SUMMIT LAWNS

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Summit Lawns is on a mission to double in size fast, and we’re looking for the operational backbone to help us get there. This role is for the experienced leader who brings structure to speed, clarity to change, and accountability that actually lifts people up. You’ll lead from right inside the action — building systems, coaching your department managers, and working directly with the CEO and other leaders across the organization to drive consistent performance across Lincoln and Omaha. If you’re wired to turn vision into execution and crave the satisfaction of building something lasting and excellent, this might be your seat!

Who You Are:

• You Design Clarity: You can’t stand vague expectations. You make “done” look crystal clear. You see a process once, and your brain instantly starts mapping how to make it repeatable. You love creating checklists, SOPs, and systems that people actually use –  NOT because you’re a control freak, but because you know they’re tools that create freedom.
• You Finish What You Start: You’re the closer. The finisher. The one who actually makes sure things get across the line. You don’t think following steps is “mundane”,  because mastering and completing the project you started is the best part! And when things go sideways? You don’t panic. You steady the ship, reset expectations, and get everyone rowing in the same direction again. You are calm under pressure.
• You’re A Servant-Leader: You’re not the “ivory tower” type. You don’t bark orders from a distance — you’re shoulder-to-shoulder with your people, building them up while getting things done. You understand what real servant leadership looks like: You eat last. You take responsibility first. You celebrate your team’s wins louder than your own.
• You Communicate with Care and Accountability: You believe accountability isn’t something you do to people – it’s something you build with them. Expectations are crystal clear, so your team knows exactly what success looks like. When feedback is needed, you deliver it directly – not to criticize, but because you believe in their potential. When someone misses the mark, you don’t blow up or blame. You get curious, coach them up, and help them improve. You celebrate wins, notice progress, and make sure people feel seen, supported, and challenged. You know how to raise the bar without crushing someone’s spirit, and your team rises because of it.
• You’re a Builder: You don’t need to be the visionary. You love being the builder who takes vision and makes it real. You bring big ideas down to earth with timelines, systems, and consistency. You make sure great ideas actually work again and again.
• You Keep it Fun: We’ve talked a lot about systems, and although you’re methodical in driving results through your teams, you’re not a snoozefest or a dweeb. You know how to make a fun environment for your team. Results matter but so does enjoying the ride. You know how to create an environment for both.

When your team hits the mark, it’s not luck – it’s because you made the path visible.

If you get a rush from bringing order, focus, and follow-through to fast-moving teams…If you thrive on seeing teams run smoother, move faster, and win together because of the systems you built…Then this is your chance to build something lasting and big — to create the backbone of a company that’s growing fast. This might be your dream job!

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Include but are not limited to:

1. Operational Leadership

• Lead and mentor all Production Managers, Operations Coordinator, and Fleet/Facilities Manager with clear goals, metrics, and accountability to meet growth targets ($10M+ revenue) while maintaining quality and culture
• Develop and optimize SOPs, route density strategies, resource allocation, and equipment utilization plans to maximize efficiency and service quality
• Use software and CRMs to establish dashboards and KPIs to track progress weekly
• Collaborate cross-functionally with sales, customer service, recruiting, and training – aligning operations with the delivery of exceptional client experiences and business growth goals in Omaha and future markets

2. Team Management and Culture

• Build a high-performing operations management team through weekly 1:1s, goal setting, and a focus on continuous  improvement
• Foster a culture of ownership, teamwork, and accountability aligned with our values and purpose
• Drive employee engagement through recognition programs, incentive plans, and ongoing communication

3. Compliance & Quality Control

• Maintain DOT, OSHA, and Department of Agriculture compliance with full readiness.
• Promote safety, damage prevention, and high-quality standards in every job.

4. Budget and Financial Responsibility

• Manage operational budgets including labor, materials, equipment maintenance, equipment purchases, and subcontractors costs
• Monitor cost controls and identify opportunities to improve gross margin and cash flow

5. Vendor and Partner Relations

• Oversee relationships with equipment suppliers, service providers, and subcontractors to ensure quality, reliability, and cost effectiveness

Success Milestones

• 90 Days: Build strong relationships with all direct reports through 1:1s, understanding success metrics for every role, and learning Summit’s CRM and key software. Own weekly department leader meetings.
• 6 Months: Begin optimizing adoption of SOPs and new checklists. Implement coaching and feedback systems. Identify 2-3 key improvement projects.
• 9 Months: Independently refining SOPs and making operational adjustments with growing confidence. Implement employee recognition systems.
• 1 Year: Full grasp of the industry across all seasons; confidently using data to drive major structural and strategic decisions.

** This is a full-time, in-person position based in Lincoln, NE. **

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• 3+ years of leadership experience managing multiple managers (Director level or higher)
• Proven success scaling operations across multiple departments within a growing mid-sized company
• Demonstrated ability to coach, develop, and hold others accountable to performance
• Comfortable using technology, dashboards, and digital tools to manage people and performance
• Strong analytical thinking and ability to make operational decisions based on financial and production data

Preferred

• Experience in home services, trades, or field-based service industries
• Familiarity with the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)
• Cross-functional leadership experience across sales, recruiting, or customer success teams
• Track record of building or refining operational processes, SOPs, and systems at scale
• Experience leading change or operational transformation in a fast-growing environment

Desired

• Experience with home service/trades software, Power BI, or related platforms
• Comfort using AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT) to improve workflows and decision-making
• Known for building team cultures rooted in trust, accountability, and strong communication

Who is Summit Lawns?

A Message from the CEO, Ted Glaser:

The lawn care and landscaping industry as a general collective has a smudge on it. Riddled with unprofessionalism, grimy and dirty dudes, rusty trucks, unmet expectations, and poor customer experiences. Sounds pretty lame, right? 

At Summit Lawns, we’re on a mission to build a new generation of lawn care. You can have a gorgeous yard that you’re not embarrassed of, with a Chick-Fil-A level customer service. We make lawn care sexy and cool through technology, casual/fun/innovative interactions with our clients, and frankly having some pride in our appearances. We’re the highest rated lawn care company in the entire state of Nebraska, and a multi year Inc 5000 company. We’re on a journey to build Nebraska’s largest and most impactful residential lawn care company by 2030. 

Through a few passion projects, we’re significantly impacting our community. Check it out: 

Random Acts of Clean Up - We revitalize and clean up overgrown homes and landscapes at no cost to the resident.

Snow Angels - We provide free snow removal all winter long for neighbors in need.

It’s kind of cool to have a job that’s so wildly visual and so intensely appreciated when done well. 

10 years ago, we were nobody. We didn’t exist. Since that time, we’ve grown to be the largest lawn care company in Lincoln, and now our sights are set much further. We’re building something big, something that positively impacts every community we enter. 

Our mission matters now, more than ever. And that’s why we need YOU! A leader who loves accountability, processes, and coaching up team members. A leader who can organize an operation towards a big goal. What YOU do matters!

So, you tell us. Do you want to:

• Be part of an exciting, fast paced growth story and build something big?
• Work for a company that provides real, tangible impact to its community?
• Disrupt an entire industry that’s operating primitively and asleep at the wheel?
• Change the lives of employees in an industry that’s sadly considered to be a dead end?

If this sounds like you, then let’s talk.

Ted Glaser, CEO

Summit Lawns

Summit Lawn’s Core Values:

1.      No Crew Left Behind: We are helpful to each other, even if it’s not our job. Someone else is having a hard time and needs an extra hand to finish out the day? No problem, we got you homie. We’re open to take on new tasks and work together as a team to knock out anything, even if it’s not part of your “regular” job.

2.      Own It: We play to win. We are accountable to results, the score, and own how our actions and energy impact the team. Mess up on the job? That’s ok, we all make mistakes! Take ownership of the mistake and participate in fixing the problem.

3.      Embrace the Suck: Let’s face it, we’re not always working in an air conditioned office. The fact is, we work outside in rain, snow, and sunshine. We chose this job, so let’s have some fun with it! Splash in a puddle, throw a snowball, slap a smile on your face and let’s finish the job together with a positive attitude (even when equipment breaks). Enjoy the ride.

4.      Don’t be a D**k: This pretty much means what it says. We’re all about treating each other and our customers with respect, being responsible, and having a sense of humor.

5.      No Lawn is as Good as a Summit Lawn: In everything you do, do it to the best of your ability. Work with excellence and pride and show the world that no one else does it as good as we do.

Compensation: $85,000–$110,000 base salary, plus performance incentives tied to company growth and profitability goals

Benefits: Benefits Allowance, PTO, Weekly Paychecks, Exposure to and Paid Exclusive Learning and Ongoing Education/Professional Development

JOB CODE: Summit Lawns