Job Details

The Operations Manager - Grounds oversees all aspects of contract operations in assigned areas throughout the Greater Hampton Roads Area from Virginia Beach to Wallops Island, VA as well as Baltimore, MD. The Operations Manager oversees planning, developing, and directing site contract operations and the supervision of assigned staff. The Operations Manager serves as a corporate contact for government contract representatives. The Operations Manager is also responsible for implementing programmatic and administrative policies and procedures in order to attain program goals and objectives. The incumbent is responsible for making programmatic and administrative recommendations to the Director of Operations, GHRA per Company goals and objectives; serves as a liaison between the Company Corporate office, government Contracting Specialists, Government's Performance Assessment Representative (PAR), and Facility Managers. A primary function of this position is to support the Project Managers. The Operations Manager serves as the escalation point for conflict resolution on sites. The Operations Manager is expected to uphold Didlake's mission to create opportunities that enrich the lives of people with disabilities. Assures compliance and operational oversight for assigned project's contractual requirements. Completes and maintains all Didlake required training and upholds Didlake Policies and Procedures, personally and in all oversight areas. Apply industry standards, RS Means, PGMS or NALP, or other parametric work loading tools to estimate new and current business opportunities that meet or exceed commercial market requirements that support Didlake and industry pricing objectives. Proficient in plant identification, pathogens, and care of various ornamental types including flowers, grasses, shrubs, and trees. Provides contract operations expertise for all new and renewed contract estimate bids and proposals for assigned projects. Acts as liaison between Didlake, HQ, and assigned operating locations. Assures compliance with all inventory and equipment belonging to the corporation for assigned contracts. Assures compliance with financial, personnel, and rehabilitation reporting requirements. Coordinates operations with employment services for assigned area contracts within the operations department. Directly responsible for supervision, and performance evaluations of direct reports. Auditing budgeted hours for project personnel. Support the development of annual operations budgets for relevant contract operations projects. Analyzes all monthly financial statements and project tracking for assigned sites to identify and report negative trends and determine corrective actions for all negative trends. Consult with the Director of Contract Operations and Human Resources on personnel matters as needed. Provide leadership to staff by fostering teamwork. Model dependability, hard work, strong ethics, and professional appearance. Ensures contract sites adhere to safety policies and procedures. Fosters an atmosphere that promotes Human Rights for all employees and ensures training, incident reporting, and awareness of responsibilities of all personnel regarding Human Rights matters. Ability to participate in recruitment efforts. Assure appropriate workplace conduct as dictated by Didlake policy and procedures. Good steward of government funding and facilities of the complex. Develop and maintain relationships with the government customers all contractors and vendors to instill confidence. Represent Didlake in meetings with external customers. Give feedback to nurture a positive environment and quality performance. Identify staff development opportunities and assign training. Utilize training opportunities to expand professional and technical knowledge. Backfills Project Manager Position during prolonged absences or vacancies. Ensures a safe operating environment for employees, and coordinates with direct reports on the preparation and implementation of safety plans, OSHA regulations, and contract site-specific requirements. Ensures compliance with JWOD/Source America standards, Federal Acquisition Registers (FARs), statement of work, and state and local laws. Oversee and make recommendations on work processes to maximize workflow efficiency. Respond to inquiries or complaints from customers, government agencies, and regulatory agencies (AbilityOne/Source America) Perform quality control inspections on contracts at a minimum of once per week. Requirements Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree and 3 years of direct experience or 6 years of direct experience. Experience in one of the following lines of business is preferred: Environmental or Grounds Maintenance. Experience managing grounds maintenance contracts preferred, to include management-level responsibilities - provide reports, manage budgets, and supervise a team. Skills and Abilities: Must possess or be able to obtain Virginia and Maryland Commercial Pesticide Applicators License Category 3 (Ornamental & Turf) & Category 6(Right-Of-Way and Weed) within 6 months of hire. Certification as a Virginia Certified Nurseryman or Certified Landscape Technician is preferred. Ability to obtain and maintain various site-specific security clearances. Ability to present a positive and professional image to the public, coworkers, and Didlake clients. Must possess strong communication skills including the ability to read, and analyze financial reports and legal documents. Ability to problems solves in a timely and efficient manner. Strong computer skills. Proficient in Microsoft Office. Ability to calculate figures and amounts. Ability to define problems, establish facts, and collect data. Ability and willingness to travel. Ability to interact, train and resolve personnel issues. Ability to interact effectively and supportively with people with disabilities. Ability to utilize Microsoft Excel in support of pricing business opportunities. Valid insurable driver's license required. Requirements include being at least 25 years old and having at least 3 years of licensed driving experience. Access to the work sites for this position may require a valid Real ID as of May 7th, 2025. Didlake, Inc. is a non-profit rehabilitation services organization. At Didlake, creating opportunities that enrich the lives of people with disabilities is our mission. Since 1965, Didlake has served thousands of people with significant disabilities by providing training, job placement, employment opportunities and day support services. We provide rewarding and purposeful work. Employment Type: Full Time Years Experience: 5 - 10 years Bonus/Commission: No