Landscaping Operations Manager

Job Description Pay: $24.00 - $27.00 per hourJob description:The Operations Manager is the central hub of daily production for The Grounds Guys of Lake Norman. This role combines hands‐on field work, crew leadership, and operational oversight to ensure every job is completed safely, efficiently, and to brand standards.Because we are a startup with a small team, this position begins as a working team lead with operational oversight but it is intentionally designed to grow into a true Operations Manager role as the company scales. As we add more crews, equipment, and service lines, this position will take on higher‐level responsibilities and receive corresponding pay increases and leadership opportunities.This is a foundational role for the company and a long‐term leadership opportunity for the right person.KEY RESPONSIBILITIES1. Daily Field Operations (Working Team Lead)Lead a 2–3 person crew on maintenance, install jobs, and projectsOperate traditional landscaping equipment and special machines for specific projects mowers, trimmers, blowers, mini skid, and other equipment (i.e. mini skid steer)Ensure quality standards on every propertyManage time on each job to hit production goalsTrain crew members on equipment, safety, and qualityCommunicate with customers on‐site when neededDocument before/after photos and job notes2. Scheduling & LogisticsReview daily schedule and plan efficient routesEnsure crews leave the shop on time with all required materialsAdjust schedules for weather, delays, or customer needsHelp coordinate material pickups, deliveries, and equipment rentalsMaintain communication with the owner regarding job progress3. Equipment & Fleet ManagementPerform regular equipment inspectionsSharpen blades, grease fittings, check fluids, maintain small enginesTrack equipment issues and coordinate repairsMaintain clean, organized trailers and trucksManage fuel, string, blades, filters, and consumables4. Quality ControlPerform spot checks on job sitesEnsure work meets company standardsIdentify training needs and correct issues earlyReport quality concerns to the owner5. Safety & ComplianceConduct daily safety briefingsEnsure PPE is used correctlyMaintain MSDS sheets and chemical logs (if applicable)Ensure DOT compliance for trucks and trailersReport incidents or near‐misses immediately6. Customer InteractionGreet customers during service when appropriateHandle small requests or concerns professionallyCommunicate schedule changes or delaysIdentify upsell opportunities and relay them to the owner7. Administrative & ReportingTrack labor hours and verify timesheetsComplete job logs and production notesAssist with estimating by providing field measurements and photosHelp develop SOPs, checklists, and production standardsParticipate in weekly operations meetings8. Scaling Responsibilities (6–18 Months)As the company grows, this role expands into:Managing multiple crewsHiring and onboarding new team membersRunning weekly production meetingsOverseeing fleet maintenanceCoordinating seasonal staffingSupporting budgeting and forecastingLeading training programsBecoming the owner's operational second‐in‐commandThese expanded responsibilities come with pay increases and advancement opportunities as the company scales.REQUIRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS2+ years landscaping or grounds maintenance experienceStrong leadership and communication skillsAbility to operate all standard landscaping equipmentValid driver's licenseAbility to lift 50+ lbs and work outdoors in all conditionsStrong problem‐solving and time‐management skillsProfessional customer service demeanorTech‐friendly (smartphone apps, routing, photos, job notes)PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSExperience leading a crewExperience with hardscape or softscape installsExperience with mini skid or compact equipmentBasic mechanical abilityFamiliarity with LMN or similar job‐tracking softwareBenefits:Opportunities for advancementSafety equipment providedAbility to Commute:Davidson, NC 28036 (Preferred)Work Location: In person