Operations Manager

Over the last forty years, United Scrap Metal (“USM”) has grown from $200 and a rental truck into one of the largest full-service recyclers in the country. Today, the team continues to pioneer innovative, solutions-driven recycling programs through ethical and sustainable practices. This has earned them both National acclaim and recognition with the achievement of several dozen awards. With 400+ team members across 6 locations nationally, the company’s commitment to excellence is reflected in an outstanding client retention rate across several thousand customers throughout North America. This substantial growth is further supported by strong consumer partnerships who recognize a consistent delivery of high quality non-ferrous and ferrous material via truck, container, rail and barge shipment. Equally as important, is the expansion of the team’s focus on philanthropy, sustainability, diversity, and safety / compliance. A unique mission exists in making a positive impact in the lives of others, throughout the communities in which they live, work and service. USM is proud to make a difference for its clients, consumers and local communities as it continues to drive forward into the next forty years and beyond.

Position Overview

The Operations Manager directs and manages daily manufacturing operations with respect to goals for safety, delivery, quality, inventory and costs. Areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to, capacity planning, cycle times, productivity improvement, on-time delivery, production to plan, quality of product, lean manufacturing labor allocation, resource planning, staff support and training. This individual reports directly to the General Manger and oversees the performance of the Operations Supervisors. Dotted line oversight to all positions in the Operations division.

Summary of Responsibilities

• Participates with the General Manager and /or Operations Leadership team to establish strategic plans and objectives; makes final decisions on administration of operational matters and ensures the operation’s effective achievement of objectives
• Provides overall strategy and programs for manufacturing capacity, processes and systems, engineering and capital allocation for the facility
• Directs and mentors a staff of managers and leaders; provides feedback on performance and developmental planning
• Attends and prepares for monthly sales and operational planning meetings to discuss plant performance and reviews sales forecast information; provides support to other department leaders, as needed
• Drives lean manufacturing program to improve safety, product costs and reduced lead times
• Interacts daily with other departments and/or locations to coordinate business objectives and provide expertise and support
• Develops and sustains a world-class manufacturing capability

• Operates the facility in full compliance with USM’s Safety Program, EPA Regulations, & OSHA Standards; coordinates any other facets of the program with outside safety consultants while helping to facilitate on-going training with an in-house safety liaison

• Develops the strategic thought process and intuition of key team members who lead each department; this will encompass developing a thorough operator training program in the future
• Implements policy in reference to attendance, punctuality, and equipment damage; disciplines direct reports as necessary
• Understands our feedstock by given customer segments: Manufacturing, Demo & Contractors, Facility, Scrap Recyclers, Recycling Center, Obsolete / Repair Service Centers and Utilities
• Coordinates cost effective preventative maintenance, and overall upkeep of operations; upholds pre-inspection system standards and other proactive measures
• Responds to Sales Team inquiries regarding the scope of our services and overall capabilities
• Possesses the vision to profitably expand volumes and help grow the business into the future
• Establishes low turnover due to a superior workforce
• Supports development of risk mitigation initiatives

• Must demonstrate competency in all aspects of the job and company objectives
• Demonstrate understanding of company policies, rules and trainings
• Other duties as assigned

The Operations Manager contributes to the accomplishment of the Operation’s practices and objectives that will create a team oriented and high performance culture. The following represent a more detailed description of the expectations for the individual in this role:

Scope and Responsibility of Position: Develops a cohesive team that facilitates delivering marketing commitments on a consistent basis; coordinates all maintenance activities related to machinery, plant equipment/building, and spare parts; develops a production schedule that helps maximize throughput while reducing cost per pound; strives to minimize downtime, with the exception of required maintenance related activity; if applicable, participates in Night Shift “checks and balances”, ensuring coordinating activities and crossover.

Leadership Role: Leads by example; provides training, support, and positive reinforcement to all team members; provides cross training, nurturing, and feedback that enable individuals to rapidly develop; executes timely employee reviews of all personnel; exhibits professional communication at all levels within organization; possesses a sense of urgency related to completing all committed orders on a timely basis; provides critical feedback on material recoveries and processing limitations; execution needs to be cognizant of our SWOT’s (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, & Threats); builds a related network that can be leveraged for expertise, guidance, opportunity, and outsourcing knowledge is beneficial.

Meet or Exceed Department Goals: Efficient production and timely delivery of quality products; consistent low-cost production in a safe environment; activities aligned with company goals in regards to capital projects and overall operations; works with General Manager to develop concise cost structures and production standards while establishing an incentive program that rewards operational excellence.; consistently delivers production numbers in our current reporting format; executes prompt/accurate receiving reports and load recoveries; understands our material disposition and commodity markets.

Desired Characteristics

• B.A. or B.S. required; B.A. or B.S. in related field or equivalent industry experience a plus
• Fluency in both English and Spanish (read / write / speak) a plus
• Multi-functional background (e.g. materials, production, quality) and strong project management skills, proven leadership and administrative skills coupled with sound business sense
• Position requires strong communication and motivational skills, and the ability to gain results from a broad spectrum of personnel
• At least 5 years of experience in a leadership role in a facility of 100+ employees or equivalent experience as a leader in a manufacturing / industrial environment

• Experience with continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma etc. a plus
• PC proficiency in Microsoft applications; MS Office Suite and various analysis tools; experience with Shared Logic a plus
• Experience in the metal industry/ manufacturing / heavy industrial environment preferred
• Ability to be “hands on” while training / mentoring / supporting direct reports

• Works on extremely complex problems where analysis of situations or data requires an evaluation of intangible factors
• Exercises judgment in developing methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results

• The Company desires a candidate who has shown a stable job history, dependable attendance practices and whose references can state is a trustworthy individual
• Ability to work in various environmental conditions such as extreme heat or cold, dusty, dirty and/or wet conditions
• Candidate must pass a pre-employment physical, background and credit check
• Able to fulfill flexible scheduling requirements as determined by the manager and / or business needs of the operation

Minimum Safety Training Requirements

• Basic on-the-job training that satisfies the Primary Objectives of the specific position (as noted above)
• US-SOP-01 United in Safety Manual
• US-F11 QEH&S Policy
• US-SOP-03 Team Member Handbook

We strive to demonstrate our Core Values in all positions at USM:

Trust ● Commitment ● Loyalty ● Passion ● Respect ● Service-● Performance

USM is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. USM will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. USM is a Zero Impairment Workplace. USM provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify your Talent Acquisition contact or another member of our People Development Team at careers@unitedscrap.com. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.