Account Manager

Bland Landscaping Company; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Bland Landscaping seeks an Account Manager to bridge between the company and clients, acting as a Trusted Advisor and Asset Steward. You will ensure flawless contract execution through proactive site management and drive strategic growth by selling landscape enhancements.

The ideal candidate thrives on autonomy, with High EQ to navigate HOA boards and commercial asset managers, keeping Bland Landscaping as their first choice for grounds management.

Qualifications

• Minimum: 2-year college degree with 2+ years of experience in retail, customer service, outside sales, landscaping, property management, or a related field.
• Preferred: 4-year degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, Landscape Architecture, or Business.

Responsibilities

• Lead consultant for a dedicated book of business, fostering long-term relationships through high-touch communication.
• Perform site audits and quality assurance to meet and exceed contract standards.
• Identify opportunities for site improvements and present enhanced service proposals.
• Develop and deliver formal presentations and ROI-focused reports for clients.
• Translate client expectations into clear, actionable work orders for crews.

Skills

Client relationship management

Sales/consultative selling

Communication

Strategic account planning

Project coordination

Safety awareness

Education

Two-year college degree + 2+ years experience

Bachelor's degree (preferred) in Horticulture/Agronomy/LA/Business

Job description

Department: Commercial Grounds Management

Role Overview

The Account Manager (AM) serves as the primary bridge between Bland Landscaping (Company) and our most valued assets: our clients. You are not just a point of contact; you are a Trusted Advisor and Asset Steward. Your mission is twofold: (1) ensuring the flawless execution of existing maintenance contracts through proactive site management and (2) driving strategic growth by identifying and selling property enhancements that increase the value and beauty of our clients' landscapes.

The ideal AM is a disciplined self-starter who thrives on the autonomy of the field. You must possess the "High EQ" necessary to navigate various client personalities—from volunteer HOA boards to sophisticated commercial asset managers—ensuring that Bland Landscaping remains their first and only choice for grounds management.

Core Responsibilities

Client Relationship Management & Retention

• Strategic Partnership: Act as the lead consultant for a dedicated book of business, fostering long-term relationships through consistent, "high-touch" communication.
• Site Audits & Quality Assurance: Perform regular, documented site walks and audits to ensure maintenance standards meet (and exceed) contract specifications.
• Adaptive Communication: Tailor communication styles to match client personas - providing formal presentations for HOA boards, succinct ROI-focused reports for commercial PMs, and deep technical data for high-touch buyers.
• Conflict Resolution: Proactively identify and resolve client concerns before they (escalate, maintaining a high retention rate across the portfolio).
• Enhancement Identification: Proactively identify opportunities for site improvements (e.g., drainage solutions, seasonal color, turf renovation, or plant transitions).
• Proposal Development: Utilize the BOSS quoting system to generate professional, accurate, and timely proposals for enhancements, aquatics, and ancillary services.
• Consultative Selling: Meet monthly and annual sales goals by educating clients on the long-term benefits of property upgrades and landscape stewardship.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the design and estimating teams to bring complex, high-value enhancement projects from concept to contract.
• Operational Clarity: Translate client expectations into clear, actionable work orders for Production Staff and Crew Leaders to ensure "right-the-first-time" execution.
• Cross-Functional Teamwork: Coordinate with Branch Managers and production teams on scheduling, seasonal labor needs, and specialized service windows.
• Safety & Stewardship: Maintain a safe working environment by adhering to all company safety protocols and ensuring company vehicles and equipment are handled professionally.
• Winter Operations: Lead and support snow removal and emergency weather

Horticultural Stewardship & Technical Expertise

• Subject Matter Expertise: Maintain, or obtain if not already held, a high level of knowledge regarding local horticultural practices, pest management, and irrigation
• Educational Leadership: Educate clients on proper horticultural standards, advocating for practices that ensure the long-term health and sustainability of their landscape.
• Industry Compliance: Stay current on green industry trends, emerging technologies, and local regulatory changes

Professional Requirements & Certifications

Education & Experience

• Minimum: 2-year college degree with 2+ years of experience in retail, customer service, outside sales, landscaping, property management, or a related field; OR an equivalent combination of education and field experience.
• Preferred: 4-year degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, Landscape Architecture, or Business.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and navigate diverse terrain during site walks.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds on a routine basis and perform physical tasks (bending, stooping) as required for site inspections.
• Comfortable working in environments with common allergens and environmental risks (pollen, bees, thorns, etc.).

Licensing & Technical Advancement

• Driver's License: Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License issued from the State where Company conducts business with a clean driving record.
• Required Path to Mastery: If not already held, the candidate must be willing and able to obtain the following within the first year of employment:
• o Pesticide Applicator's License issued from the State where Company conducts business
• o Completion of Bland Internal Foreman/Management Modules

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.