General Manager

General Manager PositionA & Associates is conducting a confidential direct-hire search on behalf of an established organization in the waste hauling and environmental services industry for an experienced General Manager to lead its Miami-area operation.This is a senior-level operational leadership position responsible for the overall performance of a high-volume, fleet-based operation. The General Manager will provide strategic and hands-on leadership across daily operations, safety, fleet performance, staffing, customer service, financial performance and regulatory compliance.The successful candidate will be a strong operational leader who understands how to balance safety, service, people and profitability. This individual must be comfortable leading managers and frontline teams, analyzing operational and financial performance, identifying opportunities for improvement and ensuring consistent execution in a fast-paced service environment.Key ResponsibilitiesProvide overall leadership and direction for daily waste collection, hauling and related site operations.Ensure operational activities are executed safely, efficiently and in accordance with established service standards.Oversee route execution, dispatch, staffing, fleet utilization and operational productivity.Monitor daily service performance and take corrective action when service, productivity or customer expectations are not being met.Develop and implement operational plans designed to improve efficiency, service quality and overall business performance.Maintain appropriate staffing and equipment levels to support current business requirements and anticipated growth.Partner with fleet and maintenance personnel to promote vehicle availability, preventive maintenance and effective equipment utilization.Assume accountability for the financial and operational performance of the business unit, including revenue, expenses, labor, productivity and profitability.Develop, manage and monitor operating budgets, forecasts and performance targets.Analyze operational and financial data to identify trends, risks and opportunities for improvement.Establish and track key performance indicators and hold leaders accountable for achieving established goals.Identify opportunities to control costs, increase operational efficiency and support profitable growth.Make informed business decisions based on operational data, customer needs and financial performance.Champion a safety-first culture throughout the operation.Ensure employees consistently follow company safety policies, procedures and operating standards.Support accident and injury prevention initiatives and ensure appropriate follow-up when incidents occur.Maintain compliance with applicable transportation, workplace safety, environmental and operational regulations.Ensure required documentation, inspections, training and internal controls are completed accurately and timely.Identify operational risks and implement appropriate corrective and preventive measures.Lead, coach and develop managers, supervisors and frontline employees.Establish clear expectations and create accountability for operational, safety, service and performance standards.Partner with Human Resources and other support functions regarding recruiting, staffing, employee relations, performance management and workforce planning.Develop leadership capability within the operation and build a strong succession pipeline.Promote employee engagement, communication, accountability and a professional workplace culture.Address performance and conduct issues consistently, appropriately and in accordance with company policies.Maintain strong relationships with key commercial, municipal and other customers as applicable.Serve as a senior point of contact for significant operational or service concerns.Ensure customer issues are investigated and resolved promptly and professionally.Work collaboratively with internal teams to support customer retention, service excellence and business growth.Represent the organization professionally with customers, vendors, regulatory agencies and community stakeholders.Evaluate current operating processes and identify opportunities to improve safety, productivity, customer experience and profitability.Lead change-management initiatives and ensure new processes are effectively implemented and sustained.Promote consistent operating practices, effective communication and cross-functional collaboration.Remain visible and engaged in field operations and maintain a strong understanding of day-to-day business conditions.QualificationsSignificant progressive operations management experience, including responsibility for leading complex, high-volume operations.Direct experience in solid waste, waste hauling, recycling, environmental services or a closely related fleet-intensive operation is strongly preferred.Previous experience as a General Manager, District Manager, Operations Director, Business Unit Leader or comparable senior operational leader is highly desirable.Demonstrated experience managing financial performance, budgets, operating expenses and/or P&L responsibility.Strong understanding of fleet-based operations, route management, dispatch, productivity and service delivery.Experience leading managers, supervisors and large frontline workforces.Demonstrated ability to build strong teams, establish accountability and improve operational performance.Working knowledge of applicable safety, transportation, environmental and workplace compliance requirements.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to use operational and financial data to drive decisions.Excellent leadership, interpersonal and communication skills.Ability to manage competing priorities and make sound decisions in a fast-paced operational environment.Strong customer-service orientation with experience managing significant client or stakeholder relationships.Proficiency with business technology, reporting systems and Microsoft Office applications.Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Logistics, Environmental Management or a related discipline preferred; a strong combination of relevant education and senior-level operational experience will also be considered.Valid driver's license and ability to travel locally as business needs require.Ideal CandidateThe ideal candidate is an experienced operational leader who is equally comfortable reviewing financial performance, coaching a manager, addressing a customer concern and walking the operation to understand what is happening firsthand.This individual should bring a strong sense of ownership and urgency while maintaining sound judgment, professionalism and a commitment to safety. We are seeking a leader who can develop people, improve processes, drive accountability and consistently deliver results in a demanding service environment.Compensation: Annual Salary: $170,000 – $180,000 + bonuses