Transportation Operations Manager Jobs in Columbus, IN

Rumpke is a family-owned and operated company that ranks as one of the largest firms in the waste and recycling industry. Our mission is simple: to deliver exceptional waste and recycling solutions to our customers and communities through a commitment to safety, service, the environment and the growth of our people.

When you join Rumpke, you’ll be part of a team providing essential services to millions of residents, businesses, and neighborhoods. You will enjoy competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, vision, matching 401(k), life insurance, paid vacation, and more.

This is your opportunity to make a difference for you and your family. Come join our team!

The Operations Manager oversees the day-to-day waste and recycling collection operations within an assigned site or division, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant execution of all routes and services. Reporting to the District Manager, this role provides direct leadership to front-line supervisors, drivers, and helpers while driving performance in safety, service, cost, and employee engagement.

The Operations Manager is responsible for meeting operational targets, maintaining fleet readiness, managing labor and overtime, and ensuring compliance with company policies, DOT/FMCSA regulations, and environmental standards. This position plays a critical role in building strong teams, developing employees, and promoting a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities of Position:

• Monitor performance metrics, including safety, customer service, cost, productivity, and overtime
• Ensure compliance with safety, DOT, and environmental regulations
• Analyze route performance metrics (cost per route, overtime, service failures, safety trends) and implement corrective actions
• Drive operational improvements through coaching, process consistency, and technology (e.g., onboard computers, route optimization)
• Interact with local, city, municipal, and county agencies to ensure customer satisfaction, improve efficiency, and ensure regulatory compliance standards
• Conduct investigations for accidents, incidents, and property damage claims, completing accurate and detailed reports in partnership with safety and human resources
• Lead, coach, and develop front-line supervisors, drivers, and support staff to achieve district goals
• Collaborate with Maintenance, Dispatch, and Customer Service to ensure service reliability
• Manage P&L performance for assigned operations and control operational expenses
• Support labor relations, investigations, and corrective actions

Supervisory Responsibility:

• This position will manage 1-5 employees
• This position will oversee and direct other managers

Skills & Abilities Needed for Position:

• Solid understanding of P&L, operational metrics, and route optimization
• Experience leading safety and compliance programs
• Strong people-management and coaching skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate cross-functionally (Maintenance, Dispatch, Customer Service)

Experience & Knowledge Needed for Position:

• 5–8 years in waste management, logistics, or transportation
• 3+ years of progressive leadership experience managing Route Managers or equivalent
• Knowledge of safety regulations and requirements (DOT, OSHA)

Physical Requirements in a Regular Workday:

• Frequently lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling a max of 20 lbs
• Occasionally lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling a max of 50 lbs
• Rarely lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling a max of 75 lbs
• Continuously working outside in changing temperatures, wet/humid conditions
• Continuously working in areas of dust, odors, mist, gases, and other airborne matter
• Frequently stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling
• Occasionally climbing and/or balancing
• Continuously sitting/standing/walking

Additional Working Conditions/Aspects:

• Must be at least 19 years of age
• No more than 3 moving violations within the last 2 years
• Must not have any DUI's or OVI's within the last 5 years or 2 in the last 10 years
• Possible exposure to high traffic conditions and/or tight driving areas
• Exposure to residential and commercial waste
• Ability to travel between offices, as required
• Ability to work flexible hours; expected to work nights and weekends as needed
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, and/or holidays
• Must be available for 24-hour emergency calls
• Legally eligible to work in the United States
• Valid driver’s license (if applicable)
• Must successfully complete pre-employment testing
• Must be able to read and speak the English language

This job description is intended to describe the general nature, complexity, and level of work to be performed by employees assigned to this position and is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. It does not prescribe or restrict the work that may be assigned. Furthermore, this does not establish an employment contract and is subject to change at the discretion of the company.

Rumpke Waste and Recycling is committed to equality in all aspects of employment. It is Rumpke’s policy to provide equal opportunities to all employees and potential employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.