Operations Manager

Peoplelink Staffing, in partnership with a prominent manufacturer in the Milwaukee, WI area, is seeking Operations Manager to join their team! This is a climate-controlled facility offering a wide range of perks such as full benefits, 401K, and profit sharing!


Position Title: DIRECT HIRE!!! Operations Manager

Shift: 7am-3:30pm

$70,000 - $85,000 per year, depending on experience. Final package will be determined based on background, relevant industry experience, and overall fit.

The Opportunity
This is a hands-on operations leadership role, not a purely administrative position. The Operations Manager will stand up, run, and continuously improve collection, MRF, and outbound recycling operations. The right person will be equally comfortable on the floor and in the numbers-safety, compliance, labor, equipment, commodity quality, and cost per ton all sit with this seat.
Ideal candidates have led solid waste, recycling, transfer, or material recovery operations and can build systems, coach people, and deliver results in a growing environment.
Core Responsibilities
Operations

• Oversee day-to-day non-hazardous solid waste collection, transfer, sorting, processing, and recycling to ensure efficient, safe, and compliant performance.
• Develop, implement, and improve SOPs for collection routes, MRF operations, baling, sorting lines, and outbound material handling.
• Monitor and improve KPIs including tonnage processed, recovery rates, contamination, equipment uptime, labor productivity, and on-time collection.
• Manage route planning, scheduling, and dispatch to maximize efficiency and control cost while meeting service commitments.
• Ensure proper segregation, handling, storage, and processing of recyclables (paper, cardboard, plastics, metals, glass, and organics where applicable) to maximize commodity value and minimize residuals.

Compliance, Safety & Environmental Stewardship

• Maintain compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations (EPA, OSHA, DOT, and local solid waste ordinances).
• Lead site safety programs with the EHS Manager: meetings, inspections, incident investigation, and a strong safety culture.
• Oversee stormwater management, spill prevention, and proper residual waste disposal.
• Maintain accurate recordkeeping and reporting for regulators, customers, and internal audits.
• Champion sustainability initiatives and continuous improvement in diversion rates and material quality.

People Leadership & Training

• Recruit, train, coach, and performance-manage supervisors, operators, drivers, sorters, and support staff.
• Build a positive, accountable, high-performing culture focused on safety, quality, and customer service.
• Develop training on equipment operation, material recognition, contamination reduction, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage labor scheduling, overtime, and workforce planning to match operational demand.

Equipment, Facilities & Maintenance

• Oversee reliability of collection vehicles, processing equipment (screens, balers, optical sorters, conveyors, etc.), and facility infrastructure.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance and vendor/service-provider relationships.
• Keep the facility clean, organized, and in good working order for operations and compliance.
• Support capital equipment planning and recommend investments that improve throughput, recovery, or safety.

Financial & Commercial Management

• Develop and manage the operating budget, including labor, maintenance, fuel, disposal, and commodity revenue.
• Control operating costs while maximizing revenue from recyclable commodities.
• Support sales and customer service by delivering reliable service and resolving operational issues quickly.
• Negotiate and manage contracts with haulers, processors, brokers, and disposal facilities as needed.
• Prepare regular operational and financial reports for senior leadership.

Continuous Improvement & Strategic Support

• Identify and implement process improvements, technology upgrades, and best practices to raise recovery, cut contamination, and lower cost per ton.
• Stay current on industry trends, commodity markets, regulatory changes, and emerging recycling technologies.
• Collaborate across sales, finance, EHS, maintenance, and senior leadership to align operations with company goals.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Proven operations leadership in solid waste, recycling, transfer station, MRF, collection, or closely related industrial processing.
• Experience supervising mixed workforces: drivers, operators, sorters, and front-line supervisors.
• Working knowledge of EPA, OSHA, DOT, and local solid waste / recycling requirements.
• Comfortable owning KPIs, labor productivity, equipment uptime, contamination, and cost control.
• Hands-on leader who can write SOPs, walk the floor, and still manage a budget.
• Strong communicator who can work with both hourly teams and senior leadership.
• Bachelor's degree in operations, environmental science, business, engineering, or related field preferred; equivalent industry experience will be considered.
• Must be able to work on-site in Milwaukee and lead a facility that is being built and scaled.

What We Offer

• Base salary range of $70,000 to $85,000 per year, depending on experience.
• Quarterly bonus opportunity (structure to be discussed with qualified finalists).
• 401(k) with company match.
• Medical coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield with an employer-majority cost share.
• Paid time off.
• Company credit card for approved business expenses.
• A family company culture with direct access to ownership and the chance to help build a new Milwaukee operation.

Why Peoplelink Staffing?
Medical, Dental, Vision & Life insurance available
401K available after reaching hours worked requirement
Direct Deposit Programs


Peoplelink Staffing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status under federal, state, or local law. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

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