CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER (COO) (REMOTE, NC, US, REMOTE)

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.

Qualifications:

  • 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.

Apply to SSC today!

SSC is a member of Compass Group USA.

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

Associates at SSC are offered many fantastic benefits.

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Personal Leave

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click hereor copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_SSC.pdf

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

SSC maintains a drug-free workplace.

Back to blog

Common Interview Questions And Answers

1. HOW DO YOU PLAN YOUR DAY?

This is what this question poses: When do you focus and start working seriously? What are the hours you work optimally? Are you a night owl? A morning bird? Remote teams can be made up of people working on different shifts and around the world, so you won't necessarily be stuck in the 9-5 schedule if it's not for you...

2. HOW DO YOU USE THE DIFFERENT COMMUNICATION TOOLS IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONS?

When you're working on a remote team, there's no way to chat in the hallway between meetings or catch up on the latest project during an office carpool. Therefore, virtual communication will be absolutely essential to get your work done...

3. WHAT IS "WORKING REMOTE" REALLY FOR YOU?

Many people want to work remotely because of the flexibility it allows. You can work anywhere and at any time of the day...

4. WHAT DO YOU NEED IN YOUR PHYSICAL WORKSPACE TO SUCCEED IN YOUR WORK?

With this question, companies are looking to see what equipment they may need to provide you with and to verify how aware you are of what remote working could mean for you physically and logistically...

5. HOW DO YOU PROCESS INFORMATION?

Several years ago, I was working in a team to plan a big event. My supervisor made us all work as a team before the big day. One of our activities has been to find out how each of us processes information...

6. HOW DO YOU MANAGE THE CALENDAR AND THE PROGRAM? WHICH APPLICATIONS / SYSTEM DO YOU USE?

Or you may receive even more specific questions, such as: What's on your calendar? Do you plan blocks of time to do certain types of work? Do you have an open calendar that everyone can see?...

7. HOW DO YOU ORGANIZE FILES, LINKS, AND TABS ON YOUR COMPUTER?

Just like your schedule, how you track files and other information is very important. After all, everything is digital!...

8. HOW TO PRIORITIZE WORK?

The day I watched Marie Forleo's film separating the important from the urgent, my life changed. Not all remote jobs start fast, but most of them are...

9. HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A MEETING AND PREPARE A MEETING? WHAT DO YOU SEE HAPPENING DURING THE MEETING?

Just as communication is essential when working remotely, so is organization. Because you won't have those opportunities in the elevator or a casual conversation in the lunchroom, you should take advantage of the little time you have in a video or phone conference...

10. HOW DO YOU USE TECHNOLOGY ON A DAILY BASIS, IN YOUR WORK AND FOR YOUR PLEASURE?

This is a great question because it shows your comfort level with technology, which is very important for a remote worker because you will be working with technology over time...