Yard Operations Manager - Metal Recycling Chicago, IL

Overview

Our client, a growing metal recycling operation, is seeking a Yard Operations Manager to oversee daily yard operations, production, maintenance, safety, and personnel management. The role focuses on maximizing operational efficiency, maintaining equipment uptime, providing strong safety leadership, and ensuring compliance with OSHA and environmental regulations.

• Manage all yard safety programs and promote a zero‑incident safety culture.
• Ensure employees are trained on safety procedures and consistently follow established practices.
• Lead daily yard operations to maximize production, throughput, efficiency, and profitability.
• Monitor production flow and identify opportunities to eliminate operational bottlenecks.
• Coordinate equipment maintenance, preventive maintenance, and repairs to maximize equipment uptime.
• Supervise, coach, and develop yard personnel, operators, and laborers.
• Provide timely performance feedback and foster a culture of accountability and teamwork.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and coordinate corrective actions.
• Interview, hire, onboard, and train employees.
• Maintain compliance with OSHA regulations, environmental requirements, and company safety policies.
• Support inventory control and material flow throughout the recycling facility.

• 3+ years of experience in the metal recycling industry.
• 3+ years of leadership and operations management experience.
• Experience managing scrap yard operations, recycling production, or material processing operations.
• Experience supervising production employees, equipment operators, and yard personnel.
• Strong safety leadership with experience enforcing OSHA and environmental compliance.
• Experience overseeing preventive maintenance programs and equipment repairs.
• Experience with inventory control and material management.
• Strong communication, leadership, problem‑solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work in an industrial outdoor environment.

• Base salary in the 90k‑120k per year range, plus bonus.
• Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance.
• 401(k) with up to a 3% company match.
• Four weeks of paid time off (PTO).
• Relocation assistance, if applicable.