Torchora
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Landscaping Manager

💰 $65,000 - $95,000

ManagementOperationsHorticultureConstruction

🎯 Role Definition

As a Landscaping Manager, you are the operational heart of our organization. You will be responsible for leading multiple crews to deliver exceptional quality and service on a portfolio of residential and commercial properties. This role requires a unique blend of horticultural expertise, business acumen, and leadership talent. You will be instrumental in managing day-to-day operations, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget, fostering a culture of safety and professionalism, and serving as the key liaison between our clients and our crews. This is a pivotal role that directly impacts client satisfaction, team morale, and the overall profitability and reputation of our company.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Senior Landscape Foreman / Crew Leader
  • Landscape Project Manager
  • Horticulturist or Arborist with leadership experience

Advancement To:

  • Director of Operations
  • Regional Operations Manager
  • Branch Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Senior Estimator / Sales Manager
  • Irrigation or Agronomy Manager
  • Business Development Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Direct and supervise all aspects of landscape maintenance and construction projects, overseeing multiple crews to ensure work is completed efficiently, safely, and to the highest standards of quality.
  • Develop and manage comprehensive work schedules for all crews, optimizing routing and resource allocation to meet client deadlines and contractual obligations.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for a portfolio of clients, building and maintaining strong relationships through proactive communication, regular site walk-throughs, and prompt resolution of any issues or concerns.
  • Conduct thorough site inspections to ensure quality control, identify potential issues, and propose property enhancements or upgrades to clients.
  • Prepare and present accurate and competitive estimates, proposals, and bids for new maintenance contracts and landscape installation projects.
  • Manage project budgets, track job costs, and monitor labor and material expenses to ensure projects are delivered within financial targets and maintain profitability.
  • Recruit, hire, train, and mentor landscape crew members and foremen, fostering a positive and productive team environment with a strong focus on professional development.
  • Enforce all company safety policies and OSHA regulations, conducting regular safety meetings, toolbox talks, and site inspections to cultivate a culture of safety and minimize risk.
  • Manage the procurement and inventory of all necessary plants, materials, and supplies, coordinating with vendors and suppliers to ensure timely delivery and quality products.
  • Oversee the maintenance, repair, and proper use of all company vehicles, tools, and equipment, ensuring operational readiness and longevity.
  • Develop and implement comprehensive horticultural programs, including fertilization, pest and disease control, and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
  • Manage irrigation systems across multiple properties, including scheduling, troubleshooting, repairs, and recommending water-wise upgrades.
  • Accurately track and document all work performed, materials used, and crew hours for precise invoicing and job costing analysis.
  • Collaborate with the design and sales teams to ensure a seamless transition from sales to production and that the client's vision is executed flawlessly.
  • Manage subcontractor activities, ensuring their work meets our quality standards and project timelines.
  • Handle all aspects of snow and ice management operations during winter months, including scheduling, crew deployment, and client communication (if applicable).
  • Provide strong leadership and direction during daily morning huddles, setting clear expectations for the day's tasks and objectives.
  • Perform employee performance reviews, providing constructive feedback and creating development plans to enhance skills and promote growth within the company.
  • Respond to emergency and off-hour client requests as needed, demonstrating a commitment to exceptional customer service.
  • Stay current with industry trends, best practices, new products, and technologies to continuously improve operational efficiency and service offerings.

Secondary Functions

  • Support the sales and business development team by providing technical expertise and participating in pitches for high-value clients.
  • Contribute to the company's strategic planning by providing insights from the field to identify new service opportunities and areas for growth.
  • Collaborate with the administrative team to streamline processes related to billing, payroll, and reporting.
  • Participate in industry associations and local networking events to represent the company and build professional connections.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Advanced Horticultural Knowledge: Deep understanding of plant identification, soil science, entomology, and pathology for plant health diagnostics.
  • Project & Operations Management: Expertise in scheduling, job costing, budgeting, and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Landscape Construction Expertise: Proficiency in hardscape installation, grading, drainage, and planting techniques.
  • Irrigation System Management: In-depth knowledge of irrigation system design, installation, troubleshooting, and water management.
  • Estimating and Bidding: Skill in accurately estimating labor, materials, and equipment for a wide range of landscape projects.
  • Business Software Proficiency: Experience with industry-specific software (e.g., Aspire, LMN) and Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Safety & Compliance: Thorough knowledge of OSHA standards and state regulations applicable to the landscaping industry.
  • Equipment Operation & Maintenance: Familiarity with the operation and basic mechanics of a wide range of landscaping equipment.

Soft Skills

  • Leadership & Team Management: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and mentor a diverse team to achieve high performance.
  • Client Relationship Management: Exceptional interpersonal skills for building trust and rapport with high-end clients.
  • Communication: Clear, professional, and proactive communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to resolve operational and client-facing challenges effectively.
  • Organizational & Time Management: Ability to prioritize and manage a complex workload in a fast-paced environment.
  • Negotiation & Conflict Resolution: Adept at finding mutually beneficial solutions with clients, vendors, and employees.
  • Financial Acumen: Ability to read financial reports, manage budgets, and understand key performance indicators (KPIs).

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Horticulture
  • Landscape Architecture or Design
  • Agribusiness or Plant Science
  • Construction Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 5-7 years of progressive experience in the landscape industry.

Preferred: Minimum of 3 years of experience in a direct supervisory or management role, overseeing multiple crews and managing a client portfolio. Experience with both landscape maintenance and installation is highly desirable.

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