Operations Manager in Mount Union, Pennsylvania at Gold Medal Environmental - Apple Valley Waste Inc

Lead From the Front. Drive Results. Build Something That’s Growing Fast.

Patriot Disposal is one of the fastest-growing waste and recycling companies in the Mid-Atlantic. As we are expanding rapidly, we’re building a high-performance team to support our continued growth across residential, commercial, and roll-off services.

We’re looking for an Operations Manager who leads from the front,and knows how to get the best out of a team.

If you’re someone who takes ownership, moves fast, and wants to grow your career with a company that’s scaling — this is your opportunity.

Position Summary

The Operations Manager is a frontline operations leader responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant execution of daily collection operations. This role leads and develops drivers and helpers, ensures consistent service delivery, and drives performance across safety, productivity, and customer satisfaction.

As a hands-on field leader, the Operations Manager maintains a strong presence in daily operations—monitoring route execution, resolving issues in real time, and holding teams accountable to company standards. This role partners closely with dispatch, maintenance, customer service, and site leadership to ensure reliable, high-quality service and continuous operational improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Operations Execution

• Plan, assign, and oversee daily route schedules based on service needs, staffing, and equipment availability
• Ensure all routes are completed safely, on time, and in accordance with company standards
• Adjust routes and reallocate resources throughout the day to address call-outs, delays, breakdowns, and service issues
• Review and validate route activity, including driver logs, trip records, and operational documentation
• Ensure timely recovery of missed pickups and service failures

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and hold drivers and helpers accountable for safety, performance, attendance, and conduct
• Foster a positive, safety-first, and performance-driven team culture
• Support recruiting, onboarding, and training of frontline employees
• Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and performance management, including disciplinary actions when necessary
• Serve as a visible and approachable leader in the yard and field

Safety Leadership

• Promote and enforce a safety-first culture across all operations
• Conduct route observations, ride-along, and yard audits to ensure compliance with safety standards
• Ensure adherence to DOT, OSHA, and company safety policies
• Support incident and accident investigations, including fact-finding and corrective action implementation
• Reinforce proper use of PPE and safe operating practices at all times

Operational Performance & Continuous Improvement

• Own daily and weekly performance outcomes, including:

• Route completion
• Missed pickups
• Labor productivity
• Safety performance

• Identify inefficiencies and recommend improvements to routing, sequencing, and service delivery
• Support cost control by managing overtime, fuel usage, and operational exceptions
• Analyze route performance trends and take action to improve consistency and efficiency

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Partner with dispatch to ensure clear communication of route plans and changes
• Work with maintenance to address equipment issues and ensure fleet readiness
• Collaborate with customer service to resolve customer concerns quickly and effectively
• Communicate operational updates, challenges, and opportunities to site leadership

Customer Experience

• Serve as a point of escalation for service-related issues
• Ensure timely and professional resolution of customer complaints
• Represent Patriot Disposal positively in all interactions with customers and the public

Key Performance Expectations

Success in this role will be measured by the ability to:

• Consistently achieve high route completion rates with minimal service failures
• Maintain strong safety performance and compliance
• Improve route productivity and operational efficiency
• Drive frontline employee accountability, engagement, and retention
• Deliver reliable, high-quality customer service

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• 2+ years of experience in waste, transportation ,logistics, or route-based operations
• Prior experience supervising drivers, helpers, or frontline employees strongly preferred
• Waste industry experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to coach, develop, and hold employees accountable
• Knowledge of DOT regulations, safety practices, and route-based operations
• Proven ability to problem-solve and make decisions in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills across all levels of the organization
• Ability to analyze operational data and translate it into actionable improvements
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and route/operations systems

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver’s license required
• CDL or CDL eligibility preferred based on site needs
• Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed

Work Environment

This role operates in a combination of office, yard, and field environments and requires a consistent presence in active collection operations. The Operations Manager is frequently exposed to outdoor conditions, traffic, noise, and moving equipment.

The position requires frequent walking, standing, climbing in and out of vehicles, and navigating active work zones. Use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory.

Why Join Patriot Disposal

At Patriot Disposal, you’ll have the opportunity to lead a critical frontline team in a growing, essential services business. We are committed to safety, operational excellence, and building a culture where employees are valued, developed, and set up for success. This role offers meaningful impact, leadership responsibility, and opportunities for career growth.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Patriot Disposal is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where all employees feel valued, respected, and supported.