Horticulture Maintenance Manager (Green Belt Certified)
Job Description
The Horticulture Maintenance Manager (Green Belt Certified) is responsible for managing and optimizing horticultural maintenance operations while applying Lean / Six Sigma Green Belt methodologies to improve efficiency, quality, safety, and cost control. The role combines technical horticulture expertise, team leadership, and process improvement to deliver sustainable, high-quality landscape and green space maintenance.
Key Responsibilities
Horticulture & Landscape Maintenance
- Plan, manage, and supervise daily horticultural maintenance activities including planting, pruning, irrigation, fertilization, pest control, turf care, and seasonal works.
- Ensure plant health, landscape aesthetics, and compliance with horticultural best practices.
- Conduct regular site inspections and implement corrective actions where required.
- Manage irrigation systems, soil health, and sustainable landscaping practices.
Team Leadership & Workforce Management
- Lead, train, mentor, and evaluate horticulture supervisors, gardeners, and maintenance staff.
- Develop work schedules, task assignments, and performance standards.
- Promote a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
- Coordinate subcontractors, vendors, and seasonal labor when needed.
Green Belt / Process Improvement Responsibilities
- Apply Lean / Six Sigma Green Belt tools (DMAIC, Root Cause Analysis, Kaizen, 5S, SOPs) to improve maintenance processes.
- Identify inefficiencies, waste, and cost overruns in horticulture operations and implement improvement initiatives.
- Develop and standardize maintenance procedures, checklists, and quality benchmarks.
- Track KPIs related to productivity, quality, safety, water usage, plant survival rates, and cost efficiency.
- Lead continuous improvement projects to enhance service delivery and client satisfaction.
Planning, Budgeting & Administration
- Prepare and manage annual horticulture maintenance plans and budgets.
- Monitor costs related to labor, materials, equipment, chemicals, and plant procurement.
- Maintain records for inspections, maintenance logs, inventory, and improvement initiatives.
- Prepare reports and dashboards highlighting operational performance and improvements.
Equipment, Safety & Compliance
- Ensure proper use, maintenance, and storage of horticultural tools and machinery.
- Enforce safety policies, risk assessments, and compliance with environmental and regulatory standards.
- Ensure proper handling and application of fertilizers, pesticides, and chemicals.
Sustainability & Stakeholder Engagement
- Promote sustainable horticultural practices including water conservation, organic treatments, and native planting.
- Liaise with clients, property managers, consultants, and senior management regarding horticulture performance and improvements.
- Support audits, certifications, and quality initiatives as required.
Required Qualifications
- Diploma or Degree in Horticulture, Landscape Management, Agriculture, or related field.
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification (mandatory or strongly preferred).
- 5+ years of experience in horticulture or landscape maintenance, with supervisory or managerial experience.
- Strong knowledge of plant care, irrigation systems, pest management, and soil science.
- Proven experience applying process improvement or quality management principles.
- Strong leadership, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Preferred Skills
- Experience with ISO, QMS, or continuous improvement frameworks.
- Proficiency in MS Excel, reporting tools, or maintenance management software.
- Certification in pesticide application or sustainability practices.
- Experience managing large landscapes, parks, campuses, commercial or hospitality properties.
