Director Thermal Operations Support

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director Thermal Operations Support oversees the implementation, standardization, and optimization of thermal treatment facilities for hazardous and non-hazardous waste. The incumbent provides strategic and technical direction for Republic Services’ thermal operations, including thermal desorption, incineration, and related technologies. Responsibilities include managing safe, compliant, cost‑effective operations, supporting waste‑to‑energy and PFAS destruction initiatives, and coordinating across functions with finance, EHS, operations, engineering, and HR.

• Deliver strategic insights and actionable recommendations to advance thermal business growth, optimize operational performance and capitalize on emerging market opportunities.
• Provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise for thermal treatment facilities and mobile units, focusing on system design, process optimization, troubleshooting, and long‑term strategic development.
• Lead the evaluation, deployment, and commissioning of advanced thermal technologies, collaborating with engineering, construction, and environmental teams to implement facility and equipment upgrades.
• Develop and manage vendor partnerships and procurement, implementing cost‑control strategies to enhance profitability and operational efficiency.
• Support field operations through engineering analyses, equipment performance evaluations, and efficiency improvements, while monitoring KPIs and facility metrics to maximize output and asset utilization.
• Act as the primary regulatory liaison, ensuring full compliance with EPA, state, and local requirements, and proactively maintaining permits and reporting obligations.
• Design and deliver technical training programs, lead research and pilot projects for emerging contaminants and waste‑to‑energy applications, and communicate department performance and compliance to senior leadership.
• Provide decisive leadership during operational issues, emergencies, and hazardous material incidents, coordinating effectively with internal and external teams to ensure safety and continuity.
• Coaches and develops a team of professionals to aid in their development and attainment of necessary skills, monitors staff performance, and drives performance improvement initiatives ensuring service levels meet or exceed agreed upon standards.
• Performs other job‑related duties as assigned or apparent.

• Ability to travel by air, car and/or other modes of transportation up to 50% of the time, sometimes on short notice.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office suite of products (especially Excel).
• Demonstrate ability and willingness to adjust and adapt to changing conditions.
• Demonstrated expertise in combustion systems, heat transfer, thermodynamics, process controls, and emissions management.
• Strong knowledge of EPA and state regulatory frameworks governing thermal waste treatment.
• Proven leadership experience with the ability to mentor technical teams and interface with operations leadership.
• Experience managing large‑scale capital projects and vendor contracts.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to lead root cause analysis and technical troubleshooting.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Chemical or Environmental Engineering or related field – preferred.

• 10+ years of progressive experience in environmental services or hazardous waste management, with a strong focus on thermal treatment, waste‑to‑energy, hazardous waste incineration, or related process industries.
• 10+ years of experience in a leadership or management role, overseeing multi‑facility or large‑scale operations.

This position is a hybrid role based at Republic Services' headquarters in Phoenix, AZ. Hybrid is 4‑days per week onsite, and 1‑day remote. This position will not be eligible to be fully remote.

• Comprehensive medical benefits coverage, dental plans and vision coverage.
• Health care and dependent care spending accounts.
• Short‑ and long‑term disability.
• Life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment insurance.
• Employee and Family Assistance Program (EAP).
• Employee discount programs.
• Retirement plan with a generous company match.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).
• Paid Time Off (PTO).

EEO STATEMENT:
Republic Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, relationship or association with a protected veteran (spouses or other family members), genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.