GM

RECYCLE ANN ARBOR•Ann Arbor, MI

4d•Onsite

About The Position

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. 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. 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, and 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.

Requirements

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

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

Responsibilities

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
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
Maintain a safe working environment across industrial and outdoor settings
Ensure compliance with DOT, OSHA, and environmental regulations
Reinforce safety practices consistently across teams
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
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