General Manager - Chicago - Guardian Restoration

Description

At Guardian Restoration Partners, we are on a mission to build the most impactful restoration business in the industry. Our network of "Guardians" helps property owners in crisis rebuild their lives after devastating events like water, fire, and mold damage. As part of our team, you'll be contributing to a company that values results, integrity, and putting customers first.

Guardian is a high-growth, private equity–backed company building a national platform in the restoration and field services industry. Through a focused acquisition strategy and strong organic growth, we are creating a best-in-class organization that combines local market expertise with the scale, systems, and discipline of a national platform. We are a passionate group of professionals committed to preserving the legacy of small and medium-sized businesses while accelerating their growth. We bring deep expertise and a hands‑on approach to support our partners, expand the Guardian network, and make a lasting, positive impact across every organization.

Guardian Restoration Partners, an Alpine Investor Platform, is leading transformative change in the restoration and mitigation industry. Alpine Investors is a people‑driven private equity firm dedicated to investing in fragmented industries across the U.S. Named to Inc.'s List of Founder‑Friendly Investors for five consecutive years, Alpine creates value by honoring the legacy of founders and transforming their companies into enduring, high‑growth businesses. Our portfolio companies thrive through strategic consolidation, technology advancement, and operational support. By leveraging this approach, one of Alpine's portfolio companies has achieved impressive results, scaling from $0 to $2 billion in just four years with over 300 acquisitions, all while preserving founders' legacies.

What we need

We are seeking a General Manager (GM) who will play a pivotal leadership role within our restoration partner brands. As a GM, you'll oversee all aspects of daily operations, holding full accountability for the location's performance and success. You will drive growth, performance metrics, foster a thriving workplace culture, and develop all staff and management. Your goal will be to achieve world‑class operational standards and inspire others to do the same.

This role includes full ownership of the operating P&L for the partner organization, where you'll be responsible for driving organic business growth and achieving revenue targets. You'll play a critical role in shaping and executing strategies to expand market share, optimize sales performance, and maximize profitability. With the support of leaders from the parent company, the CEO, and a network of other GMs, you'll have the resources to deliver exceptional service, drive efficiency, and implement innovative solutions in a dynamic environment. If you are a results‑oriented leader who thrives on driving sales, delivering revenue growth, and motivating teams to achieve operational excellence, we'd love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all operational aspects of the assigned partner locations, ensuring alignment with Guardian's standards and goals.
• Drive revenue growth through strategic planning, forecasting, and implementation of best practices and ownership of P&L.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local teams, partners, and clients to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Analyze and optimize operational processes to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and maximize profitability.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and company policies to maintain a safe and secure working environment.
• Provide referrals of top talent to improve the organization, contributing to long‑term growth and development (GM's, Partner Leaders, etc.)
• Identify growth opportunities within 60 days and ensure action items post‑deal closure are outlined and in action within 90 days
• Drive brand recognition within the community to become the partner of choice for restoration services
• Serve as a culture champion and role model by fully embracing Guardian's values of Do the Right Thing, Customer First, and Results Matter.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management, or a related field; MBA preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years in a senior operational leadership role, ideally within the restoration or service industry.
• Proven ability to drive operational improvements, sales, and achieve financial targets.
• Exceptional leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to travel as needed (quarterly meetings in Denver).
• Bonus: Veteran status, bringing a valuable background in leadership, discipline, and commitment to team success.

Our Core Values

• Results Matter – We believe in delivering on our promises and driving outcomes that make a measurable difference.
• Do the Right Thing – Integrity is at the core of everything we do. We are committed to being ethical and trustworthy in every situation.
• Customer‑First– Our customers are at the heart of our business. We strive to exceed their expectations and build lasting relationships.

Total Rewards

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401k
• Paid Time Off

Why Join Us

As part of the Alpine Investors portfolio, Guardian Restoration Partners is a dynamic, growth‑oriented team where your impact will directly shape our success. We foster a collaborative and supportive environment that champions both personal and professional development, with ample pathways for career advancement. This role offers an exceptional opportunity to take ownership within a high‑growth business, supported by a private equity firm renowned for building scalable, resilient companies. You'll have the autonomy to make strategic decisions, inspire and build a passionate team, and leverage the resources needed to bring an ambitious vision to life. If you're a driven, results‑focused leader who thrives in dynamic settings and is motivated by the opportunity to create something extraordinary, we'd love to connect with you.

Compensation

Guardian is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. For this position, the pay range is $125,000–$175,000 plus annual bonus and equity. Actual compensation will depend upon an individual's skills, experience, qualifications, location, and other relevant factors. The salary range is subject to change and may be modified at any time.

Ongoing Opportunity for a GM

At Guardian Restoration Partners, we are always seeking top talent to build our pipeline of future General Managers for upcoming acquisitions. These are pivotal leadership roles, and we are committed to finding exceptional candidates who align with our values and ambitious growth trajectory. If you are a results‑driven leader with a strong customer‑first mindset, we encourage you to apply. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the opportunity remains open as we identify the ideal candidates for our partner's leadership teams.

Equal Opportunity Employer

At Guardian Restoration Partners, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected status as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.