Join Our Dynamic Team!

We are seeking an Operations Manager to join our team in West Chicago, IL. This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about driving operational excellence, developing high-performing teams, and delivering outstanding results. Reporting to the Site Manager, the Operations Manager will oversee daily operations to ensure safety, quality, productivity, and customer service goals are consistently achieved. This role is responsible for leading operational teams, optimizing resources, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and ensuring compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements. The successful candidate will play a key role in enhancing operational performance, controlling costs, developing employees, and fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and teamwork.

Key Accountabilities

• Support and comply with all Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) policies, procedures, and initiatives to maintain a safe work environment.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, regulatory requirements, and ethical business practices.
• Lead daily operations to achieve safety, quality, productivity, and customer service objectives.
• Manage production schedules, inventory, staffing, and resources to ensure efficient and cost-effective operations.
• Maintain inventory accuracy in accordance with customer requirements, targeting 99% accuracy.
• Oversee material processing, testing activities, and outbound shipments.
• Develop, coach, and mentor team members while supporting performance management and succession planning efforts.
• Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and expectations to drive accountability and operational excellence.
• Protect company assets through effective security, inventory, and cost-control measures.
• Partner with site leadership to coordinate facility and equipment maintenance.
• Assist with budget planning, cost management, and review of operational performance.
• Conduct performance reviews and support employee development initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned.

Experience & Qualifications Required

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate degree, technical diploma, or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
• 3-5 years of leadership experience in operations, manufacturing, logistics, recycling, or a related industry preferred. Demonstrated ability to lead teams, drive operational performance, and achieve safety, quality, and productivity goals.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community
• Ability to analyze, develop, establish, and maintain efficient workflow processes
• Knowledge of procurement rules and regulations
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite

With a promote-from-within philosophy and a variety of programs available to support continuous learning, Sims offers the opportunity for a rewarding career. We are committed to the ecologically sound and sustainable use of resources and strive to operate in a manner that minimizes waste and protects the environment.

A career with SLS provides you with the opportunity to work with an organization whose goal is to be the world's safest and most responsible recycling company. Our people achieve this by creating a zero-harm workplace, being exemplary members of the communities in which we operate, and being responsible stewards of the environment. We also offer competitive pay and a range of attractive benefits.