Landscape Construction Operations Manager

Landscape Construction Operations Manager
Libertyville IL $80000 $100000 Full-Time

Lead with Purpose. Build With Pride.

We are working with a well-respected privately held landscape design-build-maintenance firm in the Northern Chicago suburbs seeking a Landscape Construction Operations Manager to lead its landscape construction operations. With a reputation for transforming high-end residential properties into exceptional outdoor spaces this company offers a stable people-first environment where craftsmanship relationships and operational excellence are deeply valued.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out
Grounded and Relationship-Driven: This is not a corporate environment. The leadership team knows the crews by name and theres a shared commitment to doing quality work-together.
Stability with Flexibility: With over 80 seasonal crew members and a core group of full-time team leaders this company knows how to keep people coming back-and how to adapt to changing project demands.
High-end Residential Projects: This company has built a client base for nearly 35 years with award-winning complex well-integrated residential landscape projects that transform landscapes and lives across generations.
Leadership with Support: Youll be empowered to lead Construction Operations with autonomy while working closely with experienced operations design sales and finance professionals.
Compensation & Perks: $80000 $100000 salary range commensurate with experience highly competitive benefits package with low employee contributions a company vehicle and the satisfaction of being trusted to do your job without micromanagement.

About the Role
Youll manage all aspects of day-to-day landscape construction operations-from scheduling and planning to purchasing hard goods and managing supervisors and foremen of crews. Youll work across departments to ensure projects are delivered on time within budget and to the high standards clients expect and deserve.

Your days involve:
Arriving before the 6:30 AM crew call to review schedules job tickets and resource needs
Coaching and coordinating with supervisors and project managers to align daily priorities
Planning to ensure materials and equipment are available; ensuring crews have the right tools and equipment for the job
Using Aspire to manage time costs scheduling and updates-your mastery of this system will ensure projects run smoothly tighten communication and keep everyone aligned
Taking full responsibility for delivering on client promises managing multiple projects with professionalism accuracy and accountability
Keeping a sharp eye on operational efficiency and profitability knowing that structure preparedness and follow-through are the foundation of success
Collaborating proactively with Sales to align project expectations materials and deadlines-while staying flexible when priorities shift as they do.
Visiting job sites weekly to monitor quality and support foremen and crews

Crew Culture Matters
This companys success is built on the dedication and pride of its 80 seasonal crew members most of whom return year after year. Just as sales teams drive business development the crew is the force that brings every project to life. Without them nothing happens.

As Construction Operations Manager your ability to build strong respectful relationships with team members is essential. That means meeting people where they are understanding their skills and strengths and leading with integrity. When the team members feel respected supported and understood they take ownership-and thats when the work truly shines.

Who Were Looking For
Perfect role for a steady grounded leader who understands the work and can manage people timelines budgets materials and installation with clarity and consistency.

Youll thrive if you:
Maintain a sharp focus on quality operational efficiency and profitability-from scheduling to materials to crew utilization
Lead with structure and foresight: this role requires someone who is highly organized financially savvy and able to manage complexity with calm and clarity
Possess 7 or more years of progressively responsible experience in landscape construction or field operations including managing crews/projects
Understand construction equipment job site logistics and the importance of assigning the right tools to the job
Are a strong communicator who values structure and accountability
Have experience with (or are ready to master) Aspire
Speak Spanish (a plus not required)
Hold a valid drivers license and have a clean driving record

What Your First 90 Days Looks Like

30 Days: Well get you set up. Through shadowing and ride-alongs youll get to know the systems meet the team and begin to understand project flow. By the end of the first month youll have a clear grasp of company goals project expectations the client portfolio and the near- and long-term work ahead.

60 Days: Youre actively contributing-helping lead daily operations coordinating material procurement and collaborating across departments to keep projects on track and clients satisfied.
90 Days: Youve taken full ownership of Construction Operations performance. Youre confidently managing day-to-day operations troubleshooting issues as they arise coaching and mentoring team members and planning for future needs efficiencies and growth.

This is a career-building role-not a corporate ladder climb. Were looking for someone who wants to be a part of something meaningful and lasting.

Lets Talk
If youre a steady organized hands-on leader who understands people process and quality-and youre ready to step into a role that makes a real impact-wed love to hear from you.