Account Manager- Commercial Grounds Maintenance - Triangle Region

Socket.dev; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Bland Landscaping Company Inc. in Durham, NC, seeks an Account Manager to bridge between clients and our field teams, ensuring flawless contract execution and driving growth through landscape enhancements.

You will lead site audits, tailor communications to client personas, and develop proposals for improvements, while collaborating with design and estimating to move projects from concept to contract. This role requires high EQ, autonomy in the field, and a focus on long-term client

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Partnership: 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 contract specifications.
• Adaptive Communication: tailor communication styles to match client personas—providing formal presentations for HOA boards and ROI-focused reports for commercial PMs.
• Conflict Resolution: proactively identify and resolve client concerns to maintain high retention.
• Enhancement Identification: identify opportunities for site improvements (drainage, seasonal color, turf renovation, plant transitions).
• Proposal Development: utilize the BOSS quoting system to generate professional proposals for enhancements, aquatics, and ancillary services.
• Consultative Selling: meet monthly and annual sales goals by educating clients on long-term benefits of upgrades.
• Collaboration: work with design and estimating teams to bring complex, high-value projects from concept to contract.
• Operational Clarity: translate client expectations into clear work orders for Production Staff and Crew Leaders.
• Cross-Functional Teamwork: coordinate with Branch Managers and production teams on scheduling and seasonal needs.
• Safety & Stewardship: maintain a safe working environment by adhering to safety protocols and proper equipment handling.
• Winter Operations: lead snow removal and emergency weather response efforts.

Education

Two-year college degree with 2+ years experience

Four-year degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, Landscape Architecture, or Business

Job description

Title: Account Manager
Department: Commercial Grounds Management
Reports to: Branch Manager
Status: Exempt, outside sales

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.

Strategic Sales & Portfolio Growth

• 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.

Production Liaison & Operations

• 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 response efforts during winter months.

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 efficiency.
• 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:
  • Pesticide Applicator’s License issued from the State where Company conducts business
  • Certified Landscape Technician (CLT) Certification
  • 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.

Account Manager - Commercial Grounds Management

I have read the job description for which I have applied for and I am capable of performing all of the above. If I need special accommodations for a disability, or if I have any allergies, I will notify my supervisor.

Signature: Date:

State Issued & Driver’s License Number: Expiration Date:

Have you had any Driving violations against you in the last 3 years?

Yes No

Employment at Bland Landscaping Company Inc. is “at will” and may be terminated at any time by either party with or without reason. This job description in no way creates an