DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
15 hours ago
Lexington
Job Description Are you looking for a rewarding career with a dynamic company? Cohen Recycling is hiring. We are passionate about our business and about building relationships that stand the test of time. We are proactive self-starters who thrive on opportunities and challenges while demonstrating a strong work ethic. And of course, we're competitive. Cohen achieves success by hiring the best people, so we are looking for motivated teammates and leaders who are eager to help shape the future of scrap metal recycling. The General Manager of Shredder Operations has the opportunity to play a key role in that evolution. Family-owned since 1924, Cohen is one of the largest ferrous and non-ferrous metal and electronics recycling companies in North America, processing more than 1.25 million tons annually. Our facilities include automobile shredders, balers, shears, mobile shearing, torch processing, auto crushers, an extensive truck and rail-car fleet, landfill services and rail-car dismantling. Today, we remain dedicated to the same values the company was founded on – quality and service. Our people make the difference in consistently providing the best customer experience This is a place where everyone — both our external customers who sell us scrap metal and our internal customers, the employees who make everything possible — know they will be treated with respect. We are looking for a Director of Operations to oversee all day-to-day activities of the scrap metal yard, ensuring efficient, safe, and profitable operations. This role manages logistics, processing, inventory control, compliance, and workforce performance while driving continuous improvement across the operation. Responsibilities • Oversee all yard operations including receiving, sorting, processing, and shipping scrap metal, • Develop and implement operational strategies to improve productivity, throughput, and cost efficiency, • Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and adjust processes to meet production and financial targets, • Lead, train, and develop supervisors and yard personnel, • Establish clear performance expectations and accountability standards, • Promote a culture of safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement, • Ensure strict adherence to OSHA, environmental, and local regulatory requirements, • Maintain and enforce safety programs, policies, and procedures, • Conduct regular safety audits and risk assessments, • Oversee inbound and outbound logistics, including vendor and customer coordination, • Manage inventory levels, material flow, and storage practices, • Ensure accurate tracking, grading, and documentation of materials, • Supervise maintenance programs for heavy equipment (e.g., shredders, balers, loaders, shears), • Minimize downtime through preventative maintenance and efficient repair processes, • Manage operating budgets, cost controls, and expense reduction initiatives, • Partner with leadership on pricing, purchasing, and margin optimization, • Analyze financial and operational reports to drive decision-making, • Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, buyers, and transportation partners, • Bachelor’s degree in operations management, Business, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience), • 7–10+ years of operations leadership experience, preferably in scrap metal, recycling, manufacturing, or heavy industry, • Strong knowledge of metal grading, processing methods, and industry regulations, • Proven leadership and team management skills in a fast-paced, industrial environment, • Experience managing budgets, logistics, and operational KPIs, • Familiarity with heavy equipment and maintenance practices, • Strategic thinking and problem-solving, • Leadership and team development, • Safety management and regulatory compliance, • Operational efficiency and process improvement, • Primarily based in an outdoor industrial yard environment, • Exposure to heavy machinery, noise, and varying weather conditions Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance 401K and 401K matching Paid Time Off (PTO) Life Insurance EEO Statement Cohen Recycling is a drug-free workplace and conducts pre-employment testing as a condition of employment. Cohen is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, lactation/breastfeeding, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, marital status, familial status, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, military status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations. Cohen reasonably accommodates qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to receive equal employment opportunity and/or perform the essential functions of the job unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship to the Company. This applies to all applicants and teammates. Cohen also provides a work environment in which each teammate is able to be productive and work to the best of his or her ability. We do not condone or tolerate an atmosphere of intimidation or harassment. We expect and require the cooperation of all teammates in maintaining an atmosphere free from discrimination and harassment with mutual respect by and for all teammates and applicants.