Operations Manager

LRS company; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Lakeshore Recycling Systems in Chicago, IL seeks an Operations Manager to lead daily operations, drive safety and efficiency, and coordinate with drivers, dispatchers, and support staff to meet service, quality, and cost goals.

You will report to the General Manager and build operational talent while implementing sustainable practices and safety initiatives across units. This role demands collaboration and a strong results drive.

Qualifications

• Ability to multi-task across multiple initiatives.
• Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Self-starter with high accountability.
• Positive attitude and energetic approach to tasks.
• Ability to work well under pressure with attention to detail.
• Commitment to safety as a core value.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations to ensure safety, quality, delivery, cost, and cash targets.
• Supervise drivers, dispatchers, and support staff; manage shift scheduling.
• Drive improvements in safety, processes, and performance across units.
• Monitor and forecast financial performance against the operations budget.
• Engage with business units to improve customer attraction, retention, and service quality.
• Develop talent and succession planning for emerging leaders.

Skills

multi-tasking

organization

communication

self-starter

safety-minded

detail-oriented

Education

3+ years experience as Operations Manager or Supervisor

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 our 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 Operations Manager leads and drives operational efficiencies and deliver expected results in the areas of safety, quality, delivery, cost, and cash. This role builds operational talent, addresses key operational performance challenges, and implements sustainable standard practices. The Operations Manager should be comfortable multitasking and working cross-functionally with different business units.

Reports to:

General Manager

• Demonstrate a commitment to communicating, improving, and adhering to safety policies in all work environment areas
• Promote a positive safety culture through leadership by example
• Ensure strict compliance with all health and safety rules and state regulations
• Implement and manage all safety initiatives
• Ensure safety processes and procedures are up to date
• Promote a culture of high performance and meeting/exceeding expected results
• Drive and track financial performance via annual operations budget and monthly operations forecasting
• Review cost on a month-end review and ensure all costs are accounted for and are accurate
• Participate in monthly estimating job cost and financial reviews
• Effectively develop goals and objectives to implement actions
• Track performance and continuously look for opportunities for improvement
• Work with all business units to drive customer attraction, retention, and quality service
• Seek opportunities to meet and exceed customer expectations
• Ensure a quality product/service within operations and actively work to resolve issues
• Accountable for scheduling shifts, planning for call-ins/no shows, and reporting department metrics and performance
• Evaluate customer support and identify solutions for customer issues
• Set a motivational tone and establish a high degree of optimism focused on employees in the work environment
• Respond positively to unpredictable situations or problems that can occur throughout their work responsibilities
• Supervise team members, dispatchers, and drivers
• Evaluate performance and deliver feedback
• Develop measures to motivate employees
• Conduct succession planning
• Participate in the development of emerging leaders to be ready to move into higher level roles

Scope of Responsibility:

The Operations Manager oversees daily operational activities, leading a team of drivers, dispatchers, and support staff to ensure safety, service quality, and efficiency across assigned business units. This role has direct accountability for achieving operational and financial performance goals, including cost control, productivity, and customer satisfaction. The Operations Manager exercises decision-making authority related to staffing, scheduling, and process improvements, and plays a key role in developing talent and maintaining a culture of safety and high performance.

Requirements

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

• Ability to multi-task
• Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills
• Must be a self-starter and have a high level of accountability
• Upbeat and energized to complete tasks with a positive attitude
• Must work well under pressure and have a strong attention to detail
• Must be willing to learn and practice all safety procedures as safety is our highest value

Education & Experience:

• Minimum 3 years of experience as Operations manager and/or Supervisor

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.

Travel Required:

• N/A

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

Pay Range

$90,000 - $120,000

Location

Packers

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Employer Privacy Policy

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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