General Manager in Training

Lakeshore Recycling Systems; Rosemont (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Lakeshore Recycling Systems in Rosemont, IL, is seeking motivated candidates for its General Manager in Training program. This 12-month, full-time rotational program develops high-potential leaders through rotations in Operations, Maintenance, Finance, and Sales, with mentorship and a capstone project.

Reports to Area Vice President. Candidates will gain hands-on exposure to dispatching, safety programs, KPI reporting, and people leadership, with up to 20% travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent professional experience considered.
• 4–5 years of frontline management experience, preferably outside the waste/recycling sector.
• Experience with staffing, scheduling, P&L, budgeting, and performance management.

Responsibilities

• Shadow and support site GMs to learn leadership and compliance.
• Rotate through dispatching, DVIR, P&L exposure, and client visits.
• Participate in safety programs, employee engagement, and community initiatives.
• Complete a measurable capstone project and present findings to leadership.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Operational mindset

Coaching frontline teams

Systems & KPIs reporting

Time management / organization

Spanish language (plus)

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent experience considered

Job description

LRS is the industry leader in providing innovative and environmentally responsibly waste and recycling solutions. Our team delivers exceptional service and value through relentless commitment to customer satisfaction and preservation of the environment. Through their safe and innovative approach to waste diversion, LRS thrives on the passion and innovation of our employees to preserve and sustain the beauty of the towns, neighborhoods and communities that we serve.We are excited to hire candidates that align with our Vision and Values: To become the safest, most innovative waste recycler in the world by redefining the way the world views waste.
Live Safety Serve With Passion Innovate Relentlessly Engage With Integrity Build Community Be Accountable

Job Description

Job Summary:

The General Manager in Training is a 12-month, full-time rotational program designed to develop high-potential external leaders for future General Manager roles within LRS. The program includes rotations through Operations, Maintenance, Finance, and Sales with increasing ownership, executive mentorship, and a final capstone project.

Reports To: Area Vice President

• Develop a clear understanding of LRS values and operational strategies
• Shadow and support site GMs to learn performance leadership, talent management, and compliance
• Participate in company-wide safety programs, employee engagement activities, and community initiatives
• Rotate through key functions: dispatching, DVIR compliance, P&L exposure, customer visits, and more
• Complete a measurable, site-specific capstone project and present findings to leadership
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

Scope of Responsibility:

This is a high-visibility, high-impact role. The position does not initially supervise employees, but successful candidates are being developed for future General Manager responsibilities with significant decision-making authority and operational impact.

Requirements

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence across levels
• Operational mindset with comfort in fast-paced, metric-driven environments
• Ability to coach frontline teams and engage drivers, mechanics, and leadership
• Proficiency in systems, KPIs, and operational reporting
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Spanish fluency or multilingual ability is a plus

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent professional experience considered
• 4–5 years of frontline management experience, preferably outside the waste/recycling sector (e.g., Cintas, Aramark, Sysco, Amazon, FedEx)
• Exposure to staffing, scheduling, P&L, budgeting, and performance management

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Regularly required to talk and hear, both in person and by phone or web meetings.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to read and interpret data on a computer screen or printed documents.
• Work is performed in an office environment with moderate noise levels, in a climate-controlled environment with heating and air conditioning.
• May be required to move around the work site and may be exposed to various weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, and snow.
• May be exposed to high noise levels from trucks and machinery while outside typical office setting.
• May be required to lift up to 25 pounds.

Travel Required:

• Up to 20% travel required during the 12-month rotational training period

This job description is designed to provide a general overview of the responsibilities and qualifications required for the position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties or qualifications.

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear
• Occasionally required to stand and walk
• Must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus

Location

Rosemont

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Lakeshore Recycling Systems is proud to be an equal-opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please email [e-mail].

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