Branch Manager – Commercial Landscaping

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Branch Manager to lead and oversee a commercial landscaping operation. This position is responsible for the overall performance of the branch, including operations, client relationships, employee development, financial performance, and business growth.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned landscape industry professional with strong horticultural knowledge and hands-on operational experience. This is not simply a general management role—the successful candidate should understand commercial landscape operations, be comfortable working closely with field teams, and have the business judgment to improve processes, strengthen client relationships, and drive branch performance.

Key Responsibilities

Branch Operations & Leadership

• Lead the day-to-day operations of a commercial landscape branch with approximately $4–5 million in annual revenue and 60–70 employees.
• Oversee operations across multiple service areas and locations.
• Manage and develop Account Managers, Production Managers, and other branch personnel.
• Establish clear expectations for performance, accountability, communication, and customer service.
• Ensure crews and field teams have the resources, equipment, materials, and support needed to perform effectively.
• Monitor branch performance and address operational issues quickly and effectively.
• Serve as a hands-on leader who can step into different areas of the business when needed.

Client & Account Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with commercial landscape customers.
• Partner with Account Managers to improve client satisfaction and retention.
• Serve as a senior point of contact for key customers and resolve escalated concerns.
• Understand client expectations, contract requirements, service levels, and operational needs.
• Support the successful management and growth of large commercial, municipal, healthcare, educational, and institutional accounts.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen existing relationships and grow the branch's book of business.

Horticulture & Landscape Operations

• Provide leadership and technical guidance on commercial landscape maintenance and horticultural practices.
• Apply strong knowledge of landscape maintenance, irrigation, plant health, turf care, pruning, and related services.
• Work closely with production teams to ensure work is performed according to quality and customer standards.
• Troubleshoot horticultural and operational issues and help teams develop effective solutions.
• Ensure branch operations maintain high standards for landscape quality and service delivery.

Process Improvement & Performance

• Evaluate branch processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, productivity, quality, and profitability.
• Implement stronger systems, processes, and accountability measures.
• Monitor key operational and financial metrics to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Establish consistent operating standards across the branch.
• Use data and business performance information to make informed decisions.
• Drive continuous improvement while maintaining strong customer service and employee engagement.

Team Development

• Recruit, coach, develop, and retain strong operational and account management talent.
• Hold managers and employees accountable for performance and service standards.
• Develop future leaders within the branch.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, communication, accountability, and professionalism.
• Promote collaboration between field operations, account management, production, and administrative teams.
• Address employee performance and operational issues in a timely and professional manner.

Financial & Business Management

• Take ownership of overall branch performance, including revenue, expenses, labor utilization, and profitability.
• Review branch financial and operational reports and develop action plans when performance is below expectations.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities.
• Identify opportunities to improve labor efficiency, resource utilization, and overall profitability.
• Support new business development and branch growth initiatives.

Systems & Technology

• Utilize technology and business management systems to improve operational visibility and accountability.
• Maintain accurate branch information, customer records, schedules, and performance data.
• Use Aspire or similar landscape management software to support scheduling, estimating, customer management, and branch operations.
• Encourage technology adoption and ensure managers and employees are properly trained on applicable systems.

Qualifications

Required

• Deep experience in the commercial landscape or horticulture industry.
• Strong working knowledge of commercial landscape maintenance and horticultural operations.
• Proven experience as a Branch Manager, Regional Manager, Area Manager, Operations Manager, or similar senior leadership role within the landscape industry.
• Experience leading large teams and managing multiple operational functions.
• Experience managing significant commercial landscape operations or multi-location accounts.
• Demonstrated success improving operational performance, customer retention, and branch results.
• Strong client relationship and communication skills.
• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational abilities.
• Ability to balance strategic leadership with hands-on operational involvement.
• Strong business judgment and ability to make timely decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with business management software; Aspire experience is preferred.

Preferred

• Experience managing a branch with $4M+ in annual revenue.
• Experience overseeing multiple locations or service territories.
• Experience managing municipal, healthcare, education, commercial, or institutional landscape accounts.
• Strong knowledge of irrigation, turf, plant health, pruning, and landscape maintenance.
• Experience with branch turnarounds, operational restructuring, or business growth.
• Experience developing Account Managers and Production Managers.
• Familiarity with budgeting, P&L management, forecasting, and branch-level financial performance.

Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will be a true landscape industry operator, not simply a general manager. They should have the horticultural credibility to earn the respect of field employees, the leadership skills to develop managers, and the business acumen to improve the overall performance of the branch.

This person should be equally comfortable meeting with a major client, working with production managers, troubleshooting a field issue, reviewing branch performance, improving processes, and making difficult business decisions.

The ideal leader is hands-on, proactive, decisive, and comfortable wearing multiple hats while building a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.