Director of Operations

Job Description

Job Description

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Bonus based on performance
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Director of Operations
Full-Time | Exempt | Monrovia, CA — Serving Greater Los Angeles & Santa Barbara County
 
WJ Landscape Maintenance, Inc. is a professional landscape firm specializing in high-quality, luxury residential landscapes in the Greater Los Angeles and Santa Barbara County areas. Our dedicated team is committed to the landscape profession and delivering exceptional results for our clients.
 
Role Overview
The Director of Operations oversees the landscape maintenance & construction divisions, guiding strategy, budgets, and operational leadership. This individual is focused on division profitability, long-term sustainability, team performance, and the development of strategic client and vendor relationships. The Director mentors managers, supervises division-wide KPIs, and collaborates with senior leadership to ensure consistent growth and service excellence.

Key Responsibilities
• Lead the Operations Management Team: Directly manage department managers, project managers, production managers, and other operational leaders to ensure they are actively managing their teams and responsibilities.
• Establish Accountability: Set clear expectations, deadlines, and performance standards for managers and consistently follow up when commitments or results are not met.
• Drive Operational Execution: Translate company goals and ownership priorities into clear operating plans, assigned responsibilities, and measurable outcomes.
• Active Operational Improvement: Evaluate operational systems, identify issues, determine the appropriate course of action, and actively manage improvement plans.
• Improve Company Performance: Monitor key operational metrics, financial results, and work with managers to improve labor efficiency, estimating accuracy, material management, job performance, and overall gross margins.
• Develop and Manage Department Leaders: Coach managers on leadership, planning, communication, problem-solving, and team accountability while addressing managers who are not meeting expectations.
• Interdepartmental Coordination: Ensure maintenance, enhancements, construction, sales, administration, and finance are aligned and communicate clearly on shared priorities.
• Reduce Owner Dependency: Proactively take operational decisions, follow-up, and personnel management off the owner’s plate while keeping ownership informed of major risks and results.
 
Requirements: 
• Degree in horticulture, landscape management, or business, or minimum 7 years of landscape industry experience
• 5+ years in a leadership role overseeing landscape teams and budgets
• Proven ability to manage division profitability, mentor staff, and build client relationships
• Proficiency with Aspire or similar landscape operations software
• Bilingual in English and Spanish (preferred)
• Strong strategic thinking, communication, and organizational skills
• Valid California Driver’s License
 
This role includes a probationary period with a review after 3 months, followed by regular ongoing performance reviews and an annual review.

We are a drug free workplace and require satisfactory background screening.