Grounds Manager

Abbott

2d • $99,300 - $198,700 • Onsite

About The Position

The Manager is responsible for establishing, implementing, and enforcing departmental policies and procedures across technical, personnel, and administrative functions. This role provides direct leadership to a staff of non‑exempt employees and is accountable for planning work activities, ensuring appropriate training, and providing the tools and equipment required for safe, efficient, and effective job performance. The Manager coordinates daily operations with other trade groups, engineers, and production personnel to support site objectives. In addition to managing the duties performed by the landscaping crew, the Manager assigns and oversees grounds management activities - including landscaping, snow management, hardscapes and shuttle service - and ensures work is executed to established standards and schedules. As a steward of a global headquarters environment, the Manager is responsible for maintaining the aesthetic quality, functionality, and overall appearance across multiple Abbott Lake County locations in a manner that reinforces the Abbott brand, reflects corporate values, and creates a positive experience for employees, visitors, and regulatory stakeholders. The Manager administers herbicide, pest control, and deicing management programs, including chemical applications, and ensures full compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements. The role also supports planning and scheduling activities as directed. The Manager oversees strategic planning, operations, and capital deployment for a $15MM+ annual budget supporting approximately 3,000 acres of hardscape and landscaped grounds.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree or equivalent experience and/or formal post‑secondary technical training or certification in Horticulture or a closely related field, with specific training in: Plant growth and development Turfgrass varieties and maintenance Cultural practices Propagation and pest management
• Minimum of five (5) years of related landscaping experience, with demonstrated expertise in turf and plant maintenance.
• At least two (2) years of experience in a leadership or group leader role.
• Strong technical expertise to direct and evaluate a broad range of technical services.
• Current DOT certification for operating vehicles over 10,000 lbs.

Nice To Haves

• State of Illinois Department of Agriculture Pesticide Operator’s License desired.
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, staff, train, direct, and control all grounds activities across Abbott Lake County sites.
• Develop and communicate departmental goals, policies, procedures, and programs aligned with corporate objectives and the needs of customer divisions and departments.
• Manage all Grounds activities and stakeholder relationships, often responding to urgent and competing priorities.
• Manage and coordinate a large, diverse portfolio of external contractors, ensuring performance, safety, quality, cost control, and compliance with site standards, contractual requirements, and regulatory obligations.
• Determine requirements for new and replacement tools and equipment, provide job instruction, and ensure compliance with all safety rules and regulations.
• Ensure all personnel are properly trained and consistently adhere to safe work practices.
• Develop, manage, and monitor facilities-related budgets; review and approve contracts and vendor qualifications; and lead competitive pricing initiatives for annual landscaping, hardscape, and snow removal services.
• Identify, propose, and implement continuous improvement initiatives and departmental strategies related to landscaping, hardscape, and snow removal operations.
• Stay current with industry advancements in techniques, equipment, materials, and best practices.
• Provide expert technical guidance and support to direct reports across all areas of responsibility.
• Ensure continuous compliance with FDA, GMP, OSHA, EPA, IEPA, and ISO regulatory requirements.
• Serve as a subject matter expert during interactions with regulatory agencies as required.
• Participate in capital project teams impacting landscaping and hardscape scopes, providing subject matter expertise, design input, and formal reviews.
• Support cross‑divisional initiatives and special projects, serve on interdivisional teams or task forces, and act as a temporary backup for management when needed.
• Coordinate and support outdoor events by preparing site grounds, managing logistics, and collaborating with appropriate stakeholders to ensure safe, timely, and well‑executed events.

Benefits

• Employees can qualify for free medical coverage in our Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year.
• An excellent retirement savings plan with a high employer contribution.
• Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program, and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor’s degree.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Associate degree