Operations Manager - Recycling Plant - Athens, GA

WHO WE ARE

RDS is a recycling leader in Virginia, North Carolina and Georgia, serving cities and businesses throughout those regions with industry-leading technology and amazing people. RDS seeks to sort, separate and then re-sell materials that still have value within the recycling stream – including items like cardboard, paper, glass, aluminum cans, water bottles, milk jugs and many other items that are commonly thrown away.

Our company has built several materials recovery facilities ("MRFs") across the Southeast to prevent these items from going to the landfill – instead, helping ensure they are made into new boxes, new water bottles or even clothing!

The Operations Manager oversees the safe and effective operation of the MRF. Spanning responsibilities such as day-to-day production planning, teaching employees to manage key items within the budget, the Operations Manager will use its broad range of business knowledge to guide the site to achieving its financial and personnel goals.

A key aspect of this role is to ensure the facility has a safe and respectful atmosphere for its team members and visitors. Clearly communicating the expectations for all team members and providing training on all aspects of safety and housekeeping, as well as reporting issues or needs to corporate management is key. It is incumbent upon the Operations Manager to identify gaps in training and assist team members in achieving their career goals, or steering appropriate steps if expectations are not being met.

The position is also responsible for achieving production and quality targets. While this includes guiding the operations team on effective sortation techniques, equipment usage and quality control steps, it also overlaps with the Maintenance Manager's responsibilities of ensuring equipment is cared for and maintained properly.

Finally, the Operations Manager is willing to roll up their sleeves and ensure tasks are completed safely but urgently – even if tasks are unique or not within the specific job description. This includes pitching in to sweep up the facility floor, give a tour to a local municipality or helping handle a customer complaint or request.

The Operations Manager should have experience working in management within an industrial or warehouse environment. Having management experience, production planning and a high level of safety knowledge will be prioritized for this type of role. Since the role overlaps with many other roles within the organization and the community, this is a great opportunity for someone seeking career growth while also helping be a good steward of the environment.

• 50% - Employee training and team management: Assist in hiring, training, and terminating employees as needed. Training ranges from position‑specific tasks, safety, environmental compliance, recycling best practices and team building. The role will be responsible for delegating tasks to team members in order to improve the overall team's skills while identifying other opportunities for team growth.
• 25% - Site Productivity: The facility must achieve daily and weekly production quotas in order to achieve longer term goals – the Operations Manager will work in conjunction with corporate leadership to ensure the sorting system is operating at a high level, the site and equipment is well maintained, and quality expectations are met. If any issues arise, the Operations Manager will address with urgency or request assistance from corporate leadership.
• 15% - Facility upkeep and compliance: This role will guide efforts to ensure all proper environmental, financial and safety reports are well maintained and expectations in these fronts are exceeded. This includes ensuring the work environment not only remains compliant but is also an inviting place to work for team members.
• 10% - Sales and marketing support: The Operations Manager will support efforts to serve customers as material is brought into the facility for processing, as well as provide expertise and support for potential customers – ranging from local businesses and municipalities to commodities buyers. As required, it will…