Company Overview:

Evergreen Cooperative Laundry (ECL) is the only employee-owned commercial laundry company in the United States. We provide mission-critical laundry and linen services to hospitals and nursing homes—supporting high-quality patient care while building long-term wealth and careers for our employee-owners.

As part of the Evergreen Cooperative Corporation, ECL exists to strengthen the Cleveland economy by creating stable jobs, sharing profits with employees, and investing in people, systems, and community. When you join ECL, you’re not just managing operations—you’re helping people build ownership, skills, and opportunity.

Position Overview:

The Operations Manager is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing all aspects of plant operations, including production, transportation, maintenance, safety, and people development. This role blends hands-on operational leadership with strategic planning, financial stewardship, and continuous improvement.

The Operations Manager drives performance today while building the systems, processes, and teams that will support growth over the next 1–2 years. This is an ideal role for a leader who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment and enjoys developing both people and operations.

Essential Duties:

Plant & Operations Leadership

• Direct and oversee all plant operations, including production, transportation/logistics, maintenance, safety, and equipment utilization

• Directly Supervise the Production Manager and Transportation Manager

• Ensure efficient receiving, processing, and distribution of laundry and linens

• Develop, Initiate, and Maintain standard operating procedures and productivity standards

• Oversee plant layout, staffing plans, and operational resource allocation

• Ensure proper care, preventive maintenance, and safe operation of all equipment

• Prepare and review daily, weekly, and periodic operational reports

People Leadership & Development

• Build, lead, and develop high-performing teams through training, coaching, and performance management

• Actively recruit, onboard, and develop talent; assist HR with hiring, evaluations, and corrective actions as needed

• Foster a respectful, inclusive, and harassment-free workplace with strong employee morale

• Clearly communicate expectations, goals, and business priorities at all levels

Continuous Improvement & Change Management

• Plan and execute operational projects of low to moderate complexity

• Lead and support change initiatives, partnering with the leadership team to ensure adoption and sustainability

• Identify opportunities for process improvement, waste reduction, and cost control

• Drive plant improvements and operational efficiencies

Financial & Business Accountability

• Support budgeting, forecasting, and cost management initiatives

• Participate in vendor negotiations and purchasing decisions

• Apply business and industry insights to improve operational and financial performance

• Practice and promote Open Book Management, helping employees understand how their work impacts the business

Safety, Compliance & Quality

• Insist daily on a safe, healthy, and compliant work environment

• Train employees on safety practices and ensure adherence to policies and procedures at all times

• Knowledge of, monitor and ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements impacting operations

• Champion a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous learning

Leadership Expectations

• Demonstrates strong business insight and shares knowledge across the organization

• Communicates with clarity, confidence, and integrity—even when delivering difficult messages

• Coaches and mentors employees to grow skills, confidence, and ownership mindset

• Leads with courage, accountability, and respect

• Models Evergreen’s mission, values, and cooperative culture

• Displays a professional and personable bearing at all times and requires the same of all leaders

• Responsible for other duties as assigned

Supervision: Works under the direct supervision of the General Manager.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to lead effectively in a fast-paced, constantly evolving environment - must be agile in adapting

• Strong organizational, prioritization, and multitasking skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Demonstrated initiative, flexibility, and problem-solving ability

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and other industry software packages

• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and variable hours as needed

Work Experience: Minimum of 5 years of supervisory or management experience, preferably in laundry operations, manufacturing, distribution, or a similar industrial environment.

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Higher education is desirable but not required.

Working Conditions:

• Ability to stoop, kneel, bend, and reach for extended periods

• Ability to walk and stand for long durations

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally

• Regular, reliable attendance required

• Work hours will occasionally exceed 40 hours per week and may include weekends and holidays

• Collaborative, team-oriented environment consistently lead by your initiative and direction

Why join Evergreen Cooperative Laundry?

• Employee Ownership: Build equity and long-term wealth as an owner (ECL is 80% owned by its employees)

• Mission-Driven Work: Support vital healthcare operations while strengthening the local community

• Leadership Impact: Shape systems, develop people, and drive real change

• Stability & Growth: Join a growing organization investing in people and infrastructure