Operations Manager

Company Description:

Garbage to Garden is a leader in curbside composting, known for innovative solutions to waste management, high quality compost for organic gardens, uncompromising reliability backed up and outstanding customer service.

Founded in 2012 in Portland, ME, Garbage to Garden now has thriving operations in two states and provides composting services to thousands of households, businesses, schools, and events.

We're a group of talented, hard-working, and passionate people and we are always looking for more go-getters ready to change our community for the better. All team members are united by and expected to maintain our core company values:

• Conservation: We constantly aim to reduce our impact and conserve our resources, internally and externally, by reducing our consumption, repurposing our waste, and taking care of what we have.
• Adaptability: We rely on adaptability to ensure our long-term success, through continuous innovation and process improvement. We encourage open mindedness, flexibility and a proactive approach to emerging challenges and opportunities.
• Service: We aim to meet and exceed expectations, address needs promptly and effectively, and foster positive relationships built on trust, integrity, and reliability.
• Respect: By demonstrating respect to each other, we strengthen each other. We recognize the value of every individual on our team and in our community and we show it through our actions.

Job Overview:

The Director of Operations works closely with the President and leadership team to drive operational excellence and organizational success. This role brings extensive experience in leadership, fleet management, organics collection and compost processing. The Director builds and maintains strong partnerships with vendors, local organizations, and business partners to ensure satisfaction, loyalty, and long-term collaboration. Committed to aligning financial strategy with strategic goals, the Director integrates these priorities into all planning and decision-making. Collaborating with key internal leaders, they help deliver exceptional customer experiences while maintaining a clean, organized, and safe workplace. Above all, the Director of Operations fosters a positive employee experience by consistently modeling Garbage to Garden's mission and core values.

Responsibilities:

Leadership

• Sets the tone for culture, leadership, and service that reflects company mission and core values
• Champions transparent communication across all initiatives, engaging staff, partners, and the community at the start, throughout, and at the close of each project or initiative
• Provides strategic direction and mentorship to Operations Managers, the Farm Manager, Fleet Manager, and Events Manager to optimize performance and advance team development
• Combines strong leadership and coaching skills to inspire growth, encouraging leadership qualities in staff through continuous feedback and mentoring
• Collaborates with the Business Manager on budgeting, financial projections, route profitability, and overall operational efficiency
• Collaborates with HR to ensure compliance, resolve challenges, support staff development, hiring, onboarding, and retention by fostering a positive work environment
• Partner with the CX Manager to uphold and enhance service excellence across the entire customer experience
• Supports Sales and Marketing in determining new business markets, feasibility and scope of service
• Visits each region monthly to participate in meetings, observe operations, and engage leadership in continual improvement while celebrating accomplishments
• Support regional staff to ensure consistent training, safety, and performance standards are impacting the teams with a positive outcome

Fiscal Responsibility:

• Responsible for presenting to shareholders goals and objectives and overall results and performance
• Responsible for each regions performance through forecasting, resource allocation, and staffing
• Directs fiscal plan, including purchasing, budget preparation, financial reporting, and expenses
• Conducts monthly regional assessments of KPIs and prepares action plans to ensure success
• Represents the company with vendor relationships and negotiating costs of goods and services

Operations:

• Ensures all work follows clear, consistent processes, directing systematic operations with safety at the forefront and a continuous-improvement mindset.
• Responsible for developing and implementing the rollout of logistic systems and business process improvements for inventory control, outlet operation, material handling and production operations
• Directs fleet management processes—including KPIs, compliance, and asset planning—while partnering with regional managers to ensure equipment is properly maintained, safe, and cost-effective.
• Oversees inventory systems, ensuring accurate tracking, timely replenishment, and efficient storage while implementing controls to reduce waste and prevent stockouts
• Responsible for the care and strategic use of regional facilities and develops plans to manage growth
• Takes a strategic approach to communication that includes each department's core functions, seasonal events and unforeseen challenges to ensure a positive and seamless experience

Qualifications:

• Proven ability to lead, influence, and develop high-performing teams
• Strong strategic problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Demonstrated success in aligning teams to organizational goals and continuous improvement
• Excellent listening, verbal, and written communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and remain composed under pressure
• Highly self-directed, with the ability to work independently and drive cross-team collaboration
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to systematic processes and follow-through
• Flexible and adaptable to evolving operational and organizational needs
• Ability to guide teams in diagnosing vehicle and equipment issues at an intermediate level
• Working knowledge of fleet systems including electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic components

Requirements:

• 7-10 years of relevant experience in waste management, transportation, logistics
• 5+ years leadership experience leading managers or multi-site regional operations
• Valid Maine license, CDL preferred
• A clean motor vehicle record (MVR) for at least the past three years
• Fluency in English; strong written communication required
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and operational software platforms; ability to evaluate and implement new systems
• Regular travel to Boston and other locations as needed to support operations and leadership oversight

Success Metrics

• Drive operational excellence through route optimization, reduced downtime, and fleet reliability
• Ensure consistent achievement of service quality and safety standards across all sites
• Strengthen cross-site alignment and operational consistency, standardizing processes and best practices
• Foster high-performing teams by developing managers, improving engagement, and retaining top talent
• Lead successful growth initiatives, ensuring operational readiness for expansion and scalability
• 5+ years leadership experience leading managers or multi-site regional operations
• Valid Maine license, CDL preferred
• A clean motor vehicle record (MVR) for at least the past three years
• Fluency in English; strong written communication required
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and operational software platforms; ability to evaluate and implement new systems
• Regular travel to Boston and other locations as needed to support operations and leadership oversight

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Ability to Relocate:

• Charlestown, MA 02129: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person