Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Ryan Cranford

Walkersville

Summary

Dynamic leader with over 11 years of experience in the waste industry, specializing in site management, process improvements, and safety protocols. Proven track record of driving operational efficiency and enhancing customer satisfaction through exceptional service delivery. Committed to fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement while ensuring compliance with industry standards. Adept at leading teams to achieve organizational goals and exceed client expectations.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience

Work History

District Manager II

WM
02.2025 - Current
  • Led operational strategies to enhance WM's efficiency across multiple districts.
  • Promoted culture of accountability, setting clear expectations and conducting regular performance evaluations.
  • Developed and implemented training programs for district staff, fostering professional growth and compliance.
  • Analyzed key performance indicators to drive improvements in service delivery and customer satisfaction.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to optimize resource allocation and reduce operational costs.
  • Oversaw safety compliance initiatives, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards throughout the district.
  • Mentored district leaders in best practices for team management and process optimization initiatives.
  • Spearheaded strategic planning sessions to align district objectives with corporate goals, driving sustainable growth.
  • Ensured compliance with company policies and procedures as well as federal/state regulations by conducting regular audits of operational practices at each location within the district.
  • Boosted employee morale by creating a positive work environment that encouraged teamwork, collaboration, and professional growth opportunities.

District Manager II

WM
08.2014 - 02.2025
  • Fostered an environment of open communication between management teams across the district to share best practices in operations optimization and problem-solving techniques.
  • Championed a culture of continuous improvement by regularly soliciting feedback from employees and implementing changes based on their suggestions.
  • Reduced turnover rates by implementing proactive retention strategies designed to address potential employee concerns before they escalated into resignations or terminations.
  • Promoted culture of accountability, setting clear expectations and conducting regular performance evaluations.
  • Analyzed key performance indicators to drive improvements in service delivery and customer satisfaction.
  • Oversaw safety compliance initiatives, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards throughout the district.
  • Mentored district leaders in best practices for team management and process optimization initiatives.
  • Collaborated with senior management on strategic planning initiatives aimed at maximizing profitability while maintaining high standards of quality across the district.

Onboarding Optimization Manager

WM
05.2023 - 04.2024
  • Identify workforce needs across multiple sites by conducting benchmark analysis, developing mitigation plans and assisting site management with the execution of steps to execute plans.
  • Lead enterprise-wide benchmarking discussions to develop company “scorecard” for retention strategies.
  • Detect areas of opportunities within the onboarding process by performing regular post-offer check-ins seeking any potential risks that may result in low retention or satisfaction.
  • Recommend improvements to business unit leadership, Operations Solutions Manager, Talent Acquisition, and People Team to improve retention rates based on opportunities identified through onboarding and investigations conducted post-exit.
  • Communicate expectations for OJT completion to ensure completion and assist with assignment of Dedicated Driver Trainer/Mentor.
  • Creates and submits weekly and month end status reports for senior management.
  • Developed and implemented training programs for staff development and performance improvement.

Senior Route Manager

WM
12.2020 - 05.2023
  • Responsible for driver awareness of company policies, safety procedures and DOT, OSHA, and other local applicable regulatory requirements.
  • Accountable for short and long-term action plans including but not limited to safety, customer service, driver retention and other operational needs.
  • Trained/Mentoried OMT’s and route managers on their responsibilities.
  • Facilitate team huddles and meetings with a focus safety, service, and savings.
  • Provide on the road coaching to drivers on route to ensure drivers are reaching their full potential and goals.
  • Coordinated fleet management, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and maintenance standards.

Route Manager

WM
01.2015 - 12.2020
  • Monitor driver’s hours of service by daily coaching to minimize overtime and report productivity.
  • Facilitate team huddles and meetings with a focus safety, service, and savings.
  • Periodically met with city, county, and local municipality leadership to ensure strong contractual relationships.
  • Provide on the road coaching to drivers on route to ensure drivers are reaching their full potential and goals.
  • Trained/Mentored all OMT’s in the Florida Market Area.

Operations Management Trainee

WM
08.2014 - 01.2015
  • Coordinated logistics for waste collection routes to enhance service delivery efficiency.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline equipment maintenance schedules.
  • Prepared detailed reports summarizing operational challenges and proposed solutions for management review.
  • Managed daily operations, ensuring smooth workflow and optimal resource allocation.
  • Implemented safety protocols to maintain a secure working environment for all employees.

CDL Truck Driver

Sunbelt Rentals
08.2012 - 08.2014
  • Maintained accurate logs of hours driven, cargo transported, and vehicle maintenance activities.
  • Communicated effectively with dispatch to coordinate timely deliveries and address route changes.
  • Resolved customer inquiries regarding delivery status, enhancing overall client satisfaction through effective communication.
  • Improved delivery efficiency by planning optimal routes and adhering to strict schedules.

Education

Performance Leadership Certificate -

ECornell
07-2024

Bachelor of Science -

Frostburg State University
Frostburg, MD
05-2012

Building Business Accumen Certificate -

Acumen Learning
04-2022

Skills

  • Aided in the development of a single stream recycle program for Brevard County - 2016
  • Identified a gap related to OOM guidance and worked alongside peers to develop and facilitate enterprise-wide benchmarking call that is finalizing WM’s Standard Retention Procedure
  • Sustained Silver level performance on WM Way Scorecard for Baltimore Hauling

Timeline

District Manager II

WM
02.2025 - Current

Onboarding Optimization Manager

WM
05.2023 - 04.2024

Senior Route Manager

WM
12.2020 - 05.2023

Route Manager

WM
01.2015 - 12.2020

District Manager II

WM
08.2014 - 02.2025

Operations Management Trainee

WM
08.2014 - 01.2015

CDL Truck Driver

Sunbelt Rentals
08.2012 - 08.2014

Performance Leadership Certificate -

ECornell

Bachelor of Science -

Frostburg State University

Building Business Accumen Certificate -

Acumen Learning
Ryan Cranford