Role Overview for Chief Operating Officer – Waste Management – Houston, TX
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, forward-thinking waste management and environmental services leader based in Houston, TX. Our client is at the forefront of the industry, championing sustainable practices, technological innovation, and unparalleled customer service. With a significant footprint in the region and aggressive plans for expansion, they are seeking a transformative Chief Operating Officer (COO) to steer their operational future. This is a career-defining opportunity for a seasoned executive to join the C-suite and make a lasting impact.
As the Chief Operating Officer, you will serve as the strategic partner and right hand to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), entrusted with the overall health, efficiency, and scalability of the company’s entire operational landscape. You will be the driving force behind translating the company’s ambitious vision into flawless, day-to-day execution. This role commands a comprehensive oversight of a complex network, including extensive collection fleets, state-of-the-art Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), strategically located transfer stations, and environmentally sound landfill operations.
We are seeking more than just a manager; we are looking for a visionary operational leader. The ideal candidate will possess a rare blend of strategic acumen, financial savvy, and hands-on operational expertise. You will be responsible for architecting and implementing best-in-class processes, fostering a pervasive culture of safety and continuous improvement, and mentoring a high-performing team of operational leaders. Your leadership will be pivotal in driving profitability, enhancing market share, and solidifying our client’s position as an undisputed industry leader.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Operating Officer – Waste Management – Houston, TX
The COO will be accountable for a broad range of critical functions, ensuring the entire operational engine of the organization runs with precision, safety, and efficiency. Key responsibilities are detailed below:
Strategic Leadership & Operational Planning
- Collaborate directly with the CEO and the executive leadership team to craft and execute the company’s long-term strategic operational plan, ensuring tight alignment with corporate growth and profitability objectives.
- Develop and implement a multi-year operational roadmap focused on market expansion, service line diversification, asset optimization, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies.
- Lead the operational due diligence for potential mergers and acquisitions, and subsequently spearhead the seamless integration of acquired assets and teams into the existing operational framework.
- Analyze market trends, competitor activities, and regulatory shifts to proactively adapt operational strategies and maintain a competitive edge.
Operational Excellence & Process Improvement
- Direct and oversee all day-to-day operational activities, including collections (residential, commercial, industrial), post-collection processing, logistics, fleet management, and facility operations.
- Champion a culture of continuous improvement by implementing Lean, Six Sigma, or other process optimization methodologies across all operational departments to drive efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance service quality.
- Establish, monitor, and report on a comprehensive set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure operational performance, including safety metrics, asset utilization, cost-per-unit, and customer satisfaction scores.
- Leverage data analytics, telematics, and routing software to optimize collection routes, reduce fuel consumption, and improve fleet productivity.
Financial Management & P&L Accountability
- Assume full P&L responsibility for the company’s operations, developing and managing a multi-million dollar annual operational budget with a focus on maximizing EBITDA and return on invested capital (ROIC).
- Conduct rigorous financial analysis, variance reporting, and forecasting to identify areas for cost reduction and revenue enhancement.
- Lead capital expenditure (CapEx) planning and justification for new equipment, technology, and facility upgrades, ensuring all investments deliver a strong ROI.
- Present detailed reports on operational and financial performance to the CEO, executive team, and Board of Directors, providing clear insights and actionable recommendations.
Safety, Compliance & Environmental Stewardship
- Champion and enforce a world-class, zero-incident safety culture throughout the organization, ensuring that safety is the top priority in all decisions and actions.
- Guarantee absolute compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, including those set forth by governing bodies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
- Develop and implement robust risk management protocols, emergency response plans, and environmental stewardship programs that exceed regulatory requirements and reflect the company’s commitment to sustainability.
Team Leadership & Talent Development
- Lead, mentor, and inspire a large, geographically dispersed team of operational professionals, including VPs, Directors, and site managers.
- Foster a collaborative, accountable, and results-driven culture that attracts, develops, and retains top-tier operational talent.
- Implement effective performance management systems, succession planning initiatives, and leadership development programs to build a strong talent pipeline for future growth.
Requirements for the Chief Operating Officer – Waste Management – Houston, TX
The successful candidate will be a proven executive with a distinguished track record of operational leadership in a relevant industry. The specific qualifications and attributes we are seeking include:
Professional Experience
- A minimum of 15+ years of progressive operational leadership experience, with at least 7 years in a senior executive capacity (e.g., COO, VP of Operations, Regional VP, General Manager) with significant P&L responsibility.
- Direct experience within the waste management, environmental services, industrial services, transportation, or a related asset-heavy, logistics-intensive industry is mandatory.
- Demonstrated success in managing large-scale, multi-site operations and leading a substantial, diverse workforce.
- A proven history of driving significant operational improvements, turnarounds, and efficiency gains that resulted in measurable financial growth.
- Experience in a private equity-backed or similarly fast-paced, growth-oriented environment is highly desirable.
Skills & Core Competencies
Strategic Vision
The ability to think beyond the day-to-day, anticipate future industry trends, and formulate long-term operational strategies that create a sustainable competitive advantage.
Financial Acumen
Deep understanding of financial statements, budget management, capital planning, and the key levers that drive profitability in an asset-heavy business.
Operational Expertise
Mastery of logistics, fleet management, process optimization (Lean/Six Sigma), safety protocols, and regulatory compliance within an industrial setting.
Data-Driven Decision Making
Proficiency in using data analytics and operational metrics to diagnose problems, identify opportunities, and make informed, objective decisions.
Inspirational Leadership
A proven ability to lead from the front, set a clear vision, build consensus, and empower teams to achieve extraordinary results.
Education & Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Operations Management, Logistics, or a related field is required.
- An MBA or other relevant advanced degree is strongly preferred and will be a key differentiator among candidates.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining a top-tier executive leader and offers a compensation and benefits package to match. The comprehensive package includes:
- An executive-level compensation package featuring a highly competitive base salary.
- A significant annual performance-based bonus tied to individual and company performance.
- A meaningful long-term equity incentive plan (LTIP) that provides a substantial opportunity for wealth creation.
- A full suite of benefits, including premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents.
- A robust 401(k) retirement savings plan with a generous company match.
- Executive perquisites, including a vehicle allowance and a professional development budget.
- Generous paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and flexible scheduling to support work-life balance.
- Comprehensive relocation assistance for the selected candidate and their family to the Houston, TX area.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained for this critical executive search. We are seeking a leader who is ready to take on a challenging and highly rewarding role that will shape the future of a dynamic organization. If you possess the experience, skills, and drive to excel as the Chief Operating Officer, we invite you to begin a confidential conversation with us.
To express your interest, please submit your resume and a compelling cover letter detailing your qualifications and your vision for this role. To learn more about our deep expertise in recruiting executive talent for this sector, please visit JRG Partners’ Waste environmental executive search practice. We look forward to connecting with transformative leaders ready to make a significant impact.
