Production Manager - Commercial Grounds Management

Position Overview

The Production Manager (PM) serves as the critical link between corporate strategy and field execution. You will oversee multiple commercial grounds-maintenance crews, ensuring all properties are serviced efficiently and safely to the highest standards. This is a dynamic role requiring a blend of leadership, technical agronomic knowledge, logistical planning, and customer service. Your ultimate goal is to maximize field productivity while driving client satisfaction and retention.

Key Responsibilities

• 1. Operations & Field Management
  • Scheduling & Logistics: Direct the daily scheduling of maintenance crews, optimizing routes, labor hours, and equipment deployment to maximize efficiency.
  • Quality Control: Conduct routine site inspections to ensure contract compliance, identifying property needs, health issues in turf/plant material, and safety hazards.
  • Enhancement Identification: Proactively identify opportunities for landscape enhancements (e.g., color rotations, mulch, drainage fixes, tree work) and collaborate with the account management team to propose solutions to clients.
  • Inventory & Materials: Coordinate the procurement and timely delivery of materials (plants, mulch, chemicals, fertilizers) needed for daily operations.
• 1. Team Leadership & Development
  • Crew Management: Recruit, onboard, train, and manage Crew Leaders and field staff, fostering a culture of accountability, pride, and continuous improvement.
  • Safety Compliance: Enforce all company safety policies, conduct weekly tailgate safety meetings, and ensure proper usage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and heavy equipment.
  • Performance Tracking: Monitor crew labor hours against budgeted hours for each job, providing coaching to crews to meet or exceed production goals.
• 1. Equipment & Asset Management
  • Fleet Oversight: Ensure all assigned vehicles, trailers, and commercial equipment (mowers, trimmers, blowers) are properly maintained, operated safely, and kept clean.
  • Maintenance Coordination: Partner with the shop mechanic to schedule routine preventative maintenance and minimize equipment downtime.
• 1. Client & Administrative Support
  • Issue Resolution: Serve as a secondary point of contact for clients; respond to and resolve service-related complaints or requests within 24 hours.
  • Data Management: Utilize landscape management software to track labor time, log site photos, and submit daily production reports.

Qualifications & Requirements

• 1. Experience: Minimum of 3–5 years of supervisory experience in commercial landscape maintenance or a closely related green-industry field.
• 1. Industry Knowledge: Strong understanding of turfgrass management, plant identification, pruning techniques, and chemical/fertilizer applications.
• 1. Licensing: Valid Driver’s License with a clean driving record (Required). Commercial Pesticide Applicator License or landscape industry certifications (e.g., CLT, ONDA) are highly preferred.
• 1. Technology: Proficient with smartphone/tablet operations and industry-specific software (e.g., Aspire, LMN, Jobber) for scheduling and tracking.
• 1. Physical Demands: Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions, walk extensive commercial properties, and lift up to 50 lbs.
• 1. Language: Bilingual in English and Spanish is a significant advantage.

Core Competencies for Success

• 1. Leadership: Able to motivate diverse teams and resolve conflicts constructively in a fast-paced environment.
• 1. Problem Solving: Quick-thinking on your feet when weather, equipment breakdowns, or scheduling conflicts disrupt the daily plan.
• 1. Financial Acumen: Understands how labor hours and material waste directly impact the branch's bottom-line profitability.

Required Skills

• 1. Minimum 2 year college degree preferred
• 1. Must have valid NC Driver’s license and maintain a good driving record
• 1. Must have NC Pesticide applicators license, or the ability to obtain one
• 1. Must have good communication skills and ability to motivate others
• 1. Must comply with Bland Landscaping’s policies and procedures
• 1. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds on a routine basis
• 1. Ability to bend and stoop on a continual basis
• 1. Ability to work outside in all weather conditions
• 1. Ability to work around bees, poison ivy, pollen, thorns and other environmental risks
• 1. Wear work boots, Bland Landscaping uniforms, and present yourself in a clean and professional manner
• 1. Must be able to work with minimal supervision
• 1. Must wear provided company PPE
• 1. Must practice safety at all times
• 1. Must pass a criminal background check and maintain a clean criminal record

Required Experience

• 1. Must have a minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in Commercial Grounds Management.