Chief Operating Officer - Turf Management

Position Overview:

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the company, ensuring the highest level of efficiency, service delivery, and profitability across all locations. The COO will lead the development and implementation of operational strategies that support growth, improve productivity, and enhance the customer experience. This role will work closely with the CEO and other senior leaders to optimize processes, drive performance, and manage a distributed workforce.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operational Leadership: Oversee all operational aspects of the business, including service delivery, fleet management, workforce scheduling, and quality control. Ensure that all operations run smoothly, efficiently, and in alignment with the company’s goals and objectives.
• Process Improvement: Lead continuous improvement initiatives to streamline processes, reduce operational costs, and enhance service quality. Identify and implement best practices across all locations to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction.
• Performance Management: Set performance goals and KPIs for the operations team, including regional managers and service crews. Monitor performance regularly, providing coaching, guidance, and resources to ensure targets are met or exceeded.
• Scaling Operations: Develop and execute scalable operational strategies to support the company’s growth plans, including geographic expansion into new markets. Ensure that the company’s infrastructure and processes can accommodate rapid growth without sacrificing quality or customer experience.
• Customer Service Excellence: Ensure that customer satisfaction is at the core of all operational activities. Work closely with the customer service team to resolve issues quickly and effectively, while maintaining high standards of service delivery.
• Budgeting & Financial Oversight: Collaborate with the CFO to develop and manage the operations budget. Ensure that operational costs are controlled while meeting business performance goals. Analyze financial reports to identify areas for cost savings and operational efficiency.
• Team Leadership: Lead, motivate, and mentor a diverse team of regional managers, operations staff, and service technicians. Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and professionalism across all levels of the organization.
• Vendor & Partner Management: Manage relationships with vendors, suppliers, and external partners. Ensure that all products, equipment, and services meet the company’s quality and performance standards.
• Compliance & Safety: Oversee compliance with industry regulations, safety protocols, and environmental standards. Ensure that all operations adhere to local, state, and federal regulations related to turf management, pesticide use, and equipment safety.
• Technology & Systems: Leverage technology to improve operational efficiency. Evaluate and implement software and tools to streamline scheduling, fleet management, inventory control, and customer communication.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with the sales, marketing, and finance teams to align operational activities with business growth strategies. Support the development and launch of new services, ensuring operational readiness.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field. MBA or advanced degree is preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in senior operations leadership roles, preferably within the home services, turf management, landscaping, or related industries.
• Operational Expertise: Strong understanding of service delivery, field operations, logistics, and workforce management. Experience overseeing multi-location operations is highly desirable.
• Leadership & Team Building: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop high-performing teams. Experience managing distributed workforces and fostering a positive team culture.
• Process Optimization: Experience in implementing process improvements and operational efficiencies. Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Customer-Focused: A deep understanding of the importance of customer service and the ability to ensure operational excellence in customer experience.
• Financial Acumen: Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, and P&L management. Ability to analyze financial data to make informed business decisions.
• Technology Proficiency: Proficiency in using operations management software, fleet management tools, and scheduling platforms. Experience with CRM and ERP systems is a plus.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills. Ability to work effectively with senior leadership and cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in turf management, lawn care, landscaping, or a related industry
• Experience managing operations in a private equity-backed or high-growth environment
• Familiarity with environmental regulations and best practices in the green industry