Solid Waste Collections Director at City of Winston-Salem – Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Under general supervision, the Solid Waste Collections Director is responsible for planning, directing, and managing all aspects of the City of Winston-Salem’s sanitation and recycling collection operations. The Solid Waste Collections Director reports to the Assistant City Manager and ensures the safe, efficient, and cost-effective collection of refuse, recycling, bulky items, yard waste and loose leaves, while implementing best practices in operational management, sustainability, and operational efficiency.

As the City moves toward a more integrated approach to waste management, this role will oversee the consolidation of sanitation and recycling collections into a single, unified department. With a focus on long-term strategy, resource optimization, and service enhancements, this position provides high-level leadership and direction for all collection programs, ensuring alignment with the City’s sustainability and operational goals.

Success in this role requires strategic leadership, critical thinking, and strong problem-solving skills to drive operational improvements and deliver high-quality service to city residents. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in implementing innovative solutions, enhancing efficiency, and managing budgets effectively, while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and sustainability across all aspects of sanitation and recycling operations.

For a quick look at what we are looking for, please review our RECRUITMENT BROCHURE.

• Leading and coordinating organizational restructure to consolidate sanitation and recycling programs, ensuring changes are implemented smoothly and effectively.
• Oversees sanitation and recycling operations to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance service delivery.
• Responsible for developing and managing sanitation and recycling staff, including assigning and supervising work, conducting performance evaluations, and providing guidance and support to department leadership
• Create, modify, and improve routes to maximize density and improve efficiency.
• Develops and enforces policies and procedures to reflect industry best practices while ensuring compliance with safety standards, regulatory requirements.
• Prepares and manages the departmental budget, including forecasting expenditures and making cost-saving recommendations.
• Develops, implements, monitors, and revises short- and long-range goals and objectives for the department with continued focus on removing waste materials and promoting waste reduction, reuse, and recycling
• Determines required vehicles, equipment, and staffing levels to support effective and efficient operations.
• Coordinates with the Fleet Department to ensure vehicles and equipment remain in working order and are replaced and retired according to best practices.
• Collaborates with Utilities staff on landfill, yard waste facilities and household hazardous waste programs.
• Reviews work procedures and demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, streamline work processes, and increase efficiency.
• Sets the strategy associated with operations, service delivery, and major capital purchases for the department
• Responsible for the development and achievement of short and long term financial and operational objectives through a focus on efficiency and expense reduction.
• Provides effective and professional leadership and direction, promotes positive employee morale and drives change throughout the department.
• Develops and delivers reports and presentations to the City Council, community groups, and the general public
• Interacts with customers to address and resolve issues and improve the overall customer experience, ensuring the sanitation and recycling department serves as a positive representative of the City
• Creates a collaborative, communicative team environment and drives employee engagement
• Builds and develops talent within the department, providing coaching and mentoring opportunities to promote advancement within the department and City
• In partnership with the City’s Employee Safety division, ensures a safe and productive work environment and takes necessary actions to prevent accidents and injuries
• Monitors state and federal regulatory and legislative changes and provides analysis of potential impact to the City;
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.
• In an emergency event or an officially declared State of Emergency, responds as directed to ensure the restoration of essential public services, facilities and infrastructure.

Education and Experience

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, business administration, public administration, or a related field.
• Seven (7) to ten (10) years of progressive experience in sanitation and recycling operations, or related fields.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of experience in a leadership or executive management role within a sanitation & recycling environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of principles, best practices, and industry standards related to waste management and recycling collection.
• Knowledge of routing principles and logistics
• Extensive experience in budget preparation, financial analysis, and cost control measures.
• Knowledge of public procurement, contract negotiation, and vendor management.
• Ability to analyze data, generate reports, and make data-driven decisions.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to supervise, mentor, and develop staff.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work with City officials, vendors, and the public.
• Experience managing route management software, GPS tracking, fuel management systems, and vehicle telematics.
• Is process-oriented and results-oriented in setting and pursuing strategic goals and objectives, demonstrating a strong commitment to organizational success
• Demonstrated problem-solving, analytical, critical-thinking and decision-making skills.
• Is collaborative; builds and works with teams.
• Creative thinker who challenges conventional solutions.
• Demonstrates and promotes ethical behavior.
• Has strong leadership skills and proven judgment of talent, with an emphasis on hiring and developing high performance teams.

Licensing and Certifications

• Valid U.S. Driver’s License
• Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) certifications are preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Work is principally sedentary but may involve some physical exertion and eyestrain from working with computers and other office equipment.
• Work involves the normal risks and discomforts associated with an office environment.
• Work requires participation at meetings during and outside regular work hours and working extended hours.
• Work involves preparation of documents, communication with staff and customers located at other facilities.

Residency Requirements

• Residency within 30 miles of Winston-Salem City Hall is required within 180 days of appointment