Operations and Logistics Lead

Title: Operations and Logistics Lead

Reports to: COO 

Schedule/Position: Full Time, non-exempt position with varied work hours, but generally 40-50 hours per week (M-F 7:30-4:00, with Saturday responsibilities)

Location: Chalmette, LA and New Orleans, LA

Salary Range: $50-70K

Benefits: 

Our company offers a healthcare benefits package that includes medical, vision, and dental insurance. We contribute 50% of the premium cost for the base plan across all three coverages for eligible employees. Employees have the option to select enhanced plans at their own cost. In such cases, the company’s contribution remains equal to 50% of the base plan rate, and any additional costs beyond that are the responsibility of the employee.

Additional benefits: 15 days PTO, 12 paid holidays, stock options 

Overview: Glass Half Full (GHF) is a leading glass recycling company operating across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. We specialize in collecting, processing, and repurposing glass to support various regional initiatives, including coastal restoration, new glass manufacturing, disaster relief, and more. GHF is seeking an experienced operations lead to work directly with the Chief Operating Officer to oversee the operations of our recycling facility and programs, ensuring efficient processes and effective management of resources. 

Background:

GHF started in a college backyard in 2020 with the goal of turning glass into something functional for our state. Five years later we now operate a 3-acre, state-of-the-art glass recycling facility in Chalmette capable of processing over half a million beer bottles per day. We got here by living our core values: Safety, Integrity, Glass Half Full Mindset, Empathy, and Tenacity. Working at Glass Half Full isn’t meant to be easy. We do challenging and rewarding work that requires us to be tenacious in order to achieve our goals. Our vision is to recycle one billion bottles annually and convert it into usable resources for the community and the environment. If GHF sounds like a good fit for you, then we’re excited to meet you and learn more about how your skills and experience can enhance our team. 

Daily Operations Management (30% of time)

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the recycling facility, including glass collection, processing, and distribution of sand and cullet (a feedstock for the manufacturing of new glass products) to end-users.
• Coordinate and optimize 5 concurrent routes for glass collection and end-product distribution, ensuring timely pickups and deliveries.
• Supervise the processing of glass into sand and cullet through high-tech, automated glass processing systems and machinery.
• Oversee the distribution of end-product to contracted transportation providers/vendors (e.g. loading trucks, quality control, etc.)
• Refine and implement quality control processes to ensure highest-quality end-product.
• Oversee drop-off programs for residents, facilitating recycling efforts and promoting community engagement.
• Implement and refine systems and processes with efficiency and safety at the forefront. 

Employee Management (25% of time)

• Lead and mentor a team of 10-20 employees, including drivers, technicians, cleaners, and processors. 
• Provide ongoing training, performance feedback, and support to ensure a safe and productive work environment. Develop and implement a plant safety plan that meets all OSHA requirements.
• Schedule staffing requirements to meet operational needs and maintain efficient workflow.
• Assist with hiring new staff as needed. 

Logistics (40% of time)

• Establish SOPs and refine protocols within day-to-day operations, particularly on routes and within facilities
• Material movement from A to Z (from service areas to spokes to hubs/plants)
• Develop strategic action plans in response to ever-changing opportunities  
• Establish SOPs and best practices for barge shipping and transporting cullet to end-users

Miscellaneous (5% of time)

• Respond to Bid opportunities as they arise 
• Fill in for drivers or other personnel if necessary

Qualifications:

Required:

• At least 2 years experience in operations, or alternatively, 4 years of college-level education in a relevant degree (operations, management, business, engineering). 
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and inspire a dedicated team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, with the capacity to liaise effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while maintaining a positive attitude. 
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs. Must be able to work in varied weather conditions (hot, cold, rainy, windy, dusty, etc). 
• Must have a valid driver’s license 

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Project Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• 2-5 years experience in operations management, preferably in the recycling or waste management industry, or material-movement and logistics.
• Knowledge of basic finance and budgeting, with the ability to identify and implement efficiencies and cost-saving opportunities.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and best practices in waste management and environmental sustainability.
• Proficiency in project management tools and software systems for tracking and optimizing operations.
• Familiarity with various vehicles and machinery, with the ability to maintain a fleet of vehicles and a host of high-tech recycling equipment. 
• OSHA #511 Certificate for Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the General Industry

Glass Half Full is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws.