What are the responsibilities and job description for the Fine Gardening Operations Manager position at TOPIARIUS?
What You’ll Do
The Fine Gardening Operations Manager manages the operations of the Fine Gardening department.
This role oversees the successful execution of approximately 250 active Fine Gardening contracts consisting of recurring and seasonal services such as cleanups, maintenance visits, annual rotations, enhancements, seasonal décor, and specialty services.
The Fine Gardening Operations Manager ensures services are delivered to company standards, clients remain informed, contracts stay on track, scheduling is accurate, and internal teams remain aligned.
This position works closely with:
- Fine Gardening Supervisor (FGS): You will provide leadership and oversight of the FGS who oversees daily crew logistics, field standards, safety, and schedule execution.
- Production Team: You will partner with the Production Team, who helps to ensure materials are prepared and supports service readiness.
- Operations Leadership: In collaboration with the Construction Operations Manager, provide partnership and support to the Director of Operations, who is responsible for the oversight and strategic direction of the department.
Reports to: Director of Operations
Direct Report: Fine Gardening Supervisor
This Position’s Success Is Measured By:
Service Standards & Team Leadership
- Consistent execution of company standards
- Crew accountability, safety compliance, and professionalism
- Effective onboarding and training of new hires
- Strong staff retention
Client Experience
- Communication is proactive and clear
- New FG client onboarding is successfully executed
- Client retention remains strong
Contract Management
- Scope is clearly understood and executed
- Labor hours align with contract expectations
- Overtime is controlled and minimized
- Expenses remain within budget
Scheduling Effectiveness
- Labor capacity aligns with workload
- Schedule changes are communicated clearly to staff and clients
- Weather and staffing variables are managed effectively
Safety & Accountability
- Incidents involving vehicles, equipment, or staff are minimized and well documented
- PPE compliance is consistent
- Department budgets remain controlled
Who Thrives in This Role
- You think in systems and seasons, not just tasks
- You value standards and hold teams accountable respectfully
- You communicate clearly and consistently
- You are organized and comfortable managing high volumes of recurring services
- You understand that structure prevents problems
- You collaborate naturally and do not work in isolation
- You remain calm under pressure and solve problems proactively
- You take ownership of outcomes without micromanaging details
What We’re Looking For
- High School diploma or equivalent
- Fully bilingual in English/Spanish is required
- Valid driver’s license with clean record
- 5 years experience in landscape maintenance or fine gardening services
- 3 years supervisory experience
- Strong scheduling and labor forecasting skills
- Budget and time management experience
- Working knowledge of plant care and maintenance materials
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Suite (Mail, Calendar, Photos)
- Ability to learn new software systems quickly (Aspire experience preferred)
- Experience managing recurring service contracts preferred
Expected Activity and Movement:
- Driving in Chicagoland area.
- Bending, stooping, and crouching on a regular basis.
- Routinely moves about to work and sits at a desk.
- Visual acuity to perform an activity such as viewing a computer terminal.
- May occasionally lift, carry or otherwise move and position objects weighing up to 100 pounds using appropriate tools.
- Occasionally operating and cleaning landscape equipment.
- Occasionally climbing stairs and ladders.
- Occasionally working in locations of height (e.g., roof decks, balconies).
- Regularly moves about client properties at site visits.
Hours and Compensation
Hours are Monday–Friday, 6:30 am – 3:30/4 pm. Minimum 40 hours per week with potential overtime. Potential for Saturday hours.
Benefits include paid time off, professional development opportunities, and a collaborative work environment. Core benefits include medical and dental insurance (PPO/HSA and HMO options), life and disability coverage, and a 401(k) with company contribution.
Compensation Range: $65,000-$75,000 (commensurate with education and experience).
Who We Are
Since 2003, our mission has been to design, create, and maintain luxurious outdoor sanctuaries because we believe that people deserve to live beautifully outdoors. You can learn more about us at www.topiarius.com.
At Topiarius, we work with honesty, creativity, and respect. We're an upbeat, collaborative team that asks questions, learns from each other, and takes pride in delivering exceptional work. If that sounds like your kind of culture, we'd love to talk.
Salary : $65,000 - $75,000