Operation Manager, Post Collection

COR Disposal & Recycling•Portland, OR

41d

About The Position

The Post Collection Manager is a key leadership role reporting to the Director of Operations. This position is responsible for the comprehensive oversight of all post-collection activities, including transfer station operations, material recovery (MRF), and waste auditing functions. The Manager translates the Director’s strategic vision into actionable plans, manages team performance through effective Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and scorecards, and ensures operational efficiency. As a "field fill-in" leader, this role maintains a visible presence on the floor to coach Supervisors, enforce standards, and ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and operational regulations. This role is accountable for the entire employee lifecycle of their direct reports, from hiring to performance management.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, Engineering, Business Management, Logistics, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred.
Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in waste management, recycling, heavy industrial, or logistics operations required.
Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a management role, directly supervising other supervisors or managers.
Valid driver's license with a clean driving record required.
Ability to stand, walk, and climb ladders for extended periods during site visits; capable of lifting up to 50 pounds occasionally.
Comfortable working in and around outdoor industrial environments with exposure to noise, dust, odors, and varying weather conditions.
Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including occasional weekends and holidays, and be available to respond to operational emergencies after hours.
Ability to travel regularly between local facilities and occasionally to other regional sites as needed.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree preferred.
Certifications from SWANA (Solid Waste Association of North America) or similar industry bodies highly preferred.
Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or other relevant safety certifications are a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop and Manage Scorecards: Create and maintain operational scorecards that track key performance indicators (KPIs) for Supervisors and their teams, including processing rates, contamination levels, downtime, safety incidents, and cost-per-ton. Use scorecard data to drive performance conversations.
Data-Driven Projections: Analyze historical data and current trends from scorecards to project future operational needs, including staffing levels, equipment requirements, and budget forecasts. Present these projections to the Director of Operations to inform strategic decision-making.
Goal Alignment: Collaborate with the Director to establish clear, measurable goals for all post-collection departments (MRF, Transfer Station, Auditing) that align with the company's mission and sustainability objectives.
Operational Planning: Translate high-level organizational strategy into quarterly and monthly operational plans for supervisors, ensuring clarity of purpose and resource allocation.
Conduct weekly audits and inspections and ensure daily game plans are executed as expected.
Supervise and Develop Leaders: Directly manage, coach, and mentor the Post Collection Supervisors (MRF, Transfer, Auditing). Conduct regular one-on-ones and performance reviews to foster their professional growth.
Manage the Employee Lifecycle:
Hiring: Partner with HR to recruit, interview, and select top talent for supervisors and key lead roles.
Onboarding & Training: Oversee the development and implementation of comprehensive, non-driving training programs for all post-collection staff. Ensure training covers safety protocols, equipment operation, sorting quality, and auditing standards.
Proactively manage team performance. When necessary, work with Supervisors and HR to develop and implement Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) for underperforming employees.
Corrective Action: Address employee relations issues, including coaching, corrective action, and, when necessary, termination, in partnership with HR and legal guidelines.
SLAs & Job Code Reviews: Establish and enforce Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for internal and external stakeholders. Regularly review job codes and classifications to ensure roles are accurately defined and compensated based on market data and operational needs.
Operational Efficiency: Continuously analyze workflow, identify bottlenecks, optimize material flow, and implement process improvements to maximize throughput and recovery rates while minimizing costs.
Field Presence & Fill-In: Maintain a regular and visible presence on the operating floor, in the yard, and at audit sites. Act as the highest-ranking "eyes on the ground," ready to step in and fill operational gaps for supervisors during absences, emergencies, or peak periods.
Resource Management: Oversee the efficient utilization of equipment and personnel. Monitor equipment utilization rates and coordinate with maintenance on preventive and reactive repairs to minimize downtime.
Quality Control: Ensure the quality of sorted materials and the accuracy of waste audit data meets or exceeds internal standards and market specifications.
Oversee and audit compliance, ensure supervisors are managing schedules and breaks correctly to prevent violations and promote safety. Perform daily payroll approval.
Safety & Environmental Stewardship: Champion a culture of safety and environmental compliance. Ensure all post-collection activities adhere to OSHA, DOT, EPA, and local regulations. Review incident reports and ensure corrective actions are implemented effectively.
Policy Enforcement: Ensure consistent enforcement of all company policies, safety protocols, and operational procedures across all post-collection teams.
Budget Ownership: Assist the Director of Operations in developing the annual budget for post-collection operations. Manage approved budgets, monitor expenditures, and identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising safety or efficiency.
P&L Accountability: Understand and influence the key drivers of the post-collection Profit & Loss statement, such as labor productivity, equipment costs, and material revenue/tipping fees.
Executive Reporting: Prepare and deliver regular reports to the Director of Operations, summarizing operational performance against scorecard goals, project updates, budget status, and key challenges or opportunities.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with the EHS to align on safety initiatives, with the Sales team on material quality and customer requirements, and with Maintenance to prioritize equipment repairs and overhauls.
Data Integrity: Ensure accurate data collection and reporting across all post-collection functions, from scale house tickets to waste audit findings.
Other job duties as assigned.