Director of Operations

Salary Range: $85,000.00 To $110,000.00 Annually Pay: $85,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year Position Title Director of Operations Reports To Vice President of Operations Who We Are Lucia Landscaping Inc. is a premier, full-service landscaping, snow & ice management, outdoor lighting, and construction company proudly serving Southeast Michigan for nearly 30 years. We are recognized for our award-winning culture, sustained growth, and unwavering commitment to operational excellence and exceptional customer service. Our achievements include being named one of the Snow & Ice Management Association's (SIMA) Best Places to Work and consistently ranking among the Top 100 Snow Contractors in the nation. At Lucia Landscaping, we believe our people are our greatest asset. We operate with a One Team mentality, fostering a culture built on accountability, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Our mission is to create exceptional experiences for our clients while creating meaningful career opportunities for every member of our organization. Our One Team Vision We center our focus on our team and our culture, creating an unparalleled experience for our clients while building a brighter future for every member of our organization. What We Value Position Overview The Director of Operations is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational performance, and financial success of Lucia Landscaping's Landscaping Division. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Operations, this executive leadership position oversees all Landscape Maintenance, Landscape Enhancements, Lawn Care, Irrigation, and seasonal Snow & Ice Management operations. The Director provides leadership to Operations Managers and operational leaders while ensuring consistent execution of company standards, exceptional client experiences, and achievement of financial objectives. This role is responsible for building high-performing teams, improving operational efficiency, developing future leaders, driving innovation, and delivering sustainable growth. As a key member of the leadership team, the Director of Operations collaborates with executive leadership to develop long-term operational strategies, improve organizational performance, and strengthen Lucia Landscaping's position as an industry leader. Success in this role requires a servant leader who can balance strategic planning with hands‑on operational leadership while embodying Lucia Landscaping's core values of One Team, Service Heart, Accountability, Grit, and Innovation. Key Responsibilities Operational Leadership & Strategy Provide strategic leadership for all Landscape Maintenance, Landscape Enhancements, Lawn Care, Irrigation, and Snow & Ice Management operations. Develop and execute annual operational plans that align with the company's strategic vision and business objectives. Oversee daily field operations to ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, on schedule, within budget, and to Lucia Landscaping's quality standards. Develop, implement, and continuously improve operational processes, systems, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency through technology, equipment, automation, and process improvements. Collaborate with executive leadership on strategic planning, forecasting, and organizational growth initiatives. Drive accountability through operational scorecards, KPIs, and performance reviews. Maintain full Profit & Loss (P&L) responsibility for the Landscaping Division. Develop and manage annual operating budgets. Monitor labor efficiency, equipment utilization, overhead costs, job costing, and gross margin performance. Analyze financial reports and operational metrics to maximize profitability. Ensure operational decisions support company financial objectives while maintaining exceptional service quality. Participate in annual budgeting, forecasting, and long‑range planning. Lead, coach, mentor, and develop Operations Managers, Area Managers, and departmental leadership. Foster a culture that reflects Lucia Landscaping's core values of One Team, Service Heart, Accountability, Grit, and Innovation. Partner with Human Resources to recruit, hire, onboard, retain, and develop top talent. Conduct regular one‑on‑one meetings, leadership coaching, and performance evaluations. Develop succession plans and leadership development initiatives to strengthen the organization. Build a high-performance culture focused on accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Client Experience & Business Relationships Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, vendors, and strategic partners. Serve as the executive escalation point for operational and customer service issues. Ensure exceptional customer satisfaction through proactive communication and service excellence. Monitor client retention, contract renewals, and customer satisfaction metrics. Collaborate with Sales and Business Development to support company growth initiatives. Operational Excellence Establish measurable KPIs for operational performance and hold leadership teams accountable. Ensure consistency in service delivery across all departments. Monitor equipment utilization, fleet management, and preventive maintenance programs. Lead continuous improvement initiatives that improve quality, efficiency, and profitability. Support integration of new service offerings and operational initiatives. Safety & Compliance Promote a culture where safety is a core value. Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, company policies, and industry best practices. Oversee incident investigations and corrective action planning. Maintain compliance with licensing, certifications, and regulatory requirements. Champion safety training and risk management initiatives. Snow & Ice Management Provide executive leadership for seasonal Snow & Ice Management operations. Assist with preseason planning, staffing, equipment readiness, routing, and event execution. Support snow leadership during weather events to ensure safe, timely, and profitable service delivery. Participate in operational reviews following major snow events. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Success in this role is measured by achievement of the following objectives: Annual revenue and gross profit goals Division profitability and EBITDA performance Landscape Maintenance and Enhancement gross margins Client retention and contract renewal rates Employee engagement and retention Leadership development and succession planning Labor productivity and operational efficiency Safety performance Budget adherence Successful execution of seasonal Snow & Ice Management operations Exceptional leadership and people development skills. Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication abilities. Proven experience managing full P&L responsibility. Strong financial acumen including budgeting, forecasting, and job costing. Strategic thinking with excellent business judgment. Ability to build and lead high‑performing teams. Strong analytical, organizational, and time management skills. Critical thinker with a passion for continuous improvement. Ability to influence, coach, and mentor leaders at multiple levels. High level of integrity and professionalism. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and operational software. Experience with Aspire, ServiceTitan, HubSpot, or similar platforms preferred. Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Business, Landscape Management, Horticulture, Construction Management, or a related field preferred. Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in landscaping or related service industries. Previous experience as a Branch Manager, Operations Manager, Division Manager, or Director of Operations strongly preferred. Demonstrated success managing multiple operational teams. Proven experience with strategic planning and organizational growth. Strong understanding of commercial landscaping, landscape enhancements, irrigation, equipment management, and Snow & Ice Management operations. Communication & Meetings Weekly Level 10 (L10) meetings with the Vice President of Operations. Weekly one‑on‑one meetings with direct reports. Monthly operational performance reviews. Quarterly strategic planning meetings. Annual budget and business planning sessions. Regular leadership meetings with executive leadership. Provide timely and accurate operational reports, forecasts, and KPI dashboards. Training & Professional Development Financial management and budgeting training. Customer experience and operational excellence training. Industry conferences and continuing education. Training on Aspire, ServiceTitan, HubSpot, Microsoft Office, and emerging operational technologies. Work Schedule Typical work schedule consists of five 8‑hour workdays per week. Extended hours, evenings, weekends, and on‑call responsibilities are expected during peak landscaping and snow seasons. Travel to client locations, branch offices, training events, and industry conferences may be required. Compensation & Bonus Base salary: $85,000–$110,000 annually, commensurate with experience. Performance‑based bonus opportunities. Leadership incentive programs. Professional development and advancement opportunities. Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical Insurance Vision Insurance Company‑paid Life Insurance Short‑Term Disability Supplemental Insurance Options Company‑sponsored 401(k) plan through Merrill Lynch Paid Time Off Paid Holidays Employee Recognition Programs Career growth and advancement opportunities Employment Information Lucia Landscaping Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. At‑Will Employment Employment with Lucia Landscaping Inc. is at will. Either the employee or the company may terminate employment at any time, with or without notice or cause, consistent with applicable law. Reasonable Accommodation Lucia Landscaping Inc. provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process in accordance with applicable law. Pre‑Employment Requirements Employment offers may be contingent upon successful completion of a background check, motor vehicle record review, drug screening (where applicable), and verification of employment eligibility. #J-18808-Ljbffr