Operations Manager

About Crystal Clean Windows

Since 1999, Crystal Clean Windows has served as Iowa’s premier professional window cleaning partner. Our reach extends across the Des Moines and Ames markets, supporting a diverse client base that includes corporate campuses, hospitals, universities, and residential homes. As the state’s only SPRAT-certified rope access provider, we operate at the highest industry standards to ensure safety and excellence on every project.

We are currently in a high-growth phase, scaling from $1.2M to $3M in revenue. To support this expansion, we are aggressively building the operational foundation and leadership systems required to scale efficiently. Our focus is on investing in the right people and processes today so the business remains robust and organized as we continue to grow.

Position Summary

We are hiring an Operations Manager to own the execution of day-to-day operations at Crystal Clean Windows. This role is responsible for ensuring crews are productive, jobs run efficiently, and quality standards are consistently met across every service line.

This is not a glorified Lead Technician role. While field experience and trade competency are required, the long-term expectation is that you build a team that can deliver excellent work without you being on the glass. As the company grows, this role evolves from field-heavy execution to systems-driven leadership.

You will report directly to Travis (General Manager), who owns company performance, revenue, strategy, and client relationships. The GM and Ops Manager operate as a team: the GM provides direction and accountability; the Ops Manager owns execution.

What You'll Own

• Run daily morning meetings: crew assignments, work orders, vehicle and equipment readiness
• Keep jobs on time, on standard, and within labor targets — troubleshoot staffing gaps, weather, and jobsite challenges in real time
• Train, coach, and develop technicians and crew leads toward independent job ownership
• Partner with GM on hiring, onboarding, performance management, and 1-on-1s
• Work in the field during Phase 1 to set standards and earn team trust; conduct ongoing jobsite visits as field time decreases
• Serve as on-site point of contact; handle service issues and follow-through in coordination with the GM
• Build and maintain operational systems: CRM, SOPs, crew procedures, and training frameworks; track and report weekly KPIs
• Manage equipment readiness, vehicle maintenance, supply inventory, and rental coordination

What Success Looks Like — First 6 Months

• You understand all service lines and have earned the respect of the field team
• Daily operations run smoothly with minimal disruption to jobs or crews
• A documented onboarding and training framework is in place and actively used
• Client service issues are resolved quickly with strong follow-through
• KPIs are tracked and reported to leadership on a consistent cadence

What We're Looking For

Non-Negotiables:

• Experience working in indoor and outdoor environments — comfortable on ladders, around equipment, and in variable conditions
• 2+ years of management experience overseeing a team of 3 or more people
• Mechanical aptitude — ability to assess and repair/replace machinery and tools as needed
• Demonstrated ability to build or improve operational or training systems
• Strong communicator: you give direction clearly, receive feedback well, and keep leadership informed without being prompted
• Comfortable operating in both field and leadership contexts, often on the same day
• Overnight travel to Cedar Rapids area - Up to 10% per year, travel stipend provided

Nice to Have:

• Experience in field services, property maintenance, cleaning services, or a trade-based industry
• Familiarity with scheduling or field service management software (CRM experience a plus)
• Experience managing multiple crews operating simultaneously

Growth Opportunity

This role is intentionally designed for upward mobility. As the business scales and systems mature, the Ops Manager may grow into:

• Senior Operations Leadership across multiple teams or locations
• General Manager role as the company expands

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $65,000-$80,000 annually
• PTO: 10 days accrued per year
• 6 Paid holidays 
• Monthly wellness benefit
• Retirement plan with 3% company match
• Upselling incentives
• Referral bonuses