Vice President of Operations - Landscaping

About the Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced, results-driven Vice President of Operations to lead and scale field operations for a rapidly growing commercial landscaping company. This executive will oversee all aspects of operations, including branch performance, maintenance services, landscape construction, snow and ice management (where applicable), fleet, safety, and operational excellence.

This is a highly visible leadership role responsible for driving profitability, improving execution, developing leaders, and building scalable systems that support long-term growth. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable walking job sites, coaching operational leaders, reviewing financial performance, and helping shape company strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Lead all day-to-day operations across multiple branches and service territories.
• Develop and execute operational strategies that improve efficiency, quality, customer satisfaction, and profitability.
• Establish and monitor KPIs related to revenue, gross margin, labor productivity, equipment utilization, safety, and client retention.
• Drive accountability through regular operational reviews and performance scorecards.
• Standardize processes and implement best practices across all locations.

Financial Performance

• Own operational P&L performance across the organization.
• Develop annual operating budgets and forecast labor, equipment, and material costs.
• Identify opportunities to improve margins through labor optimization, routing efficiencies, procurement strategies, and operational improvements.
• Partner with finance to monitor financial performance and implement corrective action plans.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead and mentor Regional Managers, Branch Managers, Operations Managers, and field leadership teams.
• Build a high-performance culture focused on accountability, execution, continuous improvement, and customer service.
• Recruit, develop, and retain top operational talent.
• Create leadership development programs and succession plans for key operational roles.

Client Experience

• Ensure exceptional service delivery across all maintenance, enhancement, irrigation, arbor care, and construction services.
• Partner with sales and account management teams to maximize customer retention and organic growth.
• Personally engage with key clients to strengthen relationships and resolve complex operational issues.

Safety & Compliance

• Champion a safety-first culture throughout the organization.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and all applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
• Reduce incidents through proactive training, inspections, and accountability.

Fleet, Equipment & Technology

• Oversee fleet management, equipment maintenance, replacement planning, and capital expenditures.
• Evaluate and implement technology solutions that improve scheduling, routing, labor management, estimating, reporting, and customer communication.
• Drive operational innovation through automation and data-driven decision making.

Growth & Strategic Initiatives

• Support acquisitions by leading operational due diligence and post-acquisition integration.
• Partner with executive leadership to evaluate new markets, branch expansions, and service offerings.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives that position the company for scalable growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations Management, Horticulture, Landscape Management, or a related field preferred.
• 10 years of progressive operational leadership experience in commercial landscaping, facility services, environmental services, construction, or another field-based service business.
• Experience leading multi-site operations with responsibility for large field teams.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing P&Ls and improving operating margins.
• Proven ability to lead through growth, operational transformation, or acquisitions.
• Deep understanding of labor management, routing, scheduling, fleet operations, equipment utilization, and service delivery.
• Experience implementing operational systems and performance metrics.
• Excellent leadership, coaching, communication, and change management skills.