What are the responsibilities and job description for the Operations Manager - Coating position at VLS Environmental Solutions, LLC?
About VLS!
VLS Environmental Solutions, LLC, is a recognized leader in providing sustainability solutions, with three divisions providing industry-leading services. With a mission to innovate solutions to meet clients' sustainability goals, VLS has over 1,200 employees in 40 locations across North America.
Waste Services
VLS Waste Services provides customized waste processing solutions for hazardous and non-hazardous industrial and commercial waste, including landfill diversion and sustainability programs, solidification of liquid waste, recycling, wastewater treatment, and waste sequestration.
Railcar Services
VLS Railcar Cleaning and Repair Services division provides specialty cleaning services for difficult-to-clean products, including chemicals, hardened materials, and pressurized gases, and comprehensive repair services for certified full-service repairs, tank car qualifications, and maintenance.
Marine Services
VLS Marine Services division offers state-of-the-art barge cleaning, repair, and gas-free facilities for various chemical solvents and downstream petroleum products.
Job Summary
The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of coating and abrasive blasting operations for rail cars. This role ensures compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards while optimizing productivity and cost efficiency. The manager will lead a team of technicians and supervisors, maintain equipment, and implement best practices to deliver high-quality surface preparation and coating services. The manager will also maintain strong relationships with internal teams and external vendors to optimize operational performance.
Job Duties
At VLS our employees are the core of our business. As such, we value our employees' physical, mental, and financial wellbeing by providing first class, high value benefits and resources that are centered around a proper work-life balance.
Physical and Mental Wellbeing: VLS is committed to supporting our employees' physical and mental health by providing:
Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance - Based on each employee's need, we offer various high quality, low-premium medical, dental and vision plans, which include our first-in-class concierge service (available in Spanish) and 2nd MD Offering.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Healthcare Saving Accounts (HSA) -- Set aside pre-tax money to use toward your health care spending. VLS provides an employer contribution to all HSA accounts.
Time Off - We offer 11 (eleven) company-paid holidays, in addition to our paid time off and voluntary time off plans.
Employee Assistance Program -- 24/7 assistance and counseling services that are 100% confidential and free to all employees and their dependents.
Telemedicine -- All employees and dependents receive free virtual visits by licensed practitioners any time, any day...including holidays!
Financial and Retirement Planning: At VLS we offer the following to assist our employees with planning around their finances and saving for retirement:
401(k) - Generous 401(k) matching program after 90 days of employment. VLS will match up to 5% of your pay every pay period. Matching contributions are 100% vested immediately.
Life and Disability Insurance -- Employer-paid life insurance, along with short-term and long-term disability coverage provided to all full-time employees.
Voluntary Life Protection Plans -- Employees and their dependents can elect coverage in our voluntary life/add, critical illness, hospital indemnity and accident plans.
Rewards and Recognition Programs -- We celebrate our employees! From birthdays to anniversaries and other various milestones/achievements, we have programs in place to recognize our employees.
Financial Planning - Free One on One financial planning with a certified Financial Planner/Coach.
Employee Discount - Employee Discount Program for savings on everyday goods and services at various retailers throughout the US.
VLS Environmental Solutions, LLC, is a recognized leader in providing sustainability solutions, with three divisions providing industry-leading services. With a mission to innovate solutions to meet clients' sustainability goals, VLS has over 1,200 employees in 40 locations across North America.
Waste Services
VLS Waste Services provides customized waste processing solutions for hazardous and non-hazardous industrial and commercial waste, including landfill diversion and sustainability programs, solidification of liquid waste, recycling, wastewater treatment, and waste sequestration.
Railcar Services
VLS Railcar Cleaning and Repair Services division provides specialty cleaning services for difficult-to-clean products, including chemicals, hardened materials, and pressurized gases, and comprehensive repair services for certified full-service repairs, tank car qualifications, and maintenance.
Marine Services
VLS Marine Services division offers state-of-the-art barge cleaning, repair, and gas-free facilities for various chemical solvents and downstream petroleum products.
Job Summary
The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of coating and abrasive blasting operations for rail cars. This role ensures compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards while optimizing productivity and cost efficiency. The manager will lead a team of technicians and supervisors, maintain equipment, and implement best practices to deliver high-quality surface preparation and coating services. The manager will also maintain strong relationships with internal teams and external vendors to optimize operational performance.
Job Duties
- Plan, schedule, and manage daily coating and blasting operations for rail cars.
- Ensure adherence to project timelines and customer specifications.
- Enforce OSHA, EPA, FRA, AAR, and industry-specific safety standards.
- Maintain compliance with environmental regulations related to blasting media and coating materials.
- Implement quality control procedures for surface preparation and coating application.
- Conduct inspections and audits to ensure coatings meet required specifications.
- Supervise and develop a team of coating and blasting technicians.
- Provide training on safety, equipment operation, and best practices.
- Oversee maintenance and calibration of blasting and coating equipment.
- Manage inventory of abrasives, coatings, and related supplies.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance quality.
- Implement lean practices and cost-saving initiatives.
- Collaborate with project managers and clients to ensure satisfaction.
- Provide progress updates and resolve operational issues promptly.
- Performs other job-related duties as needed or assigned.
- High school diploma required; Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management or related field preferred.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in industrial coating and abrasive blasting operations, preferably in rail or heavy equipment sectors.
- At least 3 years of progressive experience in supervisory, management or leadership
- Strong knowledge of coating systems, surface preparation standards (SSPC/NACE), and blasting media.
- Proven leadership and team management skills.
- Familiarity with safety and environmental regulations.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills.
- Proficient in MS Office and operational management software.
At VLS our employees are the core of our business. As such, we value our employees' physical, mental, and financial wellbeing by providing first class, high value benefits and resources that are centered around a proper work-life balance.
Physical and Mental Wellbeing: VLS is committed to supporting our employees' physical and mental health by providing:
Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance - Based on each employee's need, we offer various high quality, low-premium medical, dental and vision plans, which include our first-in-class concierge service (available in Spanish) and 2nd MD Offering.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Healthcare Saving Accounts (HSA) -- Set aside pre-tax money to use toward your health care spending. VLS provides an employer contribution to all HSA accounts.
Time Off - We offer 11 (eleven) company-paid holidays, in addition to our paid time off and voluntary time off plans.
Employee Assistance Program -- 24/7 assistance and counseling services that are 100% confidential and free to all employees and their dependents.
Telemedicine -- All employees and dependents receive free virtual visits by licensed practitioners any time, any day...including holidays!
Financial and Retirement Planning: At VLS we offer the following to assist our employees with planning around their finances and saving for retirement:
401(k) - Generous 401(k) matching program after 90 days of employment. VLS will match up to 5% of your pay every pay period. Matching contributions are 100% vested immediately.
Life and Disability Insurance -- Employer-paid life insurance, along with short-term and long-term disability coverage provided to all full-time employees.
Voluntary Life Protection Plans -- Employees and their dependents can elect coverage in our voluntary life/add, critical illness, hospital indemnity and accident plans.
Rewards and Recognition Programs -- We celebrate our employees! From birthdays to anniversaries and other various milestones/achievements, we have programs in place to recognize our employees.
Financial Planning - Free One on One financial planning with a certified Financial Planner/Coach.
Employee Discount - Employee Discount Program for savings on everyday goods and services at various retailers throughout the US.