Director, Multifamily Horticulture Services

Southern Land Company Careers•Nashville, TN

12d

About The Position

The Director of Multifamily Horticulture Services leads landscape and horticulture performance across Southern Land Company's national multifamily portfolio of 15 communities. Landscape work is performed by subcontractors, and the Director manages those vendors to the company's standards across all properties. In partnership with the Senior Vice President of Horticulture, the Director evaluates and shapes landscape service sourcing and structures to achieve quality and value in each market. The Director also partners with the Director of Seasonal Landscape Design to maintain seasonal displays that support the resident experience. The role requires urban horticulture expertise and the ability to resolve difficult growing conditions, including high foot traffic, compacted soils, low-light courtyards, wind between buildings, reflected heat from glass towers, rooftop and container plantings, and limited soil volume. The portfolio spans communities in New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, South Carolina, Colorado, Nevada, and Texas. Travel of up to 50% is expected during the first year. The stated salary range is $120,000 to $140,000, depending on experience. The Director directly manages and develops the Eastern and Western horticulture coordinators and works with property management, community managers, asset management, marketing, vendors, and senior leadership to coordinate landscape priorities, budgets, and property presentation.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
At least 8 years of experience in commercial landscape management, including significant work in urban environments.
Demonstrated experience managing landscape subcontractors across multiple properties.
Experience at high-end multifamily, commercial, hospitality, or luxury residential properties.
Valid driver's license and ability to travel up to 50% in the first year.
Strong knowledge of urban landscape management, including plant material, soils, and techniques suited to challenging city conditions.
Ability to quickly diagnose plant health and site problems and develop practical solutions.
Working knowledge of plant palettes and growing conditions across multiple U.S. climates, from the Northeast to the desert Southwest.
Strong attention to detail and appreciation for high-end seasonal color and container design.
Understanding of irrigation systems and water management practices, including smart controllers and moisture monitoring.
Budget management skills, including the ability to read contracts, review invoices, and track costs accurately.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively with property teams, vendors, and senior leadership.
Ability to work independently, prioritize competing demands, and manage time across a large, geographically dispersed portfolio.
High standards for urgency, follow-through, and attention to detail.
Ability to directly supervise the Horticulture Coordinators for the Western and Eastern States.

Nice To Haves

Experience with holiday decor programs.
Experience managing properties in multiple markets or regions.
Rooftop, podium, or container garden experience.
Pesticide applicator license, ISA Certified Arborist credential, or Irrigation Association certification.

Responsibilities

Manage landscape maintenance subcontractors across the multifamily portfolio and hold vendors accountable to scopes, schedules, and quality standards.
Work with the Senior Vice President of Horticulture to evaluate vendors and service models, including rebids, contract structures, and vendor selection.
Write and maintain landscape scopes of work; review bids, negotiate contracts, approve change orders, and verify invoices against completed work.
Conduct property inspections using standardized punch lists, document findings, assign corrective actions, and follow through until issues are resolved.
Partner with the Director of Seasonal Landscape Design to ensure seasonal displays are installed on time, maintained to standard, and presented well between rotations.
Diagnose and resolve urban landscape challenges involving foot traffic, compacted soils, low light, wind, reflected heat and glare, rooftop and container plantings, and limited soil volume.
Oversee irrigation performance and water management with vendors, accounting for local climates and restrictions.
Coordinate landscape transitions for new communities, including the Houston community, from construction through handoff to ongoing maintenance.
Work with property management, community managers, and asset management to align landscape priorities, budgets, and resident experience.
Manage multifamily horticulture budgets with the Senior Vice President of Horticulture, track spending, and identify cost-saving opportunities that preserve standards.
Coordinate with Marketing before photo shoots, events, and VIP visits to ensure properties are presented at their best.
Directly manage, train, and develop the Eastern and Western horticulture coordinators, setting expectations and holding them accountable to company standards.
Communicate proactively with the Senior Vice President of Horticulture about property conditions, vendor performance, budgets, and issues requiring escalation.