CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER (COO)

Compass Group

About The Position

SSC Services for Education is known for our expertise, commitment, and value; and we at SSC truly believe that our people are our greatest asset. By utilizing our associates’ knowledge and experience alongside SSC’s extensive training, providing supportive management, and offering unparalleled wage and benefit packages as well as career advancement opportunities, we have developed a workforce that differentiates us from our competitors. SSC Services for Education is a Nationwide Best in Class Facility Service Provider. As a member of Compass Group, North America, we want you to be as great as you can be. We empower our associates to direct their own future, keeping them confident that we support them every step of the way. As a result, our associates embody greatness through their actions, natural passion for quality, and a can-do attitude. The opportunity for greatness is real at SSC and throughout the Compass world. Job Summary:The Chief Operating Officer (COO) provides strategic executive leadership for all operational functions, including custodial, grounds, and maintenance services delivered to K–12 and higher education clients. Reporting directly to the CEO, the COO is responsible for ensuring consistent service quality, operational efficiency, and outstanding client engagement. The COO oversees Division Presidents, driving performance, retention, and growth across all divisions.Responsibilities:Client Engagement & Key Account Management Acts as an executive partner to major school district and university clients, ensuring superior service delivery, responsiveness, and the cultivation of long-term relationships. Champions client engagement initiatives led by Division Presidents, promoting consistency and proactive issue resolution. Leads executive negotiations for renewals, expansions, and strategic opportunities with key accounts. Fosters a client-centric culture among operations leaders, emphasizing safety, compliance, and performance reliability. Operational Leadership & Performance Guides Division Presidents in setting division priorities, launching new accounts, and allocating resources efficiently. Drives standardization of operating procedures, quality control programs, safety protocols, and workforce management practices to ensure operational excellence. Strategic & Financial Management Collaborates with the CEO to execute corporate strategy and align operational goals with organizational priorities. Oversees operational budgets, labor strategies, and financial performance across all divisions. Analyzes operational and financial reports to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for margin improvement and enhanced service quality. Supports business development through operational planning, pricing guidance, and participation in key proposals and client presentations. Leadership & Talent Development Leads, mentors, and develops Division Presidents and senior operational leaders, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Implements robust succession planning and leadership development programs throughout operations teams. Promotes cross-divisional collaboration to share best practices and drive overall performance improvement.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or related advanced degree preferred.
Minimum of 10 years’ senior operational leadership experience within facilities management or related service industries.
Proven track record managing major client relationships, preferably within K–12 or higher education environments.
Demonstrated ability to lead multi-site operations with large, diverse workforces.
Success in financial management, labor planning, and delivering service excellence.
Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills at all organizational levels, including C-suite and district administrators.
Strong analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.
Commitment to safety, quality, and a client-centered service culture.

Nice To Haves

MBA or related advanced degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Acts as an executive partner to major school district and university clients, ensuring superior service delivery, responsiveness, and the cultivation of long-term relationships.
Champions client engagement initiatives led by Division Presidents, promoting consistency and proactive issue resolution.
Leads executive negotiations for renewals, expansions, and strategic opportunities with key accounts.
Fosters a client-centric culture among operations leaders, emphasizing safety, compliance, and performance reliability.
Guides Division Presidents in setting division priorities, launching new accounts, and allocating resources efficiently.
Drives standardization of operating procedures, quality control programs, safety protocols, and workforce management practices to ensure operational excellence.
Collaborates with the CEO to execute corporate strategy and align operational goals with organizational priorities.
Oversees operational budgets, labor strategies, and financial performance across all divisions.
Analyzes operational and financial reports to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for margin improvement and enhanced service quality.
Supports business development through operational planning, pricing guidance, and participation in key proposals and client presentations.
Leads, mentors, and develops Division Presidents and senior operational leaders, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Implements robust succession planning and leadership development programs throughout operations teams.
Promotes cross-divisional collaboration to share best practices and drive overall performance improvement.