Description

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 field required 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.

Recycle Ann Arbor

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