Yard Manager in Blue Island, Illinois at Blue Island Recycling, LLC

THE OPPORTUNITY

Blue Island Recycling, LLC is seeking an experienced, hands-on Yard Manager to lead day-to-day operations at our scrap metal recycling facility. We need a dependable, decisive leader who takes ownership of safety, productivity, employee performance, and the flow of material through the yard.

This is an active, field-based leadership role—not a desk-only position. The successful candidate will spend most of the workday in the yard, directing employees, solving problems, setting priorities, and keeping operations moving. You will work closely with senior management while independently handling routine operational decisions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead daily yard activities, including receiving, sorting, processing, loading, unloading, and truck flow.

Direct daily crew assignments, prioritize work, and supervise leads, drivers, equipment operators, mechanics, sorters, laborers, and support personnel.

Set clear expectations, coach employees, address performance and attendance concerns, and reinforce accountability in coordination with management.

Maintain a safe, clean, organized facility; enforce company safety practices and applicable OSHA and environmental requirements.

Coordinate inbound and outbound truck schedules and dispatch outside carriers as needed; minimize truck delays and support efficient freight movement.

Monitor equipment condition, ensure inspections are completed, and coordinate maintenance and repairs to limit downtime.

Make sound, timely decisions on routine yard issues; escalate significant safety, personnel, financial, or operational matters appropriately.

Identify practical improvements in labor productivity, material handling, equipment utilization, and overall yard efficiency.

Operate forklifts, skid steers, loaders, material handlers, or other equipment when necessary to support the team.

Communicate daily priorities, operational challenges, and progress clearly to the General Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS

3+ years of experience in scrap recycling, industrial yard operations, construction, logistics, or a comparable hands-on environment.

2+ years of direct supervisory experience with responsibility for directing crews and managing daily performance.

Proven ability to make decisions, resolve conflicts, organize competing priorities, and work without constant supervision.

Working knowledge of heavy equipment and strong mechanical aptitude; hands-on equipment experience preferred.

Clear communication skills, sound judgment, reliability, and a strong commitment to safety.

Experience coordinating trucking or dispatch is preferred; extensive dispatch specialization is not required.

High school diploma or GED required; technical or trade education is a plus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Approximately 90% yard/operations work and 10% office/administrative work.

Must be comfortable working outdoors in changing weather, standing and walking for extended periods, climbing, bending, and performing physical tasks including lifting up to 50 pounds.

Basic computer, mobile-device, and recordkeeping skills are required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform essential job functions.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

$75,000–$95,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications.

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k) retirement plan; paid time off; and paid holidays.
Blue Island Recycling, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to any status protected by applicable law.