Landscape Manager - Softscape

Landscape Manager – Softscape

Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
Reports To: General Manager

About Our Client

Our client is an established landscaping and property services company serving the Ottawa area. They provide landscape construction, sod and softscaping, property maintenance, and winter operations services to residential, commercial, and municipal clients.

They are looking for an experienced Landscape Manager to oversee the planning and execution of our sod, softscaping, and landscape installation projects.

This is a hands-on management position suited to someone with strong field knowledge who can effectively estimate work, coordinate crews, manage projects, communicate with clients, and ensure jobs are completed safely, efficiently, and to a high standard.

Position Overview

The Landscape Manager will oversee projects from initial site assessment and estimating through scheduling, installation, quality control, and completion.

The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating crews and resources, managing project timelines and budgets, communicating with clients, and ensuring that work is completed efficiently and profitably.

This role will also support the company’s winter operations and will be expected to take on supervisory responsibilities during the snow and ice season.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Project Planning

• Prepare estimates and proposals for sod, softscaping, landscape, and property improvement projects.
• Conduct site visits and assess project requirements.
• Develop scopes of work, material requirements, labour requirements, and project timelines.
• Assist with landscape design and develop practical installation plans.
• Review project specifications and ensure estimates accurately reflect the scope of work.
• Monitor project budgets, labour costs, material usage, and overall profitability.

Project Management

• Manage sod and softscaping projects from start to finish.
• Plan and coordinate crews, equipment, materials, deliveries, and subcontractors.
• Develop daily and weekly crew schedules based on project requirements.
• Conduct site visits to monitor progress, quality, safety, and productivity.
• Ensure projects are completed on schedule and within budget.
• Communicate regularly with clients regarding project timelines, progress, changes, and completion.
• Address project issues quickly and develop practical solutions.
• Ensure accurate work orders, project documentation, and invoicing.

Crew Management

• Lead and coordinate landscape installation crews.
• Assign daily responsibilities and establish clear expectations.
• Monitor employee productivity, workmanship, attendance, and professionalism.
• Train and mentor employees on proper installation techniques, equipment use, safety, and company standards.
• Ensure crews have the materials, equipment, information, and direction required to complete their work efficiently.
• Promote a positive and accountable team environment.

Softscaping & Landscape Operations

• Oversee installation of sod, soil, gardens, planting, grading, mulch, and other softscape elements.
• Ensure proper preparation and installation techniques are followed.
• Coordinate with hardscape and other landscape teams where projects overlap.
• Conduct quality-control inspections and minimize deficiencies and callbacks.
• Ensure work is completed according to project specifications and client expectations.

Winter Operations

• Act as a supervisor/leader within the company’s winter snow and ice operations.
• Assist with planning and coordinating winter crews, equipment, routes, and schedules.
• Monitor service delivery during snow and ice events.
• Ensure crews meet required service standards and contractual obligations.
• Respond to operational issues and after-hours requirements when necessary.

Performance Expectations

Success in this position will be measured through:

• Departmental revenue and profitability
• Client satisfaction and retention
• Growth in recurring contracts and new business
• Employee performance, productivity, and retention
• Labour and material cost control
• Accurate and timely invoicing
• Work order completion and response times
• Quality control and reduction of callbacks
• Workplace safety and regulatory compliance
• Departmental organization, communication, and reliability

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in the landscape, sod, softscaping, and/or snow and ice industry.
• Minimum 3 years of management or supervisory experience.
• Strong understanding of landscape installation, sod, soil preparation, planting, gardening, and property maintenance.
• Experience managing landscape crews and coordinating multiple projects.
• Experience with landscape estimating and project planning.
• Demonstrated design experience and practical understanding of landscape design principles.
• Previous winter snow and ice operations supervisory experience is required.
• Experience managing employees, schedules, customers, budgets, and operational performance.
• Experience preparing quotes, managing job costs, reviewing work orders, and coordinating invoicing.
• Strong leadership, organizational, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable using Microsoft Office, QuickBooks Online, Google Workspace, industry CRM platforms, and related technology.
• Valid driver’s licence and satisfactory driving record.
• Ability to respond to occasional after-hours or emergency service requirements.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is an experienced landscape professional who enjoys being involved in both the planning and execution of projects.

They understand what it takes to build a productive landscape crew, plan work efficiently, manage materials and equipment, and deliver a quality finished product. They are equally comfortable visiting a job site, speaking with a client, preparing an estimate, building a crew schedule, or resolving an operational issue.

This individual takes ownership, follows through on commitments, and leads by example. They understand that successful landscape operations require a balance of quality, productivity, customer service, and profitability.

Employment Details

• Position: Full-time, Permanent
• Summer Schedule: Monday–Friday, 6:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., as operationally required
• Winter Schedule: Weather and operations permitting
• Benefits: Company vehicle, company phone, Manulife benefits
• Reports To: General Manager