Job Description

TITLE: Director of Operations

EMPLOYER:  RIRRC

DEPARTMENT: Operations

REPORTS TO: Executive Director

EFFECTIVE DATE: 01/05/2026

SUMMARY:

The Director of Operations is responsible for planning, developing, administering, and leading all operational functions of the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation, including the Materials Recycling Facility (MRF), Central Landfill, and Maintenance Garage, ensuring operations are effective, efficient, and fully compliant with all applicable laws, regulations, permits, standards, and safety requirements.

This role is a key driver in strengthening field leadership capability, standardizing operational best practices, and ensuring consistent, high-quality service and project delivery across all operational business units. The Director of Operations bridges day-to-day operational execution with long-term business planning, maintaining accountability for performance, budgeting, and strategic outcomes.

The Director of Operations works closely with the Chief Financial Officer to support the development, administration, and ongoing management of the Corporation’s operating and capital budgets, ensuring fiscal discipline and alignment with organizational priorities.

The Director of Operations leads the development and execution of the annual operating plan, drives process-excellence and continuous improvement initiatives, and oversees performance reporting, including analytics and key operational metrics. The role also leads and coordinates cross-functional strategic initiatives and enterprise-wide priorities, ensuring clear objectives, accountability, and measurable progress.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop, implement, and monitor day-to-day operational systems and processes to provide visibility into the goals, progress, and obstacles of key initiatives.
• Develop the strategic direction and goals, ensuring a clear alignment with Company objectives
• Lead key strategic priorities, including the Annual Operating Plan.
• Partner with Finance to support forecasting and monitoring, to ensure meeting yearly budget target.
• In collaboration with Finance, design and implement processes and systems to enhance forecasting accuracy, with emphasis around capital projects.
• Ensure project deliverables are well characterized with associated timing, resources, quality parameters, and interdependencies across lines.
• Partner closely with Operations Managers and leads to ensure consistency and continuous learning across functions.
• Lead external benchmarking to evaluate performance relative to peer recycling facilities and landfill operations and recommend improvements.
• Draw on relationships with department heads, external partners, and vendors to make decisions regarding operational activity.
• Work closely with Human Resources to lead the team with integrity and to establish and maintain a trusting, inclusive, and productive environment.
• Lead cross-functional due diligence teams and manage relationships internally and externally.
• Develop detailed cross-functional monthly operating reports to be shared with internal and external stakeholders.
• Prepare agendas and materials for quarterly Board of Directors meetings that optimize and focus time on the highest priority areas and tracks actions and progress.
• Manage hiring, training, coaching, and performance reviews for staff.
• Ensure compliance with safety and environmental policies.

OBJECTIVES OF THIS ROLE:

• Collaborate with senior leadership on the long-term operational plans.
• Analyze current operational processes and performance, recommend solutions for improvement where necessary.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Directly and indirectly responsible for multiple salaried and hourly personnel.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in business administration or related field.
• Five (5) or more years of senior leadership experience in a related field, including solid waste, recycling, engineering, construction, or consulting.
• Masterful organizational, communication, and leadership skills, backed by previous professional success.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex projects and/or providing consulting services in an operational or constructional environment.
• Superior knowledge of multiple operational functions and principles, including finance, construction, and employee management.
• Proven ability to plan and manage operational processes for maximum efficiency and productivity.
• Experience in developing budgets and business plans.
• Strong working knowledge of industry regulations and legal guidelines.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to operate seamlessly within a diverse, complex organization.
• Proven ability to develop and implement strategies and operate models in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Experience with various leadership assessments, such as Personality-Based Leadership Assessments (DiSC), Competency-Based Leadership Assessments, Leadership Potential & Readiness Assessments (Nine-Box Talent Matrix).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to synthesize complex information and drive actionable outcomes.
• Ability to make effective decisions in ambiguous situations with limited information.
• Exceptional prioritization skills, urgency, and flexibility.
• Demonstrated experience developing and presenting materials for senior leadership or Boards of Directors.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight timelines.
• High energy, sense of urgency, creativity, and decisiveness; ability to perform well under pressure.
• Ability to motivate others to maintain a high and consistent level of excellence in strategy development, project management, and outcomes.

SALARY RANGE:

• $150,000.00 - $175,000.00
• The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. Actual base salary pay will be based on several factors, including but not limited to experience, skills, relevant education/qualifications, external market, internal equity, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

TOTAL REWARDS:

• Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation’s total rewards package also provides employees with a comprehensive and competitive benefits suite to support a variety of employee needs. These benefits include comprehensive health, life and disability insurance, 401(a) plan, employer-matched 457(b) plan, health savings account, flexible time-off and paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, and more.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. 

It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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