Operational Manager

Grasshuggers LLC; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Safety-focused culture

Leadership development opportunities

Incentives based on performance

Job summary

A landscaping service provider in Columbus, OH is seeking an Operational Manager to lead the team, manage operations, and ensure efficiency. This hands-on role involves hiring, coaching, and strong communication with foremen and vendors. The ideal candidate has experience in outdoor operations, excellent relationship-building skills, and a strong understanding of plant species. Join us to build systems that enhance workflow and maintain a culture of safety and quality.

Qualifications

• Experience managing people in a field service or outdoor operations setting.
• Strong plant and landscaping knowledge is essential.
• A valid driver's license is required.

Responsibilities

• Own the hiring process by conducting interviews and selecting candidates.
• Coach foremen on leadership and daily workflow.
• Manage equipment repairs and relationship with suppliers.

Skills

People management experience

Strong communication skills

Relationship building

Plant knowledge

CRM proficiency

Tools

AI tools

CRMs

LMS platforms

Job description

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Location: Columbus, OH
Reports to: Owner/CEO

If you enjoy leading people, building simple systems, and keeping daily operations running
smooth, this role will fit you well. Our operational manager works closely with foremen, crew
leads, and crew members to make sure every part of the business stays organized, efficient,
and prepared for the day. You will lead with steady communication, clear expectations, and a
focus on safety, integrity, and quality.

This is a hands on leadership role. Some days you are coaching a foreman. Some days you are
walking a property with a client. Other days you are at a grower picking up plants, meeting a
vendor about repairs, or tightening up systems that keep the whole operation moving.

What you will be doing

• Owning the hiring process by conducting interviews and selecting candidates who fit our standards
• Coaching foremen on leadership, communication, and daily workflow
• Conducting regular one on one meetings with foremen and crew leads
• Managing equipment repairs and scheduling service with local vendors
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers for fleet needs
• Picking up plant orders, placing orders, and working closely with local growers
• Accurately identifying plant names and species to avoid ordering errors
• Ensuring teams use CRMs and other operational systems correctly
• Verifying LMS training workflows are completed and ensuring team readiness
• Using AI tools to create communications, internal updates, written summaries, and presentation materials
• Providing daily communication briefings on job completions, crew needs, set backs, and winsLeading video conferencing calls with organization leaders and presenting updates or solutions
• Meeting clients for estimates when needed and walking them through solutions we provide
• Taking measurements and building accurate quotes
• Identifying operational problems and creating simple systems that improve workflow and efficiency
• Supporting daily communication so foremen and crew leads stay aligned and prepared

What we offer

• A culture built on safety, integrity, and quality
• A system based operation where you are expected to lead independently. If a foreman is missing, you step in and keep things moving
• A steady, organized workflow with clear expectations
• Training and leadership development with space to bring new ideas and solutions
• A professional environment where communication and relationships matter

Pay

• Fixed salary based on the operational manager role
• Must be experienced to qualify
• Additional earnings come through our structured incentive pay program only
• Incentives are tied to safety, quality, client satisfaction, accountability, and operational performance

What we need from you

• Experience managing people in a field service or outdoor operations setting
• Strong communication skills and a steady leadership style
• Ability to coach foremen and crew leads with clarity and professionalism
• Strong plant and landscaping knowledge
• Sufficient plant and weed identification for common Central Ohio species
• Utilizes horticultural practices and has a basic understanding of integrated pest management
• Strong relationship building skills with vendors and local partners
• Comfort using CRMs, LMS platforms, and AI tools
• Ability to diagnose workflow problems and create simple systems to fix them
• A valid drivers license and confidence driving pickups and trailers
• Reliability, organization, and a commitment to safety and quality
• A solutions focused mindset with the ability to work through busy seasons without losing pace

If you enjoy leading people, building strong systems, and keeping an operation running with clarity and purpose, we would love to meet you.