Operations Leader - Environmental Services

OVERVIEW

LOCATION: SAN FRANCISCO (RELOCATION ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE)

We are partnering with a mission-driven group of companies in the sustainability and environmental services sector to identify an exceptional Operations Leader. This newly created role bridges executive leadership and operational execution across multiple business units within a fast-growing organization.

The ideal candidate is a proven execution leader who thrives in dynamic, multi-project environments and can translate strategic vision into actionable results. This position offers a unique opportunity to build scalable systems and drive operational excellence within an organization committed to making a measurable positive impact on communities and the environment.

This role is ideal for a mid-to-senior-level operations professional ready to step into a high-impact, cross-functional leadership position with significant growth potential.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Execution & Project Coordination

• Serve as the primary link between executive leadership and departmental teams, ensuring strategic decisions are translated into concrete action plans and delivered on schedule
• Oversee and coordinate execution of multiple concurrent projects across two primary companies, including facility build-outs, equipment relocations, manufacturing transitions, and logistics operations
• Drive complex, tangible operational initiatives from conception through completion without requiring step-by-step direction
• Achieve full site readiness, including permitting and installation preparation for multiple locations
• Manage mass production of a flagship product, coordinating closely with manufacturing partners
• Manage incoming orders and ensure ongoing production runs smoothly
• Oversee manufacturing operations and coordinate across departments
• Establish and maintain project tracking systems, milestone schedules, and performance metrics to ensure visibility and accountability across all initiatives

Cross-Functional Leadership & Communication

• Coordinate activities across multiple departments including operations, finance, marketing, engineering, and field teams to ensure alignment and efficient execution
• Build and maintain communication frameworks that connect leadership vision with day-to-day operational activities
• Work collaboratively with department leaders and project managers to identify bottlenecks, resolve conflicts, and maintain project momentum
• Facilitate clear information flow between executive leadership and operational teams, ensuring all stakeholders remain informed and aligned

Operational System Building & Process Improvement

• Design and implement scalable systems, workflows, and reporting frameworks that improve organizational efficiency and transparency
• Establish documentation standards for project plans, bills of materials, change tracking, and progress reporting
• Create accountability structures that ensure consistent follow-through and measurable results across all departments
• Identify opportunities for process optimization and operational improvements across the organization

Problem-Solving & Initiative

• Proactively identify operational challenges and develop practical solutions before issues escalate
• Exercise sound judgment in prioritizing competing demands and allocating resources effectively across multiple projects
• Bring forward recommendations and insights based on operational observations and data analysis
• Demonstrate strong follow-through and meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of work

Reporting & Stakeholder Management

• Provide regular, concise progress updates to executive leadership on all active initiatives
• Prepare reports and presentations that clearly communicate project status, risks, and outcomes
• Coordinate with external vendors, contractors, and partners as needed to support project execution
• Maintain transparency in all communications, ensuring leadership has real-time visibility into operational progress

Requirements

• Proven track record managing complex, multi-department operations or cross-functional projects involving technical, financial, and logistical components
• Demonstrated ability to create structure and clarity within growing organizations through implementation of effective systems, processes, and reporting frameworks
• Strong project planning and execution skills, including scheduling, milestone tracking, risk management, and coordination of multiple concurrent initiatives
• Experience coordinating and aligning cross-functional teams to ensure engineering, operations, finance, and leadership remain synchronized
• Ability to work autonomously with minimal oversight while maintaining alignment with organizational goals and strategic priorities
• Exceptional organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail with ability to track 200+ moving parts simultaneously with precision and clarity
• Comfortable confronting delays and enforcing deadlines with vendors, contractors, and internal teams
• The role is onsite in San Francisco; relocation is required for non-local candidates, and assistance is provided

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong, grounded leadership presence with confidence to guide discussions and drive accountability across teams
• Background in infrastructure, sustainability, recycling, logistics, manufacturing, or industrial operations
• Hands-on, results-oriented work ethic with genuine interest in building scalable systems and improving organizational processes
• High level of personal integrity, reliability, and follow-through in all commitments
• Proactive and self-directed approach to work with ability to anticipate needs and take initiative
• Collaborative team player who can work effectively with diverse personalities and seniority levels
• Genuine interest in mission-driven work focused on environmental sustainability and community impact

Benefits

• Salary Range: $100K - 120K annually
• Health insurance coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off (vacation days, holidays, and sick leave)
• First-month temporary housing assistance available for candidates relocating to California
• Support with relocation logistics for the right candidate

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Commitment to Diversity: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected.

Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.

Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.

Compliance with Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Workplace Harassment: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

E-Verify Participation: Keller Executive Search and/or our clients may participate in E-Verify. Information about E-Verify participation will be provided during the application process where applicable.

Privacy and Pay Equity:

California Residents: For more information about the categories of personal information we collect for recruiting and employment purposes, please review our Privacy Policy at www.kellerexecutivesearch.com.
Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available.
Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.

State-Specific Information:

Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.
Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation.
New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed.

Veteran Status: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with applicable state laws regarding veteran preference in employment. If you are a veteran, please inform us during the application process.

Genetic Information: In accordance with federal and state laws, both Keller Executive Search and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law.

Local Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate.

Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.