Head of Operations — Mission-Driven Recycling

Recycle Ann Arbor; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 105,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Recycle Ann Arbor is seeking a General Manager of Operations to lead a mission-driven, multi-site operation in Southeast Michigan. You will drive throughput, safety, quality, and continuous improvement across divisions, turning strategy into disciplined execution in a high-volume environment.

This role emphasizes developing managers, aligning teams, and applying data-driven decisions to reduce waste and improve efficiency.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years managing multi-site or multi-division operations in solid waste/recycling.
• Experience supervising managers and holding teams accountable.
• Comfort working with operational data and performance metrics.
• Working knowledge of DOT, OSHA, or similar regulatory environments.
• Ability to operate effectively in both office and field settings.
• Practical, steady leadership style with a focus on execution and follow-through.
• Strong communication skills across teams and functions.

Responsibilities

• Work with senior leadership to execute operational plans across divisions.
• Support division managers in meeting safety, productivity, and quality goals.
• Track performance metrics and address gaps in a direct, practical way.
• Identify inefficiencies and implement changes that improve flow and reduce waste.
• Use data to guide decisions and prioritize improvements.
• Help ensure materials move through the system in a predictable and efficient way.
• Maintain a safe working environment across industrial and outdoor settings.
• Ensure compliance with DOT, OSHA, and environmental regulations.
• Reinforce safety practices consistently across teams.
• Coach and support operational managers in their day-to-day leadership.
• Lead regular check-ins and operations meetings to maintain alignment.
• Address personnel and labor issues in coordination with leadership.
• Manage divisional budgets and monitor actual performance vs. plan.
• Support invoicing, reporting, and contractual requirements.
• Assist with RFPs and proposals by providing operational input and cost clarity.

Skills

Multi-site operations

People leadership

Operational data & metrics

Regulatory compliance DOT/OSHA

Office & field operations

Execution-focused leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

Recycle Ann Arbor is seeking a General Manager of Operations to lead a mission-driven, multi-site operation in Southeast Michigan. You will drive throughput, safety, quality, and continuous improvement across divisions, turning strategy into disciplined execution in a high-volume environment.

This role emphasizes developing managers, aligning teams, and applying data-driven decisions to reduce waste and improve efficiency.