Job Description

Activate Your Influence is a third party hiring solution partnering with West Chester Recycling to hire their Operations Manager.

Who We Are 

West Chester Recycling, formerly known as J.E Kodish & Sons, Inc., is a scrap metal dealer and buyer serving the West Chester, Pennsylvania area for over 80 years. As a family-owned business, we specialize in buying and processing all types of scrap metal. We are dedicated to cleaning up the environment by recycling unused metal products. We offer roll-off and lugger services, buy autos for scrap, and pay cash for scrap metal. We provide residential and commercial customers with fair prices and pride ourselves on offering top-notch customer service with friendly staff. We handle a wide range of materials but maintain a specific "Do Not Buy" list for certain items. 

Who We’re Looking For 

The Operations Manager is a pivotal leadership role responsible for overseeing daily operations, ensuring operational excellence, and driving continued success. This individual will report to the Owner and be responsible for managing staff, streamlining processes, ensuring exceptional customer service, maintaining regulatory compliance, and contributing to the overall financial health and growth of the facility. This role requires a hands-on leader who thrives in a physically active, industrial setting and is committed to the company's standards for service, safety, and environmental responsibility. 

Core Characteristics 

• Self-motivated: Takes initiative. 
• Integrity: Demonstrates consistent character. 
• Humble: Possesses a teachable spirit. 
• Innovative: Problem-solver, creative solutions. 
• Teamwork: Relationship-driven, collaborative. 
• Organized: Efficient, detail oriented. 
• Emotionally Intelligent: Ability to read situations and people. 
• Hands-On Leadership: Leads by doing, willing to support the team. 
• Customer-Focused: Values a clean, respectful, and helpful customer experience. 
• Safety-First Mentality: Committed to promoting a safe environment. 
• Process-Oriented: Brings structure and consistency while adapting quickly. 
• People-Centered: Creates a positive team culture through communication and accountability. 
• Resourceful & Calm Under Pressure: Comfortable with the pace and unpredictability of recycling logistics. 
• Trustworthy, Dependable, and Values-driven: follow through and execute responsibilities. 
• Strong work ethic with a "small business" mindset, ready to pitch in wherever needed. 
• Environmentally conscious and aligned with the mission of responsible recycling 

Primary Responsibilities 

Operational Management:

• Lead and manage all daily operations, ensuring smooth workflows across scrap intake, container service coordination, and customer interactions. 
• Monitor what the company is being paid for materials and adjust buying prices accordingly. 
• Schedule steel shipments with various consumers based on material and pricing. 
• Monitor Non-Ferrous warehouse inventory and schedule material pick-up accordingly. 
• Determine tonnage and pricing for monthly Purchase Order shipments. 
• Communicate all scheduled shipments to Employees so they are prepared. 
• Monitor machines for signs of potential failure (leaks, noises, poor operation) and address them before breakdowns occur. 
• Schedule repairs and adjust shipping schedule when a breakdown occurs. 
• Maintain service and repair logs for all machines. 
• Maintain supplies including machine consumables (Fuel, fluids, filters, grease etc.), Safety equipment (gloves, safety glasses), Warehouse consumables (cutting wheels, drill bits, shop rags, tape, WD-40 etc.), Stormwater filter bags, and Truck supplies (marker lights, air lines, tire plugs). 
• Address property issues including electrical problems, scale not working, plumbing issues, computer/internet problems, and building malfunctions. 

Team Leadership:

• Directly supervise and support a team of approximately 8 employees, including laborers, drivers, and administrative staff. 
• Manage HR tasks including new employee paperwork, insurance paperwork, evaluations, raises and bonuses, weekly payroll, hiring, firing, disciplinary actions, employee wage garnishments and child support. 
• Professionally resolve small employee issues before they escalate. 

Customer Service:

• Resolve customer complaints regarding pricing, waiting times, material grading, or container service issues (scheduling, availability, usage, content). 
• Ensure exceptional customer experiences. 

Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and safety standards. 
• Maintain IFTA decals and truck/trailer inspections. 
• Handle IRS 2290 and Environmental PPC plan (Stormwater) requirements. 
• Oversee Annual Commercial Insurance review, Scale certification, and Weight Master certifications. 

Financial Oversight:

• Manage operational costs. 
• Oversee weekly payroll. 

Strategic & Other:

• Report on operational performance and recommend areas for improvement. 
• Build strong relationships with vendors, contractors, and local partners 

Qualifications 

Education & Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate or bachelor’s degree in business, operations, or logistics preferred. Equivalent experience considered. 
• 5+ years of experience in operations, logistics, recycling, manufacturing, or a related field. 
• Prior leadership experience managing hourly or frontline teams. 
• Proven track record of managing operations and teams. 
• Familiarity with equipment scheduling, fleet logistics, or yard operations is a plus. 

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills. 
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities. 
• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills. 
• Financial acumen related to monitoring prices and managing costs. 
• Proficiency with basic operational systems, email, etc. 
• Knowledge of the scrap metal market is a plus. 

Physical Requirements/Environmental Conditions 

• This role is physically active and primarily works in an industrial or outdoor yard setting. 
• Must be prepared to work hands-on and to fill in for employees as needed. 
• The environment can be fast-paced and demanding, requiring the ability to manage stress and prioritize effectively. 
• May involve occasional travel for meetings or industry events. 
• Forklift certification, CDL, or OSHA training is a plus  

What We Offer 

• Competitive annual salary $80-$100k and benefits package
• Opportunities for professional growth and development. 
• A supportive, values-driven workplace. 
• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the environment and community. 
• Monday through Friday work schedule, with occasional flexibility according to business needs. 

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