Operations Manager Waste Recycling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a

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.