Operations Manager

Ready to build something that matters?

Are you the person who sees a problem, figures out a solution, brings people along, and makes things better? Do you thrive in a growing business where you can take ownership, make decisions, develop people, and build systems that actually work?

Essential Home Care NW is looking for an Operations Manager who can turn a growing home care business into a well-run, scalable operation. We have a strong foundation, a team that cares about the people we serve, and ambitious goals for the future. Now we need the right leader to strengthen our operations, bring greater clarity and accountability to the team, and help us grow without everything depending on the owners.

This isn't a role where you'll inherit a perfectly organized operation and simply keep it running. It's an opportunity to make a meaningful difference by building, improving, and leading.

What you'll do

• Lead the day-to-day operation. Take ownership of how the business runs across client services, scheduling, staffing, administration, and related functions. Make decisions, solve problems, and keep work moving without waiting for the owners to step in on routine issues.
• Build better systems. Identify gaps, duplication, and inefficiencies. Develop practical processes that make responsibilities clear, improve follow-through, and help the team work more effectively. Make sure new systems are adopted and used consistently.
• Lead and develop people. Set clear expectations, coach team members, address performance issues directly and constructively, and build a culture of accountability, communication, and teamwork. Help people succeed without taking over their responsibilities.
• Strengthen staffing and caregiver support. Partner with the team to improve recruiting, onboarding, caregiver engagement, retention, and staffing reliability. Help ensure we have the people and coverage needed to meet client needs.
• Protect the client experience. Ensure clients and families receive reliable, responsive, high-quality service. Address problems promptly and improve the operational processes that affect client satisfaction.
• Monitor performance. Establish and track meaningful operational measures, identify issues early, and follow through on priorities. Understand how staffing, service delivery, and operational decisions affect the health of the business.
• Prepare the business for growth. Work closely with the owners to build the operational capacity, team capability, and systems needed for sustainable growth.

The kind of leader we're looking for

We need someone who combines the drive to get things done with the ability to bring people along. You take initiative. When you see a problem, you don't wait for someone else to notice it or tell you what to do.

You assess the situation, develop a solution, make a decision, and follow through. You know when to act independently and when an issue requires the owners' involvement.

You're comfortable with change. In a growing business, priorities shift, unexpected issues arise, and not every answer is already documented. You can manage competing priorities, adapt quickly, and maintain momentum without becoming overwhelmed by uncertainty.

You're a strong communicator and relationship builder. You can earn the trust of office staff and caregivers, explain expectations clearly, have difficult conversations when necessary, and gain buy-in for changes. You understand that accountability and respect go together.

You value systems and details, but you don't get stuck perfecting a process when a practical solution is needed. You can balance standards and consistency with speed, judgment, and action.

Most importantly, you take ownership without believing you have to do everything yourself. You develop people, establish clear responsibilities, and build systems that allow the whole team to succeed.

This role will likely be a great fit if you:

• Have successfully led operations in a growing, service-based business.
• Enjoy creating structure where processes need to be strengthened or built.
• Can point to examples of improving performance, solving operational problems, and helping teams adopt new ways of working.
• Are comfortable making decisions and being accountable for the results.
• Can respectfully challenge existing practices and bring forward solutions.
• Care about the quality of service clients receive and the people who deliver it.
• Are willing to roll up your sleeves when needed while keeping your focus on building a stronger operation.

Experience we're looking for

• Demonstrated success leading operations in a service-based business.
• Experience leading teams, setting expectations, and holding people accountable.
• A track record of improving processes, systems, consistency, or operational performance.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Comfort using business software, scheduling systems, spreadsheets, and operational reporting tools.

Experience in home care, healthcare, senior services, staffing, hospitality, or another people-intensive service business is helpful. Experience in a growing small or mid-sized organization is especially valuable. We care about what you've accomplished and how you lead, not just the titles you've held.

What success looks like

You'll know you're making a difference when the team understands who owns what, problems are handled at the appropriate level, processes are followed, and communication improves across the business. Clients receive consistent service, caregivers have the support they need, and the company can grow without routine decisions and problems continually returning to the owners.

Reporting relationship and work expectations

You'll report directly to the owner of Essential Home Care NW. You'll have the authority to lead day-to-day operations and make decisions within your responsibilities, with regular communication and alignment with the owners.

Home care doesn't always operate on a traditional schedule. This role requires flexibility and availability for urgent operational needs, including some evenings and weekends. Initially, you'll be more hands-on as you learn the business and address gaps in coverage and systems.

A key part of your longer-term responsibility will be building team capability, processes, and backup coverage so the operation doesn't depend on one person being available for everything.

The position is primarily based in the Bothell area, with flexibility as operational needs allow.

Compensation and development

• Base salary: $100,000–$115,000 annually, depending on experience
• Leadership coaching and development support
• Opportunity to shape the operation and make a lasting impact on a growing business

Why Essential Home Care NW?

Our work matters. We support people who want to remain safely and comfortably in their homes, and we believe the way we care for our clients and support our caregivers makes a difference.

We're looking for a leader who shares that commitment and wants to help build a business where people take ownership, keep their promises, communicate openly, and work together to deliver excellent care.

If you're energized by building, improving, leading, and making things work better, we'd welcome the conversation.

Apply today. Tell us about a time you improved an operation, solved a difficult problem, or helped a team work more effectively. We'd love to hear what you did and what changed as a result.

Pay: $100,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Experience:

• managing operations: 3 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person