Plant Manager Oostende

Help accelerate large-scale plastic recycling by leading one of BlueAlp’s advanced chemical recycling plants. We are looking for a Plant Manager for the BlueAlp plant in Oostende, Belgium. The plant manager will secure safe, reliable, and efficient operations in a fast-growing climate technology company.

About the role

In this role you will take responsibility for the daily operation of a BlueAlp pyrolysis plant that converts approximately five truckloads of plastic waste per day into high-quality oil for new, virgin-grade plastics. The Plant Manager has full operational ownership;

Your responsibilities

Operations Management

• Oversee and support day-to-day plant operations to ensure continuous, stable, and efficient production

• Monitor process parameters and optimize yield, quality, and energy efficiency

• Manage maintenance planning and plant availability

• Coordinate production planning, feedstock logistics, material flows, and waste streams

Safety, Health, Environment & Quality (SHEQ)

• Secure full compliance with environmental, safety, and waste regulations

• Maintain and improve SHEQ systems and operational standards

• Lead safety culture initiatives and ensure correct handling of chemicals and materials

• Manage interactions with regulatory bodies and external auditors

Leadership & People Management

• Lead, develop, and coach a team of approximately 30 operators, technicians, and supervisors

• Build a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement

• Oversee competence management, training, staffing levels, and shift scheduling

• Conduct performance evaluations and support professional development

Process & Continuous Improvement

• Identify process optimizations to increase yield and reduce downtime

• Support technology upgrades and plant modifications together with Technology and Engineering

• Drive data-based improvements, including digitalization and predictive maintenance

Your profile

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Process Technology or Chemical Engineering

• Proven experience leading operations teams in the process industry

• Strong safety leadership and operational discipline

• Fluent in Dutch and English

• Experience in petrochemicals or related sectors

• Background in maintenance, plant optimization, or reliability engineering

• Experience in waste management is a strong plus

You are

• A hands-on operational leader

• Strong in communication and listening

• Analytical, proactive, and structured

• Motivated by circularity and large-scale impact

The impact you will make

By operating one of BlueAlp’s key facilities, you directly contribute to scaling advanced chemical recycling in the Benelux. Your work ensures stable production, continuous innovation, and the transformation of plastic waste into valuable feedstock for new plastics — supporting a more circular economy.

About BlueAlp

BlueAlp is a climate technology company with more than ten years of experience in developing, engineering, building, and operating advanced pyrolysis technology. Our roots lie in Switzerland, where the first demo plant was designed. Today, we operate and license scalable, modular plants that enable industrial partners to recycle plastic waste into high-value products. With strong industry partnerships and a growing operational footprint in the Benelux, we offer an opportunity to apply process technology at scale and contribute to a mission-driven, rapidly expanding organization.

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Compensation

Total gross salary range: €110,000 – €160,000 per year, including base salary and bonus. The exact level will depend on the experience of the candidate.

Location

On-site presence at the plant is essential for leading operations.

Ready to make an impact?

Apply now for the Plant Manager or Deputy Plant Manager position.

For questions, contact info@bluealp.nl