Landscape Operations Manager

Job summary

Isola Garden Design delivers high-end domestic landscape projects throughout Warwickshire, the West Midlands and the Cotswolds. Our fundamental ethos is to maintain exceptionally high standards of craftsmanship, care and service.

This role will take overall responsibility for the delivery and execution of all landscape projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, safely and to the highest standard of quality. It demands excellent project management skills, leadership and a sound understanding of both hard and soft landscaping.

As Operations Manager you will be responsible for the planning, scheduling and efficient execution of multiple landscaping contracts. This position involves managing teams, co-ordinating with clients, suppliers and colleagues.

You will ensure that Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality compliance is maintained, and that the Company’s procedures and objectives are achieved by all landscaping personnel.

The role will require you to manage and divide your time between working in the office and across multiple sites.

Key duties

The key tasks of the position can be broadly summarised as follows:

Operations

• Manage, oversee and monitor the delivery of all landscape projects.
• Plan/schedule all landscape projects, teams and resources.
• Report to Board level on status, budgets and timescales as projects progress.
• Ensure all projects are delivered on time, within budget and to the highest standard.
• Manage budgets associated with all operational delivery areas of the business.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and increase productivity, without comprising quality.
• Manage and develop strong relationships with suppliers, monitoring pricing and negotiating competitive rates for goods and services.

Leadership, supervision and direction of others

• Manage employed, sub-contract and specialist sub-contract teams, providing direction and support where required.
• Foster a collaborative and productive work environment, encouraging teamwork and high performance.
• Effectively manage line reports, including regular 1-2-1s, performance appraisals and training requirements.

Client relations

• Establish and maintain a good rapport and effective dialogue channels with clients as their primary point of contact.
• Ensure clear communication with clients about project timelines, budgets and progress. Consider and interpret clients’ requests, concerns and feedback.
• Promote new and repeat work with existing/potential clients.

Health, safety and environmental compliance

• Enforce HS&E procedures and best practice, ensuring compliance of landscaping teams with Company procedures and legal obligations.
• Oversee delivery of HS&E toolbox talks to site personnel.
• Oversee the undertaking of site safety inspections; ensuring that audits are produced and recorded.

Coaching and training

• Participate in the learning and personal development initiatives and training relevant to your position.
• Participate fully in the individual performance review system.

This job description outlines the main duties of the role but does not exclude other duties, which may be undertaken to ensure the efficient operation of the team. Other duties required will be consistent with those listed above and appropriate to the title and grade of the position.

Personal Specification:

Essential competencies

• Proven experience as an Operations/Contracts Manager within the landscaping industry, with expertise in both hard and soft landscaping.
• In depth knowledge of landscape design principles, horticulture and landscape construction.
• Strong communication (written & verbal) and excellent customer service skills.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent organisational and time management abilities.
• Familiarity with budgeting and cost control techniques.
• Strong problem-solving ability.
• Proficiency in the use of project management software and tools.

Preferred

• Relevant qualifications in landscape architecture, horticulture, construction management or a related field.
• Practical experience within the landscape industry.