Location: Iowa, USA
Employment Type: Full-Time | On-Site
We are seeking a hands-on General Manager to lead a waste and recycling operation in Iowa. This is not a strictly administrative GM position. The ideal candidate will be highly engaged in the day-to-day operation and willing to get involved when challenges arise.
This leader will be responsible for operations, safety, staffing, equipment, maintenance, customer service, and financial performance. When equipment goes down, the GM needs to be someone who can jump in, troubleshoot the situation, coordinate maintenance, and do whatever is necessary to keep the operation moving.
Lead and manage day-to-day waste and recycling operations
Maintain a hands-on presence throughout the facility and operations
Ensure equipment stays operational and production continues with minimal downtime
When equipment breaks down, take ownership of the issue, troubleshoot, coordinate repairs, and keep the operation running
Partner closely with maintenance teams and third-party vendors to address equipment issues
Oversee preventative maintenance and equipment reliability
Recruit, hire, train, coach, and develop drivers, operators, and operational personnel
Manage staffing, employee performance, development, and retention
Establish standards that improve productivity, efficiency, safety, and service quality
Drive a strong safety culture across the operation
Oversee routes, scheduling, incoming and outbound loads, and logistics
Monitor equipment utilization and return on assets
Track and report key operational and financial metrics
Identify opportunities for cost reduction, process improvement, and increased profitability
Maintain strong customer relationships and resolve service issues
Take ownership of the operation's P&L and overall financial performance
Build a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement
5+ years of experience in waste, recycling, environmental services, transportation, logistics, or industrial operations
Previous experience as a General Manager, Operations Manager, Plant Manager, Facility Manager, District Manager, or similar leadership role
Strong experience managing operational teams and hourly employees
Hands-on experience with heavy equipment, maintenance, production, or facility operations
Proven ability to troubleshoot operational problems and minimize equipment downtime
Experience managing P&L, budgets, labor, maintenance, and operating costs
Experience with waste collection, recycling, MRF operations, routes, drivers, or heavy equipment preferred
Strong understanding of safety, productivity, maintenance, and operational KPIs
Demonstrated success improving efficiency and reducing costs
Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
Ability to work in a hands-on, fast-paced operational environment
Bachelor's degree preferred but not required based on experience
We are looking for a doer, not just a manager. The right person is comfortable walking the floor, talking with drivers and operators, getting involved with maintenance issues, solving problems in real time, and making sure the facility continues to operate efficiently.
If a machine goes down, this is the type of leader who asks "What do we need to do to get it back up and running?" rather than simply waiting for someone else to solve the problem.
This is an excellent opportunity for a waste and recycling leader who wants full operational ownership and the ability to directly impact safety, profitability, equipment performance, employee engagement, and customer satisfaction.
Job Type: Full-Time
Location: Iowa
Work Setting: On-Site
All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations. GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.
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