Cultivating Emerging Leaders for Supervisory Roles

As the lead battery recycling industry continues to advance, companies across North America are investing in the next generation of leaders. From cutting-edge recycling processes to rigorous health and safety standards, this industry thrives on continuous improvement, and that includes developing people. ABR member companies are taking a proactive approach to supervisory training by identifying talent within their current workforce and equipping them to lead.

The Association of Battery Recyclers (ABR) and its members are committed to sharing knowledge that continuously improves the industry’s sustainable recycling practices, employee health and safety goals, and environmental protection standards. In this spirit of collaboration, ABR hosts regular meetings that allow members to learn from industry peers through presentations covering technical, industry, and regulatory topics. The recent ABR meeting featured a panel discussion focused on building supervisory talent from within, a critical strategy for maintaining operational excellence and innovation.

Insights from Industry Experts

Panelists included Terry Leberfinger, Vice President of Human Resources and Safety at Sanders Lead Co.; Scott Hauser, Director of Metals Operations at East Penn Manufacturing; Arlen P. Bolan, P.E., General Manager at Terrapure Environmental in Toronto; and AJ Williams, Director of Engineering and Project Execution at Ecobat. Each leader emphasized the importance of developing supervisors who understand the unique demands of lead battery recycling and can inspire and manage teams effectively.

Leverage Institutional Knowledge

A consistent theme among the panelists was the value of internal promotion. Employees working on the plant floor possess valuable institutional knowledge of systems, processes, and technologies that cannot be easily replicated with training alone. While technical expertise doesn’t automatically translate into leadership ability, employees who demonstrate initiative, reliability, and communication skills are often ideal candidates for supervisory roles.

Organizations are increasingly formalizing these development pathways with structured training programs that include:

• Plant operations and technical training
• Health and safety protocols
• Environmental and regulatory compliance
• Data analysis and documentation
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Communication and team leadership

Most programs offer a mix of classroom learning, hands-on coaching, peer shadowing, and online education. Panelists emphasized the value of having candidates shadow existing supervisors to build confidence and understand leadership techniques. Because collecting, validating, and analyzing data is often a significant aspect of supervisory roles that hourly employees may not have been exposed to regularly, job shadowing also gives new supervisors an opportunity to better understand the “why” behind regulatory compliance activities.

Fostering a Culture of Mentorship

Creating leadership opportunities before formal promotion is another key strategy. Panelists described how informal mentorship programs, such as peer training, onboarding guidance, and senior technician roles, help identify employees who are eager to lead. These settings also allow potential supervisors to build confidence and demonstrate their leadership style.

Top traits of emerging leaders include:

• A natural ability to coach, guide, and inspire others
• Strong problem-solving and follow-through
• Effective communication and collaboration
• Alignment with company values and vision

Soft Skills for Long-Term Success

Transitioning from peer to supervisor can be challenging. That’s why many companies prioritize soft skill development as part of their leadership training. Communication, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution are critical tools for new supervisors, particularly in high-stakes industrial settings where team cohesion and safety are paramount.

Building the Future of Battery Recycling

ABR members are committed to driving sustainable, high-performance recycling solutions that support the lead battery circular economy. A strong pipeline of capable, well-trained supervisors ensures that we continue to meet growing environmental and manufacturing demands with innovation, integrity, and operational excellence.

Panels like this highlight how collaboration across companies can elevate the entire industry. By investing in people as much as in technology, the lead battery recycling industry is positioning itself for long-term success and helping shape the future of energy storage in North America.