Director of Car Wash Operations

Surf Thru Express Car Wash is seeking a results-driven Director of Car Wash Operations. This is a senior leadership role reporting directly to the executive team with full responsibility for operational performance across a growing, multi-state express car wash platform. This is an onsite role in Bakersfield, CA with travel required (up to 50%) to all locations.

The Director of Car Wash Operations is expected to own outcomes, not manage tasks. This role requires a self-directed, high-execution leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, proactively identifies opportunities, and brings new ideas, solutions, and improvements to ownership without being asked.

This is not a maintenance role. We are seeking a leader who builds, improves, and scales operations, not one who requires day-to-day management.

Core Responsibilities (Ownership Mindset Required)

• Full ownership of operational performance across all locations, including wash quality, customer experience, labor efficiency, safety, and profitability
• Proactively identify operational weaknesses and opportunities; develop and implement solutions without requiring executive direction
• Lead, develop, and hold accountable all regional and site leadership; build a culture of execution, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Drive innovation in processes, systems, training, and performance management; regularly present new ideas and recommendations to the executive team
• Establish and enforce operating standards while continuously raising the bar for performance and consistency
• Act as the final decision-maker for operational issues and escalations, resolving problems quickly and decisively
• Conduct frequent multi-state site visits to assess performance, coach leaders, and personally validate standards
• Lead operational planning, KPI reviews, and performance accountability meetings with a focus on measurable results
• Partner with executive leadership to support growth, new site openings, integrations, and scalability initiatives
• Lead the organization through change, growth, and increasing operational complexity without creating dependency on ownership

What Success Looks Like in This Role

• Ownership does not need to manage day-to-day operations
• Performance issues are identified and addressed before they reach the executive level
• Regional and site leaders are strong, accountable, and improving
• KPIs trend positively across quality, labor, membership, safety, and profitability
• The Director consistently brings well-thought-out ideas and initiatives to ownership, backed by data and execution plans

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations, or related field; advanced degrees or certifications a plus
• 8–10 years leading multi-site operations, ideally in express car wash, retail, QSR, or another high-volume service business
• Demonstrated history of building and scaling operations, not just maintaining them
• Proven ability to operate independently, prioritize effectively, and execute without close supervision
• Track record of developing leaders and creating accountability at scale
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to translate data into action
• Excellent communication skills with the confidence to challenge assumptions and influence executive leadership
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 50% across operating locations

Who This Role Is Not For

• Leaders who require frequent direction or close management
• Operators focused primarily on maintaining the status quo
• Candidates uncomfortable being fully accountable for results
• Managers who escalate problems without proposing solutions

Why Join Us

This role offers the opportunity to run operations at scale, partner directly with ownership, and materially impact the performance and growth of a multi-state platform. For the right leader, this position provides significant influence, autonomy, and upside.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Salary range is between $150,000 and $175,000, with opportunities to earn additional compensation through bonuses that could bring total earnings up to $225,000 per year.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off