Operations Manager

Waste Management, Inc. (WM) • Indian Trail, NC

15h

About The Position

The Operations Manager provides first-level management support to frontline drivers and helpers, overseeing a team of 15–20 drivers. The role is responsible for onboarding, developing, coaching, mentoring, and performance management, while building and maintaining positive relationships with frontline employees. The manager spends approximately 80% of their time in the field with the team, and the role begins between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m.

The position combines office and plant/field environments and routinely uses standard office equipment. It includes supporting employee development and safety, investigating incidents, maintaining regulatory records, reviewing route-operation documentation, and visiting customer sites to address safety and service issues.

Requirements

• Associate's Degree (accredited), or a high school diploma (accredited) and two years of relevant work experience.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be legally eligible to work in the country where the position is located.
• Must have a valid driver's license upon hire.

Nice To Haves

• Successful completion of the WM Operations Manager Trainee program.

Responsibilities

• Ensure new frontline employees have the tools, instruction, and feedback needed to perform their daily duties successfully.
• Meet daily with new frontline employees to support onboarding and maintain consistent communication.
• Provide timely and consistent touchpoints with frontline employees.
• Regularly review best practices to improve daily performance.
• Understand and support frontline employees’ career goals and progress.
• Identify improvement opportunities and collaborate with frontline employees to support continued success.
• Practice coaching conversations and seek feedback on them.
• Lead by example and ensure safety practices are paramount.
• Teach and develop employees’ understanding of the WM Way.
• Conduct root-cause investigations for injuries and incidents, ensuring consistent discipline and retraining.
• Document and maintain records required by regulatory agencies, such as the Department of Transportation.
• Review and audit route-operations documentation daily, including DVIRs, driver time and attendance, and open tickets, and follow up as appropriate.
• Visit customers and customer sites to evaluate and resolve safety issues and seek service alternatives where appropriate.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short-term disability coverage for eligible employees.
• Stock purchase plan.
• Company matching on a 401(k).
• Paid vacation, holidays, and personal days.
• Competitive total compensation package; benefits may vary by site.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Associate degree