Operator Jobs in Cleveland, TN (NOW HIRING)

ABOUT AMERICAN OPERATOR

American Operator exists to keep the American Dream alive through small-business leadership and ownership. We place experienced operators into businesses of retiring owners who want their life's work placed in the hands of leaders who care. Over time, our CEOs follow a clear pathway to earn significant equity in the business they lead.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We’re actively interviewing CEO candidates for current and future acquisition opportunities. While timing varies by market and acquisition activity, selected candidates enter our CEO network and may be matched with opportunities as they become available.

We are looking for experienced operators who have effectively led plumbing services companies. This is an opportunity to partner with American Operator through the acquisition process, with the goal of stepping into a profitable, established business with a strong reputation, a loyal customer base, and an experienced team already in place. American Operator leads sourcing and due diligence, and the selected candidate will contribute industry insights during that process before stepping into the operating role post-close.

As CEO, you'll assume full responsibility for day-to-day operations and P&L performance. This is not a turnaround situation, it's an opportunity to build on a solid foundation set by the former owners. Your focus will be on developing and retaining a best-in-class sales force, driving customer acquisition and growth, and scaling the business to new products, customer segments and markets.

American Operator will be your partner from day one, providing strategic support, resources, and guidance while empowering you to lead independently. Most importantly, you'll have a clear path to earning significant equity ownership in the business you grow and lead.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead day-to-day operations and drive growth across key business performance metrics

• Build and Develop a high-performing and accountable team

• Oversee field operations to deliver exceptional customer service and quality of work

• Grow the direct-to-homeowner customer base by managing the funnel from sourcing leads through job completion

• Oversee warehouse operations, manage inventory levels to support field operations

• Recruit, develop, and retain top plumbing talent

• Partner with American Operator on strategy and execution

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Successful track record of operating and growing a residential plumbing business

• Experience owning P&L performance, including budgets and KPI targets

• Experience building, leading, and holding high-performing teams accountable, including responsibility for hiring and talent development

• Deep understanding of residential plumbing operations, with the ability to evaluate field service quality across water heater, water treatment systems, drain cleaning, sewer and line replacement, and related services.

• Hold a master plumbing license or have the ability to obtain one within 12 months

• Currently based in, or willing to relocate to, one of the following markets: Texas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Colorado, or Tennessee

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Track record of building and strengthening a customer-first culture centered on trust, service quality, and operational excellence

• Experience successfully leading a business through a leadership transition and building trust with the existing team

• Built or managed recurring revenue programs through membership plans in a plumbing or home services business

COMPENSATION

Base salary: $130,000–$190,000, plus performance-based bonus opportunities, distributions, and meaningful equity participation beginning at 10% ownership, with the potential to increase based on performance and value creation. Total compensation varies by portfolio company, individual performance, and deal structure, and includes a comprehensive benefits package.

LOCATION

Our target acquisition markets include Texas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Colorado, and Tennessee. Relocation will be required if you are not currently in or near the market of the opportunity.