Job Title: Material Return General ManagerReports To: Executive DirectorDepartment/Location: Material ReturnJob Type: Full-Time Salaried Exempt, On-Site Morganton NCAbout The Industrial Commons: The Industrial Commons is an economic ecosystem located in Morganton, NC,that founds and grows interconnected enterprises that solve problems for businesses and workers andmanufactures hope for the people of Southern Appalachia. Our mission is to rebuild a diverse working class basedon locally rooted wealth. We address root causes of generational poverty by supporting frontline workers to build aneconomy for all through our four fields of Workforce Development, Community Engagement, BusinessDevelopment, and Network Development. TIC is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination andharassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics,protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected byfederal, state, or local laws.About Material Return: Material Return is building a circular textile economy by transforming textile waste intohigh-quality recycled yarns. Based in Morganton, NC, we are creating innovative manufacturing solutions thatreduce waste, strengthen domestic supply chains, and advance sustainable textile production in the UnitedStates.Job Overview:The General Manager is responsible for leading all manufacturing and operational functions for MaterialReturn's growing circular yarn production facility. This role provides strategic and operational leadership acrossproduction, quality, maintenance, supply chain, workforce development, financial performance, and customerfulfillment to ensure safe, efficient, and scalable manufacturing operations. As a member of the leadershipteam, the General Manager will establish operational systems, optimize manufacturing processes, lead theintegration of new equipment and technologies, and develop a high-performing team capable of supportinglong-term business growth. The ideal candidate is a collaborative, hands-on manufacturing leader withexperience building operational excellence within a dynamic, fast-growing environment.Essential Functions Lead all day-to-day manufacturing operations to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable production whilemeeting quality, cost, and delivery objectives. Recruit, coach, and develop a high-performing operations and production team while fostering a cultureof accountability, collaboration, continuous learning, problem-solving, and employee engagement. Develop and implement operational strategies, systems, standard operating procedures, and keyperformance indicators that support organizational growth and continuous improvement. Oversee production planning, scheduling, inventory management, maintenance, quality assurance, andcustomer order fulfillment. Monitor operational performance and identify opportunities to improve productivity, equipmentutilization, throughput, and manufacturing efficiency. Lead the installation, commissioning, and optimization of new manufacturing equipment and productiontechnologies. Collaborate with engineering, technical partners, and equipment suppliers to improve manufacturingprocesses and product quality. Develop and maintain preventive maintenance programs that maximize equipment reliability andminimize downtime. Establish performance expectations and provide ongoing leadership, coaching, and professionaldevelopment for supervisors and staff. Manage departmental budgets, operating expenses, capital projects, and resource allocation to supportorganizational objectives. Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and strategic partners to ensureoperational excellence and customer satisfaction. Ensure compliance with all applicable OSHA, environmental, and regulatory requirements whilepromoting a culture of workplace safety. Partner with executive leadership to develop operational strategies that support business growth,manufacturing capacity, and long-term organizational success. Advance Material Return's mission by implementing manufacturing practices that support sustainabilityand the circular textile economy.Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Business Administration, ora related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Seven (7) or more years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including responsibilityfor plant operations, production management, or manufacturing operations. Demonstrated success leading manufacturing teams and improving operational performance throughprocess optimization and continuous improvement initiatives. Experience managing production planning, quality systems, inventory control, maintenance, budgeting,and workforce development. Experience leading equipment installation, process implementation, and manufacturing scale-upinitiatives. Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies. Experience within textiles, fiber processing, yarn manufacturing, recycling, or other industrialmanufacturing environments preferred. Strong financial and business acumen with experience managing operational budgets and keyperformance metrics. Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Ability to build cross-departmental relationships while effectively managing multiple priorities in afast-paced environment. Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety, operational excellence, and sustainable manufacturingpractices. Perform other related duties as assigned to support organizational priorities.Physical Demands and Work Environment: Ability to remain stationary for extended periods. Ability to move throughout the office, meeting, warehouse, and work environments to access equipment,materials, and communicate with others. Ability to occasionally lift and move materials weighing up to 40 pounds. Ability to travel locally and regionally as needed to support business operations. Ability to perceive, process, and communicate information presented in written, verbal, and electronicformats in English. Ability to operate or work safely around powered industrial equipment and moving machinery, when requiredby the position. Able to wear a required NIOSH-approved respirator. The selected candidate must complete the employer'srequired medical clearance process, including pulmonary function testing, before beginning work Work is performed in both office and warehouse/manufacturing environments. Regular exposure to warehouse conditions, including varying temperatures, elevated noise levels, movingequipment, dust, and airborne cotton fibers.Salary and Benefits Salary: Competitive, with an anticipated range of starting between $90,000-$110,000based on experience. Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and holidays.Salary is commensurate on experience. To apply, please send a resume and 3 professional references toHR@theindustrialcommons.org with the subject line “Material Return General Manager”