Plant Manager / Contract Manager

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and vision-driven Plant Manager / Contract Manager to lead our facility operations in Toronto. In this pivotal role, you will hold overall responsibility for the performance of the facility in strict alignment with the contract between Veolia and our municipal client. You will oversee day-to-day operations and maintenance (O&M), ensuring safe, fully compliant, cost-effective, efficient, and reliable operational delivery. Supported by local and regional functional experts and technical services, you will be the ultimate operational owner and client advocate on-site. Key Responsibilities: The successful candidate will be responsible for fulfilling, among others, the following key responsibilities: Safety Culture & Health & Safety Management Establish and nurture an uncompromising safety culture among all site personnel and contractors. Ensure all operational activities strictly comply with Veolia’s safety standards, provincial regulations, and codes. Plan and schedule mandatory safety training, lead investigations into unsafe acts or incidents, and manage near-miss reporting in accordance with corporate procedures. Profit & Loss (P&L) & Financial Stewardship Manage total operational financial performance, maintaining ultimate accountability for the facility’s P&L. Lead annual budget planning, operational forecasting, regular monthly accruals, variance analysis, and cost-reduction initiatives. Monitor and authorize all site expenditures while developing financial strategies to optimize margins without compromising service delivery. Client & Contract Management Serve as the principal liaison for day-to-day client communications, fostering a highly collaborative and transparent relationship. Ensure strict adherence to contractual requirements, accurate monthly invoicing, and full delivery of Veolia’s contractual entitlements. Prepare and present comprehensive operational progress and performance reports for client and senior managers. Operations & Long-Term Asset Management Oversee routine and complex plant operations and maintenance activities, ensuring peak efficiency, uptime, and compliance. Lead the maintenance team in implementing long-term asset management plans to safeguard facility longevity and operational continuity. Provide expert direction during critical operational scenarios and unforeseen events. Team Leadership & Talent Development Manage, direct, and coach operations supervisors, operators, and maintenance teams, establishing clear SMART performance objectives. Conduct regular performance evaluations, identify skill gaps, implement targeted training, and build proactive site succession plans. Nurture a strong, resilient and high performing team, and establish collaborative relationships with other Veolia’s teams and external stakeholders. Risk Management & Environmental Compliance Lead site risk assessment initiatives, evaluating operational, mechanical, and safety risks to implement effective mitigation strategies. Guarantee strict environmental compliance, subcontract management, and continuous performance optimization. Educational Background Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Environmental, Chemical, or related engineering discipline), or equivalent professional experience. Professional Experience Requirements 10+ Years of hands-on experience in waste treatment operations, wastewater processing, or similar complex industrial operations. 10+ Years of experience in managing multi-disciplinary operational teams and supervisory staff. 10+ Years of experience in direct plant management or facility leadership roles. 10+ Years of demonstrated experience in commercial and contract management. Proven Track Record in plant maintenance strategies and operations management. Municipal Experience: Experience managing O&M contracts or facilities for municipal clients is highly regarded. Key Skills & Core Competencies Safety Commitment: Uncompromising dedication to safety, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance. Business & Financial Acumen: Strong general accounting knowledge, including the ability to interpret P&L statements, manage operational budgets, and evaluate financial drivers. Technical Mastery: Skilled in reading and interpreting technical engineering drawings, Process & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), and construction specifications. Contractual Knowledge: Proficient in interpreting, negotiating, and executing service agreements and legal commercial documents. Leadership & Coaching: Highly developed leadership presence with proven ability to build high-performing teams, coach emerging leaders, and manage change in a dynamic setting. Problem Solving & Vision: Exceptional analytical abilities, long-term strategic vision, sound operational judgment, and written/verbal communication skills. Compensation and Benefits: Salary: 130,000–150,000 Bonus eligibility Employer-matched pension program Extended health, dental, vision, and life insurance Paid vacation