General Manager - Operations
Position Summary
The General Manager (GM) of Waste Management & Recycling Operations is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, and day-to-day management of all collection, processing, and recycling operations. The GM drives operational excellence, financial performance, regulatory compliance, and customer satisfaction while advancing the organization's sustainability and environmental goals. This is a senior leadership role requiring a decisive, results-oriented professional with deep industry expertise.
Key Responsibilities
Operations Management
- Direct all aspects of waste collection, transfer, and recycling processing operations across assigned facilities and service areas.
- Ensure safe, efficient, and reliable daily operations in compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations.
- Oversee fleet management, including vehicle maintenance schedules, routing optimization, and equipment procurement.
- Monitor and continuously improve operational KPIs, including route efficiency, diversion rates, downtime, and cost per ton.
Financial & Business Performance
- Own the full P&L for the business unit; develop and manage annual operating and capital budgets.
- Identify and execute revenue growth opportunities, including new service lines, contract expansions, and market development.
- Analyze financial performance, forecast variances, and implement corrective action plans as needed.
- Negotiate contracts with municipal clients, commercial accounts, and vendors.
People Leadership
- Lead, develop, and retain a high-performing team of managers, supervisors, drivers, and facility staff.
- Cultivate a strong safety culture with zero-tolerance enforcement of safety policies and procedures.
- Partner with HR on workforce planning, talent acquisition, performance management, and labor relations.
- Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across the organization.
Regulatory & Environmental Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with EPA, DOT, OSHA, and applicable state/local environmental regulations.
- Maintain all required permits, licenses, and reporting obligations for landfill, transfer station, and recycling operations.
- Lead environmental stewardship efforts and advance the organization's sustainability metrics and ESG goals.
Customer & Community Relations
- Serve as the primary point of contact for key municipal and commercial client relationships.
- Drive high levels of customer satisfaction through service reliability, responsiveness, and proactive communication.
- Represent the organization at public meetings, community events, and industry forums.
Strategic Planning
- Develop and execute multi-year business plans aligned with corporate strategy and market opportunities.
- Evaluate and recommend capital investments, technology upgrades, and expansion initiatives.
- Monitor competitive landscape and industry trends; adapt strategy accordingly.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field.
- 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in waste management, recycling, logistics, or a related industry.
- Demonstrated P&L ownership and track record of meeting or exceeding financial targets.
- Deep knowledge of waste collection operations, recycling commodity markets, and environmental regulations.
- Proven ability to lead large, diverse teams in a unionized or non-union environment.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
Preferred
- Master's degree (MBA or related field).
- Experience with municipal contract management and public sector procurement.
- Familiarity with route optimization and fleet management software (e.g., Routemaster, Fleetmatics).
- SWANA, ISRI, or other relevant industry certifications.
- Experience driving sustainability initiatives and measuring environmental impact.
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.
