Commercial Director

Position Summary The Commercial Director will be responsible for optimizing feedstock supply and digestate off-take at a key food waste-to-RNG production facility located in Linden, NJ. This leadership role requires expertise and relationships in the solid waste management network around the New York/New Jersey metro area. Essential Functions: Key Responsibilities Site Leadership – Manage and co-coordinate day-to-day obligations and responsibilities under the Waste Supply and Digestate Off-take agreements. Manage delivery scheduling in-line with operational needs, downtime and market dynamics. Manage and cultivate relationships with senior municipal and commercial clients/off-takers, ensuring high-quality customer engagement and contract performance. Ensure effective communication with clients/off-takers to drive site success. Create and execute market-area strategies to optimize asset-value and overall commercial performance. Lead the procurement, negotiation and management of fuel supply contracts – which is expected to be a mix of merchant to long-term in nature. Evaluate and execute opportunities to de-risk the facility, including moving upstream (e.g., establishing LRE owned de-packaging facilities). Ensure effective communication between internal teams, feedstock suppliers and the local community to drive site success. Commissioning & Plant Start-Up – Finalize agreement and coordinate the delivery of seed sludge. Negotiate and finalize lease agreements with waste suppliers for the de-packaging systems. Work with the waste suppliers to manage delivery schedules and expected volume ramp-up during commissioning. Operations & Process Optimization – Work with feedstock suppliers, develop and implement processes/ systems to optimize logistics to the site. Partner with Operations Director and facility operator to optimize feedstock quality, delivery times, and digestate output. Team Development & Personnel Management – Lead and mentor personnel, focusing on development, performance improvement, and fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration. Oversee recruitment, training, and workforce development strategies to maintain a highly skilled and motivated team. Coordinate with external contractors and third-party partners to ensure smooth operations across all aspects of the site. EHS & Compliance – Ensure adherence to a safety-led culture throughout the facility’s operations and processes. Set expectations for everyone involved (employees, visitors, and contractors) to adhere to environmental, health, and safety regulations. Reporting & Continuous Improvement – Develop and present regular reports on operational performance, challenges, and achievements to senior leadership. Lead efforts to identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance plant performance, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. Qualifications Required Background Bachelor's degree in Business or Engineering or a related field is required; Master's degree a plus. 15+ years of waste industry experience in the New York/New Jersey Metro area. Strong network of contacts at both commercial haulers and municipalities. Experience managing hauling operations or feedstock logistics. Previous experience with Anaerobic Digesters a plus. Previous experience in commercial and municipal contracting initiatives from sourcing to evaluation of opportunities, coordinating multidisciplinary bid responses, negotiation, execution, and renewal of agreements. Location & Travel Requirements This role is based in Linden, NJ, and it is required for the candidate to reside within a reasonable commute of the site (approximately 1 hour). Travel requirements: 10-15%, including visits to corporate headquarters in New Jersey, trade shows, and training events. Required Skills Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with commercial and municipal counterparts of all levels and across disciplines. Strong strategic thinker and negotiation skills. Highly developed verbal and written communication skills. Proactive thinking with a detail-oriented and creative problem-solving approach. Benefits Package Overview Flexible vacation, Paid Time Off, and Sick Leave package. Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance. Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance. 401(k), with generous company match. Employee Resource Groups to encourage employee engagement, nurture professional development, and foster an inclusive environment. Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer At this time, SJI is only considering applicants authorized to work in the United States currently and in the future without the need for visa sponsorship. #J-18808-Ljbffr