POSITION SUMMARY
We are seeking a dynamic, results-driven Vice President of Operations to lead and scale our janitorial services and facilities maintenance operations across California. This senior executive will be responsible for overseeing multi-site operations, driving operational excellence, and positioning the company for sustainable growth.
This role oversees all day-to-day operations across multiple markets and service lines while ensuring alignment with the company’s strategic plan, annual fiscal budget, and Key Assumptions. The VP of Operations leads and develops high-performing teams, strengthens customer relationships, ensures quality and safety standards, and supports company-wide readiness for CIMS, BSCAI, and industry best practices. The ideal candidate brings deep industry expertise, a passion for people, and the bilingual communication skills needed to effectively lead a diverse workforce.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Operational Leadership
- Direct all janitorial and facilities maintenance operations across multiple California locations, ensuring quality, consistency, and contract compliance.
- Develop and implement operational standards, SOPs, and quality control programs aligned with CIMS (Cleaning Industry Management Standard) certification requirements.
- Oversee daily operations including scheduling, service delivery, vendor relationships, and equipment/supply chain management.
- Conduct regular site inspections and performance audits to maintain service excellence and client satisfaction.
- Monitor service performance, KPIs, Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs), and client feedback to ensure consistently excellent service.
- Partner with Operations Managers, Quality Teams, Finance, and HR to proactively identify at-risk accounts and execute recovery strategies.
Financial Management & Budgeting
- Own and manage the full P&L for operations, including labor costs, materials, overhead, and capital expenditures.
- Develop annual operating budgets and multi-year financial plans in partnership with the CFO and executive team.
- Align operational activities with the company’s annual Key Assumptions and approved fiscal budget.
- Monitor KPIs and financial metrics; identify cost reduction opportunities without compromising service quality.
- Negotiate contracts with clients, subcontractors, and suppliers to maximize value and profitability.
- Ensure contracts and pricing are within scope; conduct periodic reviews to identify upsell and margin improvement opportunities.
Employee Engagement & People Leadership
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of regional managers, supervisors, and frontline employees (200 staff).
- Champion a culture of inclusion, respect, and high performance: fostering engagement and reducing turnover.
- Design and implement onboarding, training, and career development programs for a bilingual (English/Spanish) workforce.
- Conduct regular meetings, employee surveys, and one-on-ones to maintain a pulse on team morale and satisfaction.
- Strengthen internal communication, cross-functional accountability, and collaboration across departments.
- Uphold a strong leadership culture consistent with BSCAI, CIMS, PDCA, and company values.
Business Development & Growth
- Collaborate with Sales and Business Development to identify and win new accounts, expand existing client relationships, and grow same store sales.
- Represent the company in client presentations, RFP responses, and contract renewals.
- Identify opportunities for service line expansion, geographic growth, and strategic partnerships.
- Build a scalable operational infrastructure capable of supporting annual revenue growth.
- Lead and actively participate in the company’s overall growth effort to achieve annual revenue goals.
- Participate in strategy and budget planning meetings, contributing operational insight for sustainable and profitable growth.
Compliance & CIMS Standards
- Partner with HR to ensure compliance with California labor laws, including wage/hour, Cal/OSHA, IIPP, WVPP, HIPAA-adjacent client requirements, workers’ compensation regulations, and environmental safety standards.
- Oversee subcontractor compliance, including performance management, insurance requirements, vendor documentation, and CIMS-aligned quality systems.
- Lead the organization’s CIMS and CIMS-GB (Green Building) certification efforts and ongoing compliance.
- Ensure all operations meet ISSA CIMS standards across quality systems, human resources, health & safety, and environmental stewardship.
- Train and support the management team on CIMS principles and integrate them into daily operational practices.
- Maintain strong risk management practices, including safety programs, incident investigations, and workers’ compensation protocols in coordination with HR and the Safety Officer.
Reporting & Metrics
- Provide weekly, monthly, and quarterly operational reports to the CEO and Executive Team.
- Oversee KPI dashboards covering quality assurance, client satisfaction, safety, staffing, turnover, profitability, and revenue performance.
- Leverage operational platforms, Salesforce, ADP, and applicable workforce management systems to track performance, manage schedules, and ensure data integrity across systems.
- Maintain transparency in cross-departmental communication and ensure timely, accurate reporting at all levels.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- 7- 10 years of progressive operations leadership in janitorial services, commercial cleaning, or facilities management
- Demonstrated experience managing large, geographically dispersed teams (200 employees) in California
- Proven expertise in budgeting, P&L management, and financial analysis
- CIMS or CIMS-GB certification (or ability to obtain within 6 months)
- Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish — written and verbal (required)
- Deep knowledge of California labor law, OSHA standards, and employment regulations
- Strong track record in employee engagement, talent development, and retention strategies
- Experience with contract negotiation and client relationship management
- Proficiency in operations management software, scheduling systems, and Microsoft Office Suite
Preferred
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Operations/Facilities Management, or related field
- Experience with green cleaning programs and sustainability initiatives
- Familiarity with union and non-union labor environments in California
- Prior experience with mergers, acquisitions, or integrating new service territories
- Established relationships with California commercial real estate and property management sectors
LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES
- Visionary Thinking: Translates strategy into operational execution with clarity and follow-through.
- People Leadership: Builds engaged, accountable teams through coaching, development, and trust.
- Client Focus: Prioritizes client satisfaction and relationship longevity as a business driver.
- Operational Excellence: Sets high standards, eliminates waste, and drives continuous improvement.
- Safety Mindset: Models enforces a zero-compromise approach to workplace safety.
- Financial Acumen – Manages resources strategically with a clear eye on margins and profitability.
- Integrity – Demonstrates ethical leadership in all decisions, consistent with company values.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to travel regularly between client locations, regional offices, and job sites (local and statewide).
- Ability to walk large commercial facilities, including stairways, mechanical rooms, warehouses, and outdoor areas.
- Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs. occasionally to assess equipment or site conditions.
- Prolonged periods of standing, walking, driving, and conducting on-site evaluations.
Working Conditions
· Standard office environment with frequent field visits to client sites, industrial facilities, and operational locations.
· Exposure to cleaning products, equipment, outdoor conditions, and high-traffic environments while on-site.
· Requires flexible hours, including occasional nights/weekends to support operations, emergencies, or client needs.
COMPENSATION BENEFITS
Competitive Executive Salary commensurate with experience and company size.
Annual Performance Bonus tied to retention, profitability, safety, and revenue goals.
Executive Benefits Package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability coverage.
401(k) Retirement Plan with company match.
Company Vehicle, Fuel Card, or Car Allowance (if applicable).
Paid Time Off, Holidays, and Executive Leave Programs.
Professional Development Support, including reimbursement for BSCAI, ISSA, CBSE, RBSE, CIMS certifications.
Technology Package: laptop, cell phone, and remote working tools.
WORK SCHEDULE
This is a full-time, exempt position. As an exempt employee under California’s Executive Exemption, this role is not eligible for overtime pay under federal or California law. The VP is expected to manage their schedule in alignment with company goals, client needs, and operational requirements. Flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, may be required to support operations, client engagements, or emergencies.
BACKGROUND CHECK NOTICE
This position may require a background check in compliance with California law. Criminal history, if any, will be reviewed on an individualized basis and does not automatically disqualify an applicant. If a background check is required, you will be notified and will receive a copy of the background check report and a summary of your rights under California Civil Code Section 1786.22 before any adverse employment decision is made.
CALIFORNIA APPLICANT PRIVACY NOTICE
In compliance with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), Summit Building Services, Inc. collects and processes personal information from job applicants for employment purposes. The categories of personal information we may collect include identifiers, professional information, education information, and other information you choose to provide. We do not sell personal information. For more information about our privacy practices or to exercise your California privacy rights, please contact our Human Resources department.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The Company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state (including California), or local law. The Company complies with all applicable EEO and anti-discrimination laws, including the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), and is committed to providing a workplace free of harassment, retaliation, and unlawful treatment. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.
This job description is not an employment contract and may be updated as operational needs evolve.
Pay: $140,000.00 - $165,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person