP, CMMS, and data analytics systems to support efficient operations.
- Ensure the plant layout and material flow are optimized for safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
- Work closely with engineering and operations teams to develop and validate standard operating procedures (SOPs) for production, maintenance, and logistics.
- Lead process testing, trial runs, and first production batches to validate equipment performance and product quality.
- Identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and gaps in operational processes and implement corrective actions.
- Ensure that all new sites are prepared for scalability, automation, and future expansions.
- Partner with HR and site leadership to develop a comprehensive workforce readiness plan, including hiring timelines and onboarding strategies.
- Ensure all employees receive adequate training in safety, operations, maintenance, and compliance before plant startup.
- Develop a knowledge transfer process from design and construction teams to plant operations personnel.
- Implement plant simulation exercises, tabletop drills, and startup rehearsals to test facility readiness.
- Ensure that all EHS protocols, risk assessments, and regulatory compliance requirements are met before facility launch.
- Work closely with corporate and site EHS teams to ensure OSHA, EPA, and local environmental permits are in place.
- Oversee pre-startup safety reviews (PSSR) and ensure compliance with company safety standards.
- Implement emergency response plans, hazard assessments, and first responder training for plant personnel.
- Work with sourcing and supply chain teams to ensure that raw materials, spare parts, and critical consumables are available for startup.
- Coordinate the development of material handling and inventory control processes, systems and infrastructure in support of plant operations.
- Ensure that outbound logistics, shipping, and product distribution plans are in place before facility launch.
- Oversee initial production ramp-up, ensuring that the plant reaches full operational capacity as planned.
- Implement a structured post-startup review process to capture lessons learned and continuous improvement opportunities.
- Develop KPIs to monitor plant performance in the first 90-180 days and implement corrective actions as needed.
- Act as a key liaison between corporate leadership and site operations to ensure long-term operational success.
Experience and Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or related field (Master's degree preferred).
- Experience: Minimum 10+ years of leadership experience in manufacturing, industrial operations, plant startup, or operational readiness roles.
- Industry Experience: Bulk material handling, recycling, industrial manufacturing, mining, or heavy process industries preferred.
- Technical Knowledge:
- Strong understanding of plant commissioning, startup processes, and operational best practices.
- Expertise in industrial automation, production workflows, and asset management systems.
- Knowledge of OSHA, environmental regulations, and process safety management (PSM).
- Certifications (Preferred but Not Required):
- Lean Six Sigma Certification (Green or Black Belt)
- PMP (Project Management Professional)
- ISO 9001 Implementation Experience
- Soft Skills:
- Excellent cross-functional leadership and ability to influence across departments.
- Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and project management abilities.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with competing priorities.
- Effective communication and stakeholder management at all organizational levels.
Position Mechanics
Reports to: VP of Operations
Type: Exempt; Full-time
Work Hours: Flexible, but must be available, 8:00-5:00, Monday to Friday with occasional evening and weekend work.
Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes (not initially)
Location: On site, Houston TX
Work environment: Split between an office environment, an industrial manufacturing environment, and a construction environment where the use of PPE is required. Occasional lifting and manual work.
Travel: Moderate - Less than 25% as needed to meet with members and attend off-site meetings
Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship for employment visa status.
Company Benefits
Cyclyx offers a competitive benefits package which goes beyond just a paycheck. Our comprehensive benefits package includes competitive, company funded (up to 90% company-paid premiums) health, dental, vision and insurance plans to robust retirement benefits that include company-matching contributions, and much, much more. We also provide development and growth opportunities because we believe investing in your success is investing in our success. Also, working for a rapidly growing, fast-paced organization, you will have the opportunity to grow professionally and expand your network while building a rewarding and dynamic career.
Company Culture
We are committed to recruiting, developing, and retaining diverse and highly talented individuals. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, an engaging and growing culture, and a variety of opportunities for our employees' professional growth and development.
Cyclyx is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We value mutual respect and diversity in the workplace and are committed to Employment Equity and Inclusion. We celebrate the unique differences of our employees that drive curiosity, innovation, and the success of our business. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and do not discriminate any applicant's status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Accommodation is available for applicants with disabilities.