Team Leader

The Plant People; Kaiapoi; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Plant People seeks an experienced Team Leader based at our Kaiapoi Depot to guide landscape construction and maintenance projects throughout Canterbury. You will coordinate, manage and deliver a variety of projects, working with project managers, clients and onsite teams to ensure safety, efficiency and high-quality outcomes.

This hands-on leadership role requires strong horticultural knowledge, proven team leadership, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 3+ years' experience in a leadership or management role within landscaping or horticulture.
• Strong knowledge of the New Zealand landscaping industry.
• Sound horticultural knowledge, including planting, plant identification, and maintenance practices.
• Project planning and project management experience.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong commercial awareness and financial management capabilities.
• The ability to motivate, coach, and lead teams to achieve outstanding results.
• A commitment to health, safety, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Leading and coordinating landscape construction and maintenance teams.
• Managing project delivery, planning, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships.
• Pricing project variations and supporting tender submissions.
• Monitoring project budgets and financial performance.
• Conducting site meetings and client reporting.
• Ensuring compliance with NZ3910 contract requirements.
• Driving a strong health and safety culture across all operations.
• Identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and business growth.
• Supporting and developing staff through effective leadership and communication.

Skills

Leadership

Project planning

Communication

Financial management

Team motivation

Health & safety culture

Relationship-building

Mentoring

Education

Horticulture qualification

Job description

Are you an experienced landscaping professional ready to lead high-performing teams and deliver exceptional outdoor environments?

At The Plant People, we are passionate about creating innovative environmental enhancement solutions and delivering high-quality landscapes for future generations. We are seeking a motivated and experienced Team Leader to join our Christchurch division and lead landscape construction and maintenance projects throughout Canterbury.

About the Role

Based out of our Kaiapoi Depot, you will be responsible for coordinating, managing, and delivering a variety of landscape projects across Canterbury. This is a hands‑on leadership role where you will work closely with project managers, clients, and onsite teams to ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading and coordinating landscape construction and maintenance teams
• Managing project delivery, planning, scheduling, and resource allocation
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships
• Pricing project variations and supporting tender submissions
• Monitoring project budgets and financial performance
• Conducting site meetings and client reporting
• Ensuring compliance with NZ3910 contract requirements
• Driving a strong health and safety culture across all operations
• Identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and business growth
• Supporting and developing staff through effective leadership and communication

About You

You are an organised and proactive leader with a passion for landscaping, horticulture, and developing successful teams.

To be successful, you'll bring:

• Proven experience managing multiple teams across various project sites
• At least 3 years' experience in a leadership or management role within landscaping or horticulture
• Strong knowledge of the New Zealand landscaping industry
• Sound horticultural knowledge, including planting, plant identification, and maintenance practices
• Project planning and project management experience
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Strong commercial awareness and financial management capabilities
• The ability to motivate, coach, and lead teams to achieve outstanding results
• A commitment to health, safety, and continuous improvement

Desirable Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Horticulture or related field
• Current Site Safe Gold Card (or equivalent)
• Current First Aid Certificate
• GrowSafe Certification
• Full New Zealand Driver Licence
• Class 2 Licence or higher is advantageous

What We Offer

• A leadership role with a well-established and respected landscaping business
• Diverse projects across the Canterbury region
• A supportive and collaborative management team
• A strong safety-focused culture
• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the growth and success of the business

About The Plant People

Our vision is to be the market leader in delivering innovative environmental enhancement solutions. We empower our people to deliver high-quality landscapes that leave a lasting legacy for future generations.