Snow & Maintenance Operations Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Snow & Maintenance Operations Manager

Sustainable Sites Snow and Maintenance  |  Full-Time  |  Des Moines, IA & Surrounding Area

Build the Team. Lead the Operation. Own the Outcome.

About Us

Sustainable Sites delivers commercial snow & ice management and year-round grounds maintenance services for commercial, HOA, municipal, healthcare, and retail properties throughout the greater Des Moines area. We also provide landscape, irrigation, and seasonal property care, using sustainable landscape practices. We're growing, investing in our people and equipment, and building a leadership team to take the company to the next level.

About the Role

We're seeking an experienced Snow & Maintenance Operations Manager to lead winter snow and ice response, seasonal grounds maintenance, and daily field operations across a large multi-crew service area. You'll oversee a growing portfolio and workforce through our intentional regional growth.

This is a senior leadership role reporting directly to ownership, with real authority to make decisions and the expectation to own the results. It is not a desk job: you'll be the person we rely on whether it's a 2:00 a.m. snow response or peak summer production.

For a more in-depth description, click here.

What You'll Do

Snow & Ice Operations

•      Serve as the primary decision-maker during winter storm events: monitor forecasts, staffing, and equipment readiness, and direct crews and routes in real time

•      Manage snow subcontractors and service partners, setting clear expectations and holding them accountable to our standards

Grounds & Landscape Operations

•      Direct year-round grounds maintenance, including mowing, irrigation, fertilization, landscape bed maintenance, shrub and tree care, seasonal flower décor, aeration, leaf cleanup, and holiday lights

•      Apply our sustainable landscape practices and build systems that improve efficiency, quality, and profitability

Scheduling & Software

•      Build crew schedules, routes, and daily assignments using industry-specific operations management software and the Microsoft 365 suite, plus direct phone and radio communication

Team Leadership

•      Lead a team of 50+ employees, plus snow subcontractors during the winter season

•      Recruit, hire, train, and retain top performers; meet weekly with foremen on goals and standards; conduct regular performance reviews

•      Recognize results through our performance-based incentive program

Fleet, Budget, Safety & Clients

•      Own the fleet and equipment lifecycle (trucks, snow equipment, mowers, and support equipment) and the operating budget for labor, materials, fuel, equipment, and subcontractors

•      Own safety and DOT compliance, incident investigation, and insurance claim liaison

•      Serve as the trusted operational contact for key clients

What Success Looks Like

In your first year: build trust and accountability across crews and field leadership, strengthen winter response readiness and service consistency, improve retention of key employees, and raise client satisfaction.

What You Bring

•      Significant leadership experience in snow, landscape, grounds maintenance, construction, logistics, or a related operation, including leading large teams across multiple crews or locations

•      Budget management, cost-control, and fleet/equipment program experience

•      Comfort with scheduling and dispatch software

•      Sound judgment in fast-moving situations and the ability to solve problems without waiting for direction

•      A commitment to developing people; no specific degree required

•      A valid driver's license

Schedule & Working Conditions

Full-time, year-round. Standard hours most of the year; 24/7 on-call availability is required during active winter storm events , including nights, weekends, and holidays. This is a physically active, outdoor role with extended time outdoors in all seasons.

Compensation & Benefits

•      Competitive salary based on experience

•      Performance-based incentive opportunity

•      Health & dental insurance

•      Simple IRA with 3% company match

•      Paid time off

•      Company vehicle potential

•      Professional development opportunities

How to Apply

Apply online using the form at

Sustainable Sites is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a team of leaders who value integrity, accountability, hard work, and exceptional service.