Operations Manager

Company Summary

Priority Waste is a fast-growing, technology-driven waste and recycling company that's transforming the industry through innovative solutions and exceptional customer service! Since launching in 2018, we've expanded rapidly across multiple states.

We're excited to be launching new operations in the Grand Rapids, Holland, and New Hudson areas and are looking for the first Operations Manager to join our growing team! This is a unique opportunity to help build a new market from the ground up while joining a company that values teamwork, safety, and career growth!

At Priority Waste, we serve both municipal solid waste and construction & demolition customers through a diversified business model, backed by industry-leading technology and a commitment to doing things differently! If you're looking to be part of an exciting expansion with a company that's investing in its people and its future, we'd love to have you on board!

Job Purpose

The Operations Manager is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing daily operations while ensuring safety, service quality, productivity, and employee engagement. This position provides leadership to frontline personnel, manages route execution, and partners with cross-functional teams to support operational objectives and customer commitments.

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Managing and directing field operations
• Developing and ensuring continuous improvement of processes, systems, and procedures in areas including productions, quality assurance, and workflow
• Coordinating operational needs with the Maintenance Team
• Working with Human Resources to interview, hire, and retain employees
• Coaching, training, mentoring, and overseeing employees
• Managing and resolving customer issues as needed
• Examining completed work to ensure that services are provided in accordance with the high standards set by the company
• Ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, statues, ordinances, and permit conditions as they relate to waste operations
• Monitoring Driver and Laborer time and attendance, minimizing overtime and ensuring Drivers operate within regulations
• Working closely with Safety Team to ensure a safe work environment and safe practices
• Ensuring DOT compliance (physicals, drug tests, medical certifications, etc.)
• Responsible for managing the Assistant Operations Manager
• Ensure drivers in training are certified for operation

The successful candidate profile includes:

• 3-5+ years of supervisory or management experience leading frontline employees and coordinating daily operations.
• 3-5+ years of experience in field operations, transportation, logistics, service delivery, or a related operational environment.
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL) preferred or ability to obtain and maintain one.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience utilizing routing, dispatch, scheduling, workforce management, or other operational software platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and perform effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Ability to work in outdoor and industrial settings with exposure to varying weather conditions and operational environments.
• Ability to occasionally lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds.

At Priority Waste, there are fundamental qualities that we look for in all our employees:

• People who excel in a collaborative environment (team players)
• A willingness to do whatever the situation calls for
• An excitement to be part of a growing organization
• A genuine understanding that the quality of your work has a direct impact on the company’s success