Director of Operations – Mexico

THE COMPANYWe have been retained by a client, who is an industry leader in sustainable environmental services, specializing in hazardous waste management, solvent recycling, and site remediation. With operations across North America, they deliver innovative, compliant, and cost-effective solutions that protect communities and the environment. They foster a culture of safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement while empowering their leaders to make an impact. THE POSITION The Director of Operations – Mexico will lead our client’s hazardous waste and recycling operations across multiple sites in Baja California (Tijuana and Mexicali), ensuring safety, compliance, operational efficiency, and growth. This executive will oversee P&L performance, build and maintain strategic relationships, and integrate U.S. and Mexico business practices into a unified operational framework. This is a hands-on, high-impact role requiring deep knowledge of hazardous waste management, bi-national regulatory requirements, and the ability to align operational execution with strategic business goals. This position reports to the VP of Operations. Key Responsibilities Operational Leadership & Performance Oversee Tijuana and Mexicali hazardous waste and recycling operations, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives. Develop, implement, and monitor annual business plans for each site, including performance targets, safety goals, and compliance objectives. Establish KPIs to drive operational efficiency, cost competitiveness, and value to clients. Lead continuous improvement initiatives, process optimization, and capital investment strategies. Ensure robust safety programs and compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations in both Mexico and the U.S. Financial & Commercial Management Manage full P&L responsibility for $42M annual revenue, ensuring profitability and growth targets are met. Allocate resources and capital strategically to meet profit and expansion objectives. Approve pricing strategies and oversee market competitiveness for services and recycled products. Identify and pursue new business opportunities, including customer acquisition and retention strategies. Strategic Relationships & Compliance Cultivate relationships with customers, government agencies (e.g., SEMARNAT), and regulatory authorities in both countries. Oversee transboundary hazardous waste activities in compliance with U.S. (EPA, CA) and Mexico regulations. Support integration of newly acquired companies into the companies’ operational and cultural standards. Provide market intelligence, industry trend analysis, and strategic recommendations to the executive team. THE CANDIDATE Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Business, or related field (advanced degree preferred). 7+ years in hazardous waste industry management, including at least 3 years in Mexico overseeing multi-site operations. Proven experience with hazardous waste recycling, solvent recovery, and cross- border operations. In-depth knowledge of U.S. federal and California hazardous waste regulations, and Mexico federal/state environmental laws. Experience managing transboundary hazardous waste movements and related permitting processes. Strong P&L management, strategic planning, and financial acumen. Skilled negotiator with proven ability to lead teams, manage change, and resolve complex operational issues. Strong leader who wins trust and is empathetic. Possesses emotional and social intelligence to manage change. A driver who makes things happen, manages ambiguity, has high energy, agility, is assertive and self-motivated. Proficient in MS Office Suite, especially Excel; CRM experience preferred. 100% bilingual English Spanish, with exceptional verbal and written communication skills in both languages. Why Join our client? Opportunity to lead a high-revenue, multi-site operation in a critical growth market. Influence bi-national environmental strategies with significant operational impact. Work in a mission-driven company committed to sustainability, safety, and community well-being.