Operations Manager

Sims Metal; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 102,000 - 123,000; Full time

Job summary

Sims Lifecycle Services in West Chicago, IL is seeking an Operations Manager to lead daily operations, drive safety, quality, productivity, and customer service. Reporting to the Site Manager, you will oversee teams, optimize resources, and foster a culture of accountability and teamwork.

You will manage schedules and costs while developing employees and ensuring compliance with policies and regulatory requirements. This role offers competitive pay and benefits aligned with industry standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; an associate degree or technical diploma is preferred.
• 3-5 years of leadership experience in operations, manufacturing, logistics, recycling, or related field.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations to achieve safety, quality, productivity, and customer service objectives.
• Manage production schedules, inventory, staffing, and resources for efficiency.
• Maintain inventory accuracy, aiming for 99% accuracy.
• Coach and mentor team members; support performance management and succession planning.
• Coordinate facility and equipment maintenance with site leadership.
• Assist with budget planning, cost management, and review of operational performance.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Multitasking

Interpersonal skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree or technical diploma preferred

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

Sims Lifecycle Services (SLS) is a worldwide leader in IT asset and cloud infrastructure reuse, redeployment, recycling and refining. SLS serves global clients across a range of industries to securely and responsibly recycle and manage the disposition of IT equipment and electronic products. Our asset management and recovery service enables businesses to meet both their social and legal obligations in the treatment of surplus electronics in a legally compliant, data-secure, fully traceable, and environmentally sustainable manner. With our global reach, expertise, and infrastructure, SLS is able to provide a comprehensive solution for e-waste and IT asset disposition anywhere in the world. At Sims Lifecycle Services, we believe progress is driven by our people. If you’re set on making real change for tomorrow, we have the scale, resources, and ambition to make it happen. Now’s an extraordinary time to work with us. SLS is the global leader in circular cloud solutions. We will continue to drive circular economy initiatives with our clients to improve environmental outcomes and business results. To achieve it, we’re bringing together people with unique stories, perspectives, backgrounds, and talent – and we need yours too! Annual Salary Range: $102,379 - $122,855

We are seeking an Operations Manager to join our team in West Chicago, IL. This is an exciting opportunity for a hands‑on leader who thrives in a fast‑paced environment and is passionate about driving operational excellence, developing high‑performing teams, and delivering outstanding results. Reporting to the Site Manager, the Operations Manager will oversee daily operations to ensure safety, quality, productivity, and customer service goals are consistently achieved. This role is responsible for leading operational teams, optimizing resources, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and ensuring compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements. The successful candidate will play a key role in enhancing operational performance, controlling costs, developing employees, and fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and teamwork.

Key Accountabilities

• Support and comply with all Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) policies, procedures, and initiatives to maintain a safe work environment.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, regulatory requirements, and ethical business practices.
• Lead daily operations to achieve safety, quality, productivity, and customer service objectives.
• Manage production schedules, inventory, staffing, and resources to ensure efficient and cost-effective operations.
• Maintain inventory accuracy in accordance with customer requirements, targeting 99% accuracy.
• Oversee material processing, testing activities, and outbound shipments.
• Develop, coach, and mentor team members while supporting performance management and succession planning efforts.
• Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and expectations to drive accountability and operational excellence.
• Protect company assets through effective security, inventory, and cost-control measures.
• Partner with site leadership to coordinate facility and equipment maintenance.
• Assist with budget planning, cost management, and review of operational performance.
• Conduct performance reviews and support employee development initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned.

Experience & Qualifications Required

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate degree, technical diploma, or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
• 3-5 years of leadership experience in operations, manufacturing, logistics, recycling, or a related industry preferred. Demonstrated ability to lead teams, drive operational performance, and achieve safety, quality, and productivity goals.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

Skills And Competencies

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community
• Ability to analyze, develop, establish, and maintain efficient workflow processes
• Knowledge of procurement rules and regulations
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite

With a promote‑from‑within philosophy and a variety of programs available to support continuous learning, Sims offers the opportunity for a rewarding career. We are committed to the ecologically sound and sustainable use of resources and strive to operate in a manner that minimizes waste and protects the environment. A career with SLS provides you with the opportunity to work with an organization whose goal is to be the world’s safest and most responsible recycling company. Our people achieve this by creating a zero‑harm workplace, being exemplary members of the communities in which we operate, and being responsible stewards of the environment. We also offer competitive pay and a range of attractive benefits. SLS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value the diversity of all of our employees and are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where everyone can contribute, advance on merit, and realize their full potential. SLS does not discriminate with regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, citizenship status, disability, age, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, housing status, source of income, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to any employment decision, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. qualified applicants with a disability in need of a reasonable accommodation may request such without fear of reprisal or discrimination. To achieve our purpose to create a world without waste to preserve our planet, we are guided by our Principles of Purpose: Be Safe + Well, Band Together, Be Accountable + Transparent, Consistently Innovate, Inspire with Purpose, Celebrate + Have Fun.