Operations Manager Nonprofit Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

At Recycle Ann Arbor, we don’t just manage waste, we rethink it. Every day, our work keeps thousands of tons of material out of landfills and puts it back into circulation, conserving resources and cutting emissions across Southeast Michigan.

We’re looking for a General Manager of Operations who can turn that mission into execution, someone who thrives in complex, high-volume environments, leads through people, and knows how to bring discipline, clarity, and continuous improvement to operations that directly impact the environment and the community.

This is not a maintenance role. It’s a leadership role for someone who wants to build, optimize, and elevate how a mission-driven industrial operation runs.

About Recycle Ann Arbor

Recycle Ann Arbor is a nonprofit focused on practical, scalable zero-waste solutions.

Our operations include:

• Material Recovery Facility (MRF): A modern sorting facility designed to maximize recovery and send material to trusted regional markets
• Curbside Recycling: Weekly service that supports residential participation and keeps recyclables out of landfills
• Recovery Yard: A construction and demolition recycling facility helping contractors recover usable material
• Drop-Off Station: A community resource for recycling and disposal of a wide range of materials

Together, these programs form a connected system that relies on sound operations, good data, and reliable execution.

Why This Role Matters

This role is central to how well our operations perform.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Keeping day-to-day operations organized, safe, and efficient
• Ensuring that multiple divisions are aligned and meeting expectations
• Driving practical improvements that make the system more reliable and cost-effective

You’ll also play a key role in developing the managers who run each area. For us, success in this role is measured as much by team strength and consistency as by numbers on a report.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• 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

Process Improvement

• 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

Safety & Compliance

• Maintain a safe working environment across industrial and outdoor settings
• Ensure compliance with DOT, OSHA, and environmental regulations
• Reinforce safety practices consistently across teams

Team Development

• 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

Budget & Operations Support

• 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

What You Bring (Must-Haves)

We’re looking for someone with real operational experience, not just oversight.

• 3–5+ years managing multi-site or multi-division operations, preferably in the solid waste/recycling or closely related fieldrequired in the solid waste/recycling industry.  
• Experience supervising managers and holding teams accountable for results
• 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 and the ability to work across teams and functions

Bonus Points (Nice-to-Haves)

• Familiarity with commodity markets or material pricing
• Exposure to municipal contracts or public-sector work
• Experience with RFPs, bids, or grant-funded projects
• Background in continuous improvement or lean practices

What Success Looks Like (6–12 Months)

Success in this role is visible and measurable:

• Operations run more consistently, with fewer disruptions and clearer accountability
• Safety standards are maintained and reinforced across all divisions
• Managers are more effective, especially in managing their own teams
• KPIs are understood, tracked, and used to guide decisions; not just reported
• Small, practical improvements have been implemented and are adding up
• Financial and operational performance are more predictable and controlled

You’ll know you’re making an impact when the operation feels more organized, stable, and easier to manage.

What We Offer

Compensation is $105,000 - $115,000, depending on experience, along with a sign on bonus and relocation assistance for the right candidate. 

• A mission-driven role with tangible environmental and community impact
• The opportunity to lead a complex operation that matters locally
• A collaborative leadership team that values steady, thoughtful improvement
• A role where you can see the results of your work in real time
• Competitive compensation and benefits, aligned with nonprofit structures and internal equity

Call to Action

If you’re an experienced operations leader who knows how to keep systems running smoothly, manage people effectively, and improve performance in a hands-on environment, we encourage you to apply.

This is a solid, steady role with real responsibility and impact; not a flashy title or a high-compensation executive position. It’s a good fit for someone who values meaningful work, operational ownership, and a chance to make a difference in how materials are recovered and reused.

If you meet most of what we’re looking for and are comfortable in a role where execution matters every day, we’d like to hear from you, even if you don’t check every box.