Operations Manager - Landscaping at CBRE Excellerate

About the role

• The Operations Manager - Landscaping will oversee and manage operational service delivery across multiple sites within the Gauteng region.
• This role is responsible for driving operational excellence, ensuring quality service delivery, maintaining compliance with company standards and legislation, managing client relationships, and supporting sustainable business growth.
• The incumbent will play a key role in improving operational efficiencies, leading teams, managing stakeholder relationships, and ensuring consistent service excellence across all operational sites.

What you will bring

Minimum Requirements

• Certification(s) in Horticulture, Landscaping, Arboriculture or equivalent technical training supported by relevant industry experience
• Minimum 10–12 years’ relevant experience within the landscaping industry
• Minimum 5–7 years’ experience at senior management or executive level
• Proven experience in commercial strategy, revenue growth and business model development

Strong technical knowledge of:

• Irrigation systems (installation and repair)
• Plant nutrition and fertilisation
• Turf maintenance and care
• In-depth understanding of landscaping industry regulations and operational requirements
• Valid Driver’s License and willingness to travel between multiple sites

Additional demonstrable requirements:

• Experience managing external service providers and subcontractors
• Exposure to operational audits, reporting, and variance analysis
• Experience handling disciplinary, conduct, and performance management matters
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving ability
• Ability to lead, mentor, and develop operational teams
• Strong planning, organisational, and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to work collaboratively across operational and support functions

What you will be doing

• Ensure landscaping services meet agreed quality standards through regular site inspections and quality assessments
• Prepare quality assurance and recommendation reports by evaluating landscaping work and identifying improvement opportunities
• Monitor service delivery performance and ensure operational efficiencies and adherence to company standards
• Draft progress reports on landscaping work completed at client properties and provide feedback to stakeholders
• Provide professional advice and recommendations on landscaping projects and enhancements
• Engage with Key Account Managers (KAMs) and Contract Officers (COs) by providing technical input on landscaping, restoration projects and service improvements
• Manage client interactions, action items and ensure timely follow-up and resolution
• Support client retention by proactively addressing landscaping-related concerns
• Design, cost and propose landscaping projects by assessing client requirements and preparing commercially viable solutions
• Lead landscaping restoration and improvement initiatives with technical oversight and guidance
• Support business growth initiatives through value-added landscaping opportunities
• Ensure compliance with landscaping industry regulations, legislation, company policies and procedures
• Enforce the Company’s Disciplinary Code of Conduct consistently across landscaping operations
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental standards applicable to landscaping activities
• Drive continuous training and development of KAMs, COs and landscaping teams
• Develop landscaping operational and service talent within the organisation
• Share industry developments, best practices and technical knowledge with internal teams
• Lead initiatives to improve and streamline landscaping processes and operational performance
• Collaborate with Senior Management regarding infrastructure and operational requirements
• Support operational planning and resource alignment to meet service demands
• Lead, guide and support landscaping teams while promoting accountability and performance excellence
• Address performance, conduct and disciplinary matters in line with Company policies
• Identify training and development needs within landscaping teams
• Manage external service providers and subcontractors by monitoring service levels and contractual compliance
• Address non-conformance issues and implement corrective actions where required
• Promote professionalism, safety and service excellence across all teams and service providers