Operations Manager

About the Opportunity:

The Operations Manager will play a critical role in advancing the mission and long-term success by providing comprehensive operational leadership. As a key partner to the Director of Operations, this position will assist in strengthening the company’s abilities to operate safely, responsibly, and innovatively. You’ll ensure the highest standards of safety, manage operational risks, support sustainable growth, and enable the business to continue delivering exceptional service to the communities it serves by effectively managing multiple transfer stations or material recovery facilities (MRFs) day to day.

The role spans operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and personnel management, affecting the company’s facilities in Connecticut, with a particular focus on fixed assets, permitting, solid waste and recycling regulations, site productivity, and safety protocol adherence. This role must be commutable to Stratford, New Haven, and Norwalk, CT.

Waste and Recycling businesses:

With roots dating back to the 70s, three generations of family and a dedicated team of professionals are leading USA Waste and All American Waste into the future while serving communities in CT, Western MA, and Westchester, NY. They operate one of the region’s most forward-thinking waste and recycling enterprises with a commitment to remaining on the leading edge of waste, hauling, and processing - innovating every step as they work to find the best solutions for safe and efficient residential and commercial services. From building the country's largest state-of-the-art recycling facility, to powering its buildings with solar energy, and fueling its trucks with all-American natural gas, they are committed to the communities they serve, and the planet.

The story started with a single truck. In 1974, founder Guy "Sonny" Antonacci and his wife, Mary Ann, started Somers Sanitation - named after their hometown of Somers, Connecticut. While their fleet, facilities, services, and family have all grown, they take pride in continuing to operate these businesses based on the fundamental principle that has guided them since the beginning - to provide exceptional service and innovation to the communities and people they serve.

Entertainment businesses:

Beyond waste and recycling, the family owns and operates Sonny’s Place, a popular family entertainment center, a golf club, and horse farms. Together, these ventures reflect a multigenerational legacy that blends environmental services, hospitality, agriculture, and community recreation, with a consistent emphasis on family leadership, regional investment, and long-term growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure smooth operation of the facilities: ongoing construction, permitting, operations.
• Minimize operational costs while maximizing productivity and maintaining safety and environmental compliance.
• Continually works to reduce turnaround time for trucks in and out of the site.
• Accurately tracks waste volume and weight.
• Acts as a liaison where necessary, for community relationships.
• Actively monitors ongoing permitting issues.
• Complies with and ensures adherence to safety standards and regulations to encourage safe and efficient operations.
• Meets all financial review dates and corporate-directed programs in a timely fashion.
• Oversee personnel needs of the department, including selecting, coaching, and training employees, and evaluating employee performance.
• Provides input into termination, compensation, and promotion decisions.
• Assists in the budget process as required.
• Ensures the cleanliness and maintenance of the physical property of the facilities through inspections and preventive maintenance programs with supervisors/ employees.
• Conducts and/or attends and contributes to periodic safety meetings to maintain favorable working relationships among employees and promote maximum morale, productivity, and efficiency.
• Provides training and presentations as needed in a positive and professional manner.
• Take an active role in the improvement of safety and health in the workplace
• Updates and submits required reports in a timely manner.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Direct supervision of full-time employees of varying knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the Company’s policies and applicable laws.
• Responsibilities include interviewing and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

The Successful Candidate Will Bring:

• Bachelor’s Degree and 5+ years of previous experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Bilingual – Spanish
• Microsoft Office proficiency required.
• Good communication (oral and written) skills
• Ability to organize and multitask
• Demonstrated mathematics skills
• Demonstrated knowledge of business finances and budgets
• Good interpersonal skills
• Valid Driver’s License and vehicle insurance
• Ability to travel - This position requires site visits to business locations