General Manager - Recycling & Waste Operations

Team Architects • North Plains, OR

1d • $100,000 - $140,000

About The Position

At Garbarino Disposal, we do essential work that keeps our communities running - and we believe the people doing that work deserve structure, respect, and opportunity. We’re a third-generation, family-owned waste and recycling company with deep roots, strong values, and a team we genuinely care about. Our values are not posters on a wall. They show up in how we lead, how we communicate, and how we treat each other: Pride. Grit. Respect. Transparency. Empathy. Vision: Elevate people through essential work building meaningful careers and people that strengthen our communities. Mission: Provide an essential service that safely and efficiently enables communities and people to flourish . We’re in the middle of an important evolution. The business is growing, the leadership structure is being built intentionally, and ownership is transitioning toward a more strategic, governance-focused role. The General Manager is central to the shift and restructure. The Opportunity We are looking for a sharp-minded General Manager who can develop, mold, and refine efficient processes across the organization. The General Manager sees inefficiency and instinctively wants to structure it. This General Manager will oversee 4 direct reports, each of whom leads their own teams. You will not just manage individuals - you will design the leadership layer that supports the entire operation. You must be equally comfortable: Reviewing P&Ls and forecasts in the morning Walking in the yard with drivers and mechanics in the afternoon And grabbing a beer with the team in the evening, laughing like family This is a builder’s seat for someone who wants to step into a hands-on leadership role, shape the future of a legacy business, and make a real impact on people’s lives. You’ll be the central operator of the business - owning day-to-day operations, leading leaders, building systems, and reinforcing culture. You’ll work closely with ownership while gradually reducing the need for them to be involved in daily execution.

Requirements

• 10+ years of leadership experience in operations, logistics, waste/recycling, transportation, or a closely related field. (required)
• Proven experience managing union, non-union teams, and culture shaping initiatives
• Strong financial acumen with P&L ownership, budgeting, and forecasting
• Experience with regulatory compliance (OSHA, DOT, DEQ, FMCSA, Clean Water Services)
• Track record of implementing KPIs, SOPs, and operational systems
• Deep understanding of fleet operations, route optimization, and customer service
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Comfort representing the company publicly and with government agencies
• Proven experience with systems: Fleetio, Samsara, and Elements (routeware) or similar platforms
• Industry experience in logistics, transportation, distribution, manufacturing, warehouse, maintenance or military

Nice To Haves

• Union negotiation or CBA interpretation experience
• Exposure to EOS or similar operating systems
• Experience with M&A, integration, or major operational change

Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership
• Own daily field, yard, shop, and route operations across the organization
• Ensure routes, equipment, and people are aligned and supported
• Drive labor efficiency, fleet reliability, and service consistency
• Lead the Team Captain and department leaders with clarity and accountability
• People & Culture
• Coach, develop, and support leaders and frontline team members
• Conduct regular 1:1s and performance coaching rooted in respect and growth
• Lead with empathy while holding clear expectations and standards
• Reinforce Pride, Grit, Respect, Transparency, and Empathy values in daily decisions and behavior
• Build a culture where accountability and care coexist
• Financial & Strategic Oversight
• Own P&L performance, budgeting, forecasting, and cost management
• Participate in weekly owner meetings and operational reviews
• Implement KPIs, SOPs, and operating rhythms that create predictability
• Support long-term planning and capital allocation
• Safety & Maintenance
• Oversee fleet maintenance, PM schedules, inspections, and repairs
• Ensure safety programs, training, and compliance are executed consistently
• Own accident reporting, risk management, and insurance coordination
• Maintain yard organization, cleanliness, and efficiency
• Union, Lobbying, & Compliance Leadership
• Lead union and non-union teams with fairness and professionalism
• Representing the company in labor discussions and negotiations
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, DEQ, Clean Water Services, FMCSA, and other regulatory bodies
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with elected officials, industry trade associations, and local jurisdictions
• Systems & Tools
• Lead adoption and use of operational systems including Fleetio, Samsara, Elements (Routeware), AccuTrax, Paychex, QuickBooks, LivePlan, WhatsApp, Google Drive and Dropbox
• Use systems for effective communication, promoting smooth, calm operations

Benefits

• Total Compensation: $100,000–$140,000 (base + incentive)
• Union-level health benefits
• PTO and profit sharing
• Long-term growth opportunity within a family-owned business
• Open most Holidays (Christmas Day and New Years Day Off)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed