Commercial Director

About Us South Jersey Industries (SJI) is an energy holding company that delivers clean energy services to 700,000+ customers and businesses throughout 14 counties in New Jersey. As part of our core values, SJI is dedicated to being a community partner and developing innovative clean energy solutions to meet the needs of the future. To do this, we depend on our workforce of over 1,100+ talented, diverse employees who help us deliver safe, reliable, affordable clean energy for a better today and tomorrow. At SJI, we believe that our employees are our most valuable asset. Whether you’re a seasoned operations technician or an early-career legal professional, our culture, inclusive workforce, and leadership development and training programs will provide you with the tools you need to either kickstart your career or bring it to new heights. Position Summary The Commercial Director will be responsible for optimizing feedstock supply and digestate off-take at a key food waste-to-RNG production facility located in Linden, NJ. This leadership role requires expertise and relationships in the solid waste management network around the New York/New Jersey metro area. The Commercial Director will own and manage relationships with waste suppliers (commercial & municipal) and digestate off-takers. This candidate will develop and establish procurement and risk management strategies to maximize profitability at LRE as it pertains to organics feedstock supply and digestate off-take. The candidate will serve as the point of contact for commercial and municipal bodies, positioning LRE as a critical recycling infrastructure in the region. The successful candidate will join the team during the final stages of construction, supporting the execution of existing feedstock contracts, coordinating with existing feedstock suppliers for commissioning, and ensuring the existing feedstock suppliers are prepared to support LRE as it advances towards commercial operations. Essential Functions: Key Responsibilities: Site Leadership: Manage and co-ordinate day-to-day obligations and responsibilities under the Waste Supply and Digestate Off-take agreements. Manage delivery scheduling in-line with operational needs, downtime and market dynamics. Manage and cultivate relationships with senior municipal and commercial clients/off-takers, ensuring high ‑ quality customer engagement and contract performance. Ensure effective communication with clients/ off-takers to drive site success. Create and execute market ‑ area strategies to optimize asset-value and overall commercial performance. Lead the procurement, negotiation and management of fuel supply contracts – which is expected to be a mix of merchant to long-term in nature. Evaluate and execute opportunities to de- risk the facility, including moving upstream (e.g., establishing LRE owned de-packaging facilities) . Ensure effective communication between internal teams , feedstock suppliers and the local community to drive site success. Commissioning & Plant Start-Up: Finalize agreement and coordinate the delivery of seed sludge. Negotiate and finalize lease agreements with waste suppliers for the de-packaging systems. Work with the waste suppliers to manage delivery schedules and expected volume ramp-up during commissioning . Operations & Process Optimization: Work with feedstock suppliers, d evelop and implement processes / systems t o optimize logistics to the site . Partner with Operations Director and facility operator to optimize feedstock quality, delivery times, and digestate output . Team Development & Personnel Management: Lead and mentor personnel, focusing on development, performance improvement, and fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration. Oversee recruitment, training, and workforce development strategies to maintain a highly skilled and motivated team. Coordinate with external contractors and third-party partners to ensure smooth operations across all aspects of the site. EHS & Compliance: Ensure adherence to a safety-led culture throughout the facility’s operations and processes. Set expectations for everyone involved (employees, visitors, and contractors) to adhere to environmental, health, and safety regulations. Reporting & Continuous Improvement: Develop and present regular reports on operational performance, challenges, and achievements to senior leadership. Lead efforts to identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance plant performance, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. Required Skills: Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with commercial and municipal counterparts of all levels and across disciplines. Strong strategic thinker and negotiation skills. Highly developed verbal and written communication skills Proactive thinking with a detail-oriented and creative problem-solving approach Location & Travel Requirements: This role is based in Linden, NJ , and it is required for the candidate to reside within a reasonable commute of the site (approximately 1 hour). Travel requirements: 10-15%, including visits to corporate headquarters in New Jersey , trade shows, and training events. Qualifications Required Background: Bachelor’s degree in Business or Engineering or a related field is required ; Master’s degree a plus 15+ years of waste industry experience in the New York/New Jersey Metro area; strong network of contacts at both commercial haulers and municipalities Experience managing hauling operations or feedstock logistics ; previous experience with Anaerobic Digesters a plus Previous experience in commercial and municipal contracting initiatives from sourcing to evaluation of opportunities, coordinating multidisciplinary bid responses, negotiation, execution, and renewal of agreements. Explore the Possibilities South Jersey Industries employs a diverse range of talent – from construction contractors to environmental specialists. Regardless of the position, mentoring and networking, hands-on experience, gaining industry knowledge and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our business and in our communities are all exciting ways that we welcome our employees at SJI. And as a company committed to creating an engaging culture built on inclusion and diversity, you’re sure to find an opportunity that makes you feel included, empowered, and ready to “bring your whole self to work” every day. Benefits Package Overview SJI offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The SJI “Total Rewards” Benefits Package include: Flexible vacation, Paid Time Off, and Sick Leave package Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance 401(k), with generous company match Employee Resource Groups to encourage employee engagement, nurture professional development, and foster an inclusive environment. Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer At this time, SJI is only considering applicants authorized to work in the United States currently and in the future without the need for visa sponsorship.