Branch Manager – Commercial Landscaping & Snow Operations

$9MM Branch | High Retention | Growth Opportunity

Our client is a well-established and growing commercial landscape company with multiple locations throughout the Chicago area.  They are seeking an experienced Branch Manager to lead one of our largest and most successful operations within the organization. This branch generates approximately $9 million in annual revenue, supported by long-tenured teams, strong client relationships, and a 96% client retention rate.

The Branch operates a balanced mix of landscape maintenance, snow management, and enhancements.

Branch Overview

• Total Revenue: ~$9MM

  • Landscape Maintenance Contracts: ~$4MM

  • Snow Operations: ~$2.5MM

  • Enhancements: ~$2.5MM

• Team Structure:

  • 4 Account Managers with strong tenure

  • 2 Business Developers (reporting to Sales Manager)

  • 14 Maintenance Crews

  • 2 Enhancement Crews

• Low crew turnover and strong operational stability

Position Summary

The Branch Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and profitability of the branch. This role ensures high-quality, efficient landscape maintenance and snow removal services while achieving financial targets, maintaining client satisfaction, and growing market share. The Branch Manager leads all branch employees and is accountable for the successful day-to-day and long-term operation of the branch.

Core Responsibilities

Client Service (35%)

• Maintain regular, proactive communication with clients; meet with clients at least monthly

• Build and sustain long-term client relationships

• Inspect properties to monitor job quality and Superintendent performance

• Drive 90–95% annual contract renewal rates

Financial & Accounting Management (35%)

• Develop and manage annual branch budgets

• Partner with the Controller to track financial performance and implement corrective actions

• Monitor and manage accounts receivable

• Ensure accurate, timely billing and proper execution of all contracts

• Oversee branch facilities, leases, systems, and administrative requirements

• Ensure proper use, maintenance, and purchasing of branch equipment and assets

Employee & Safety Management (15%)

• Recruit, select, develop, and retain branch team members

• Ensure all personnel paperwork is accurate and completed timely

• Lead employee communication, coaching, performance management, and development planning

• Monitor and improve branch safety performance

• Oversee training for Crew Leaders and Crew Members

• Enforce company policies and procedures consistently

Sales & Estimating (15%)

• Ensure new sales goals are properly budgeted and achieved

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities

• Develop effective sales strategies for prospective clients

• Understand, price, and estimate work accurately and profitably

Qualifications

Education

• 2- or 4-year degree in Landscape or related field, or

• 2- or 4-year general degree with landscape-related coursework, or

• Industry certification through a recognized landscape association, or

• Equivalent industry experience with or without a degree

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of supervisory experience in the horticultural or related industry

Required Skills & Competencies

Performance Skills

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and projects

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities

• Comfortable making difficult decisions in the best interest of the business

• Clear, confident communicator with clients, employees, and leadership

• Strong planning, prioritization, and organizational skills

• High attention to accuracy in financials and documentation

Technical Skills

• Proficient in landscape equipment and operations

• Ability to operate company vehicles

• Strong computer skills including Excel, Word, estimating software, and job-cost systems and Aspire

Knowledge Base

• Plant material, turf, diseases, insects, irrigation, chemicals, and spray applications

• Business math, gross margin management, and profitability

• Understanding of P&L statements and branch-level financials

Core Abilities

• Leadership and people management

• Ethical judgment and professionalism

• Motivation and accountability

• Time management and attention to detail

• Multitasking and sound reasoning

Why Join Us?

• Lead a large, stable, high-performing branch

• Exceptional client retention (96%) and low employee turnover

• Strong operational support and experienced team

• Clear opportunity to grow revenue and market share

• Long-term career growth with a financially strong organization

If you are a results driven Branch Manager who takes pride in service excellence, profitable growth, developing people and long-term customer partnerships, we’d love to speak with you.  Please respond to this posting and include a copy of your resume.

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