Fine Gardening Operations Manager

Topiarius•Chicago, IL

33d•$65,000 - $75,000

About The Position

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

Requirements

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

Responsibilities

Manages the operations of the Fine Gardening department
Oversees the successful execution of approximately 250 active Fine Gardening contracts
Ensures services are delivered to company standards
Ensures clients remain informed
Ensures contracts stay on track
Ensures scheduling is accurate
Ensures internal teams remain aligned
Provide leadership and oversight of the FGS who oversees daily crew logistics, field standards, safety, and schedule execution
Partner with the Production Team, who helps to ensure materials are prepared and supports service readiness
Provide partnership and support to the Director of Operations, who is responsible for the oversight and strategic direction of the department