Landscaping Operations Manager

Pay: $24.00 - $27.00 per hour

Job 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 projects
• Operate 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 property
• Manage time on each job to hit production goals
• Train crew members on equipment, safety, and quality
• Communicate with customers on‐site when needed
• Document before/after photos and job notes

2. Scheduling & Logistics

• Review daily schedule and plan efficient routes
• Ensure crews leave the shop on time with all required materials
• Adjust schedules for weather, delays, or customer needs
• Help coordinate material pickups, deliveries, and equipment rentals
• Maintain communication with the owner regarding job progress

3. Equipment & Fleet Management

• Perform regular equipment inspections
• Sharpen blades, grease fittings, check fluids, maintain small engines
• Track equipment issues and coordinate repairs
• Maintain clean, organized trailers and trucks
• Manage fuel, string, blades, filters, and consumables

4. Quality Control

• Perform spot checks on job sites
• Ensure work meets company standards
• Identify training needs and correct issues early
• Report quality concerns to the owner

5. Safety & Compliance

• Conduct daily safety briefings
• Ensure PPE is used correctly
• Maintain MSDS sheets and chemical logs (if applicable)
• Ensure DOT compliance for trucks and trailers
• Report incidents or near‐misses immediately

6. Customer Interaction

• Greet customers during service when appropriate
• Handle small requests or concerns professionally
• Communicate schedule changes or delays
• Identify upsell opportunities and relay them to the owner

7. Administrative & Reporting

• Track labor hours and verify timesheets
• Complete job logs and production notes
• Assist with estimating by providing field measurements and photos
• Help develop SOPs, checklists, and production standards
• Participate in weekly operations meetings

8. Scaling Responsibilities (6–18 Months)

As the company grows, this role expands into:

• Managing multiple crews
• Hiring and onboarding new team members
• Running weekly production meetings
• Overseeing fleet maintenance
• Coordinating seasonal staffing
• Supporting budgeting and forecasting
• Leading training programs
• Becoming the owner’s operational second‐in‐command

These expanded responsibilities come with pay increases and advancement opportunities as the company scales.

REQUIRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• 2 years landscaping or grounds maintenance experience
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Ability to operate all standard landscaping equipment
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and work outdoors in all conditions
• Strong problem‐solving and time‐management skills
• Professional customer service demeanor
• Tech‐friendly (smartphone apps, routing, photos, job notes)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience leading a crew
• Experience with hardscape or softscape installs
• Experience with mini skid or compact equipment
• Basic mechanical ability
• Familiarity with LMN or similar job‐tracking software

Benefits:

• Opportunities for advancement
• Safety equipment provided

Ability to Commute:

• Davidson, NC 28036 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person