Plant Manager / Contract Manager

Company Description

A subsidiary of Veolia group, Veolia North America (VNA) is the top-ranked environmental company in the United States for three consecutive years, and the country’s largest private water operator and technology provider as well as hazardous waste and pollution treatment leader. It offers a full spectrum of water, waste, and energy management services, including water and wastewater treatment, commercial and hazardous waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. VNA helps commercial, industrial, healthcare, higher education, and municipality customers throughout North America. Headquartered in Boston, Mass., Veolia North America has more than 10,000 employees working at more than 350 locations across the continent.

Veolia Water Canada operates and maintains complex municipal and industrial infrastructure, delivering high-performance, compliant, and sustainable operations that safeguard public health and protect natural resources. Joining Veolia means becoming part of a passionate, dynamic team dedicated to operational excellence, technical innovation, and environmental stewardship.

www.veolianorthamerica.com

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.

Qualifications

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

Additional Information

Why join our Resourcers team? Come and Resource the World with us!

• Acting today to create tomorrow’s world;
• A company in constant growth;
• A multitude of large-scale projects where you can put your talent to good use;
• Challenges to suit you and the absence of routine;
• The opportunity to develop your career according to your professional goals;
• Internal and external training and coaching programs;
• Competitive compensation, pension and benefits;
• Multidisciplinary work teams and an OHS-oriented work environment.

We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Candidates must be immediately eligible to work legally in Canada; the employer will not sponsor candidates for a work permit or any other Canadian work authorization for this opportunity.

Veolia North America is committed to equal opportunity employment and advancement for all employees and potential employees, and to a work environment free from discrimination and harassment.

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

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