Director of Operations

DLL Landscaping & Tree Service; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Performance-based bonus

Company car

Health and Dental Benefits

Paid time off

Parental leave

Training & development

Job summary

The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, with a background in the landscaping industry and at least 5 years of experience. A Bachelor's degree in business or a related field is preferred. The position offers competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for advancement.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of landscape industry experience.
• Strong understanding of job costing, production rates, and labor management.
• Valid Ohio Driver’s License, must be insurable under company policy.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all field production activities across Landscape and Snow Operations.
• Monitor job cost performance and address budget variances.
• Lead, mentor, and develop Production Managers.

Skills

Leadership and management experience

Operational budgeting

Job costing

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field

Tools

Azuga

Job description

Benefits

• 401(k) matching
• Bonus based on performance
• Company car
• Company parties
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Free food & snacks
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Training & development
• Vision insurance

Position Summary

The Director of Operations is responsible for leading all field operations, production performance, and operational execution across the organization. This role oversees Production Managers, Fleet & Safety functions, and Shop Operations to ensure services are delivered safely, efficiently, profitably, and in alignment with company standards. The Director of Operations owns field productivity, job cost performance, operational efficiency, and execution of the company’s revenue-producing work. This role partners directly with the Director of Internal Operations to ensure operational performance aligns with financial targets, organizational systems, and long-term strategic goals.

Reporting Structure

Reports to: CEO

Supervises: Production Managers, Fleet and Safety Manager

Collaborates with: Director of Internal Operations and Ownership and Account Managers

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred (Business or related field)
• Valid Ohio Driver’s License; must be insurable under company policy

Experience

• 5+ years of landscape industry experience
• Proven leadership and management experience overseeing multiple departments
• Strong understanding of job costing, production rates, labor management, and operational budgeting
• Experience leading operations for a commercial landscape company in the $10-$30 million revenue range

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk job sites and inspect field work in varying weather conditions
• Ability to operate company equipment when necessary

Work Environment

• Combination of field oversight and office-based operational planning
• Outdoor exposure during inspections and client visits
• Flexibility during peak seasons and snow events

Core Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

Oversee all field production activities across Landscape, Grounds Maintenance, and Snow Operations.

Overseeing, managing, and executing all snow operations throughout the season, including:

• Contract preparation
• Site planning and route optimization
• Resource planning and staffing
• Event execution and response coordination
• Equipment readiness and logistics
• Maintaining service quality and operational efficiency

Ensure work is executed safely, on schedule, within budget, and to company quality standards.

Establish clear operational priorities and communicate expectations to leadership team.

Monitor daily productivity metrics and adjust strategy as needed.

Production & Financial Accountability

Own labor productivity performance and departmental efficiency.

Monitor job cost performance and immediately address budget variances.

Execute operational strategy to meet or exceed company revenue and margin goals.

Identify opportunities to increase revenue and reduce operational waste.

Leadership Development

Lead, mentor, and develop Production Managers and Fleet & Safety leadership.

Conduct performance evaluations for direct reports.

Hold field leadership accountable to SOPs, quality standards, and financial targets.

Execute disciplinary processes when necessary.

Fleet & Asset Oversight

Oversee preventative maintenance program execution.

Ensure equipment readiness and minimal downtime.

Confirm proper documentation in Azuga and related systems.

Maintain operational coordination between field and shop.

Safety & Compliance

Administer and enforce company safety program.

Ensure regulatory compliance across field and fleet operations.

Promote an accident‑free culture.

Customer & Market Oversight

Support resolution of escalated client concerns.

Conduct site visits and customer walkthroughs when necessary.

Maintain awareness of market conditions and competitor activity.

Protect company reputation through operational excellence.

Strategic & Cross‑Functional Collaboration

Partner with Director of Internal Operations to align production performance with financial reporting and organizational systems.

Contribute to annual planning and operational forecasting.

Assist in development and implementation of company policies.

Provide executive‑level reporting to CEO.

Performance Expectations

• Meet or exceed company labor productivity goals
• Maintain job cost performance within budget
• Eliminate return visits due to workmanship
• Maintain accident‑free workplace
• Achieve operational revenue and margin targets

Professional Standards

• Demonstrate strong executive leadership and composure under pressure
• Communicate clearly and decisively across departments
• Exhibit accountability, integrity, and operational discipline
• Maintain professional appearance and conduct

Bonus & 90‑Day Benefits

15‑25% performance‑based annual bonus

90‑Day Benefits

• Company vehicle
• Health and Dental Benefits (50% Employee Contribution)
• 2 weeks paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Simple IRA with 3% matching at 1 year