Director, Landscape Installation Operations

Job description

Director, Landscape Operations (Installation/Construction Division) Manage Service. Drive Profitability. Deliver Excellence. For more than 40 years, Sunrise Landscape has built a reputation for excellence in commercial landscape design, installation, and maintenance. As a recognized Lawn & Landscape Top 100 company, we are growing rapidly and investing in top talent to help us scale. We are seeking a high-performing Director, Operations with proven experience in commercial landscape or installation (new landscape projects) to lead our teams to deliver excellent service. Important Information for Candidates: While this is an operations role, you will only be contacted if you have experience managing specific landscape operations for at least 5 years. This role requires deep expertise in the industry. Reports To: General Manager, Installation Department: Operations FLSA Status: Exempt Career Path : Director to General Manager; Other Leadership Roles in Operations Position Summary The Director is responsible for the overall leadership, financial performance, and operational excellence of the Installation Housing department. This role oversees all office and field personnel, manages builder and vendor relationships at a strategic level, and drives the department’s growth and profitability. This team member sets the direction for the team, holds everyone accountable to goals and standards, and ensures the department operates efficiently and with integrity. What We’re Looking For: Experience managing landscape maintenance operations or landscape install/construction across commercial clients for at least 5 years. Bachelor's degree in Business, Landscape Management, Horticulture, Operations Management, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered. 4-8 years of progressive operational leadership experience. 3-5+ years leading multiple operational teams. Experience with operational management software (such as Aspire or similar platforms) Strong financial acumen with experience managing labor and operating budgets. Demonstrated ability to coach and develop leaders. What You’ll Do: Communication & Escalation • Serves as the management-level escalation point for builder and homeowner communications requiring a senior response • Is copied directly on emails requiring awareness, input, or approval by the Project Coordinator, Services & Warranty Coordinator, or Superintendents • Provides inbox and communication support when volume is high or team coverage is needed Estimating & Scope Management • Owns all Housing estimating entirely and independently • Estimates all standard production scopes as well as custom work for builder-specific projects • Evaluates all non-standard or out-of-scope requests and determines pricing and feasibility • Recalibrates estimating inputs regularly using actual vs. estimated cost data • Participates in annual builder pricing reviews and contract renewal cycles Permitting • Manages and oversees the permitting process for all Housing projects • Coordinates with builders, municipalities, and internal teams to ensure permits are obtained accurately and on time • Delegates permitting tasks to the Project Coordinator as needed and provides oversight • Serves as the escalation point for any permitting issues, rejections, or builder-specific requirements Aspire & Financial Management • Owns Aspire for the Housing department — responsible for accuracy of all opportunities, work tickets, invoicing, and reporting • Performs all final invoice approvals in Aspire — no invoice is issued without this role’s review and approval • Reviews and approves all POs and EPOs entered by the Services & Warranty Coordinator before invoicing proceeds • Clears billing holds or discrepancies blocking invoice issuance • Monitors invoicing follow-up — outstanding invoices, aging items, and anything past payment terms Reporting & Financial Oversight • Produces the weekly Housing report covering houses completed, revenue, completion rates, labor, headcount, and materials • Produces the monthly Housing summary with full revenue, gross margin, labor hours, and material cost detail • Reviews backlog and forecast with the GM; maintains the rolling 60–90 day outlook • Partners with the GM on annual departmental budget and headcount planning • Represents the Housing department in the weekly Branch Operations Meeting Team Leadership & Supervision • Directly supervises all Housing department positions: Project Coordinator, Services & Warranty Coordinator, and both Superintendents • Conducts regular 1:1s with all direct reports and leads performance reviews across the team • Manages field operations through the Superintendents — providing direction, support, and accountability for field execution, crew performance, and community-level quality • Serves as the final escalation point for warranty vs. billable determinations • Maintains builder relationships at a management level through community visits and ongoing communication • Identifies and pursues opportunities to grow the department, expand builder partnerships, and bring on new communities Physical Requirements Frequent walking across job sites and branch facilities. Ability to occasionally lift up to 30 pounds. Regular travel throughout the assigned branch service area. Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions. Ability to operate a motor vehicle. What We Can Offer You: It is our desire to provide you with a workplace that you can grow your career. The compensation for this role is market competitive and will commensurate with experience. As you complete the application process, you will validate your compensation expectations. Sunrise Landscape also provides you with: Paid time off (vacation and sick) Health and Wellness Benefits Up to 9 paid Holidays 401k Savings Plan with Employer Match after 6 months of employment Employee Referral Bonus Program Paid Parental Leave (after 1 year of service) Sunrise Landscape is an equal-opportunity employer and participates in E-Verify. We require proper documentation for all hiring activities. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.