SVP, Operations

At Lincoln Waste Solutions, powered by Reconomy, our vision is a waste-free world where resources are conserved, and economic growth is achieved through sustainable, circular practices. We provide a full-service management approach for all types of waste and recycling, offering services such as recycling, waste consulting, hauler management, and back-office support. With a proven track record, we work with hundreds of clients across the globe, including regional and national companies across various industries. Leveraging strong partnerships with over 6,000 haulers, we help our clients achieve greater waste efficiency, increased recycling, improved sustainability data, and cost savings, all while moving toward a more sustainable, waste-free future. About the role Operational Strategy & Execution • Design, implement, and continuously improve scalable operating processes suited to an asset-light, platform-driven business model. • Own the operational roadmap, translating company strategy into quarterly and annual operating plans with measurable KPIs. • Lead cross-functional teams including Operations, Customer Success, Compliance, and Vendor Management. • Drive a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and data-informed decision-making. Partner & Vendor Network Management • Oversee the onboarding, performance management, and optimization of our third-party hauler, recycler, and processing partner network. • Develop and enforce vendor SLAs, compliance requirements, and sustainability certifications (e.g., R2, ISO 14001, ISRI membership). • Identify and negotiate strategic partnerships to expand geographic coverage and service capabilities. • Build redundancy and resilience into the partner network to ensure service continuity. Technology & Platform Operations • Partner with the CTO to ensure the dispatch, routing, and reporting platform reliably supports customer and vendor workflows at scale. • Champion the use of data and analytics to optimize route efficiency, diversion rates, and cost-per-service metrics. • Identify operational requirements for platform enhancements and prioritize accordingly with the product and engineering teams. Customer Experience & Service Delivery • Own the end-to-end customer service delivery experience, from onboarding through ongoing account management and issue resolution. • Establish and monitor service quality metrics, driving continuous improvement in customer satisfaction (NPS, retention, issue resolution time). • Partner with Sales and Marketing to align operational capacity with growth targets and new market launches. Compliance, Safety & Sustainability • Ensure all operations, partner activities, and reporting meet applicable federal, state, and local environmental regulations. • Champion the company's sustainability goals — including waste diversion targets, recycling rates, and carbon reduction commitments. • Oversee regulatory compliance programs and maintain certifications and industry memberships relevant to waste and recycling. • Develop and enforce safety standards across the partner network and internal teams. Multi-Location People Leadership • Lead, develop, and engage a distributed workforce across multiple office and field locations, fostering a unified culture and consistent employee experience company-wide. • Partner with HR to design and implement people programs — including onboarding, performance management, and career development — that work effectively across geographies. • Establish clear communication cadences and leadership practices that keep dispersed teams aligned, informed, and motivated. • Travel to field locations (20–40%) to maintain visibility, build trust, and directly support site-level teams and operations. • Ensure consistent application of company policies, values, and standards across all locations. Financial & Performance Management • Own the operational P&L, managing costs across vendor contracts, logistics, technology, and headcount. • Partner closely with the CFO to develop financial models that align cost structure with growth at scale and provide transparent operational reporting. • Collaborate with the CRO to align operational capacity, service delivery timelines, and resource planning with revenue growth targets and customer commitments. • Identify and realize operational efficiencies, margin improvement opportunities, and cost-saving initiatives without compromising service quality. Leadership & Team Development • Build, mentor, and retain a high-performing operations leadership team. • Foster an inclusive, high-accountability culture aligned to company values. • Represent operations in board meetings, investor updates, and key customer engagements as needed. What we need from you Required: • 10+ years of progressive operational leadership experience, with at least 3 years in a senior VP or C-suite role. • Demonstrated success leading operations in an asset-light, platform, marketplace, or managed services business model. • Proven experience managing and engaging distributed teams across multiple geographic locations. • Experience managing complex third-party partner or vendor networks with multi-region scope. • Strong commercial acumen with P&L ownership experience and is comfortable partnering with CFO and revenue leadership. • Proven ability to build and scale operational processes in a high-growth environment. • Exceptional cross-functional leadership, communication, and executive presence. Preferred: • Background in waste management, environmental services, logistics, facilities management, or related industries. • Familiarity with environmental compliance requirements and sustainability certifications (ISO 14001, R2, ISRI, NWRA, etc.). • Experience with SaaS or technology-enabled service platforms. • MBA or advanced degree in Operations, Business, Engineering, or a related field. • Track record of leading through M&A integration or rapid geographic expansion. What we offer Comprehensive Health Benefits: We’ve got you covered with Health, Dental, and Vision insurance. 401(k): Plan for the future with confidence with employer matching of employee retirement contribution. Learning & Growth Opportunities: We support your professional development with access to LinkedIn training, mentorship, and advancement opportunities. Collaborative, Global Environment: Work closely with passionate teams across North America and connect with colleagues in other regions for exciting cross-border projects. Inclusive & Equal Opportunity Employer: We’re committed to creating a workplace that celebrates diversity and inclusion. Everyone is welcome. Accessibility and Inclusion: Lincoln Waste Solutions is committed to creating a diverse, accessible, and inclusive workplace. Should you require accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs. Disability-related accommodations during the application process are available upon request. You may also request accommodation by emailing [email protected] .