Production Manager

TOPIARIUS; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Topiarius, a boutique landscape design, build, and maintenance firm in Chicago, is seeking a Production Manager to oversee material procurement and lead the production department. This full-time, in-person role ensures installation crews receive materials and manages care of plant materials and yard operations.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, data-driven, and comfortable leveraging technology, AI, and automation to improve purchasing, inventory, and operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of supervisory experience in landscape or horticulture.
• High school diploma or equivalent; bachelor preferred.
• Strong data analysis and technology skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the production team and supervise staff.
• Oversee material procurement and inventory.
• Ensure safety policies and efficient workflows.
• Coordinate with installers to ensure timely material delivery.

Skills

Data-driven

Organizational skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Excel

Google Sheets

HubSpot

Aspire

Microsoft Office

Job description

• Location 5030 West Lake Street,Chicago, IL, 60644,United States


• Base Pay $75,000.00 - $85,000.00 / Year


• Job Category Production, Procurement, Purchasing


• Relocation Expense Covered No


• Employee Type Full-Time Exempt


• Required Degree High school


• Manage Others Yes

Topiarius is a boutique landscape design, build, and maintenance firm serving some of Chicago’s most distinctive residential properties.

We are looking for a Production Manager to oversee material procurement and lead the production department. This is a full-time, in-person role responsible for ensuring installation crews have the materials they need, managing the care and handling of construction and plant materials (annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees), and maintaining a highly organized facility. The ideal candidate is highly organized, data-driven, and comfortable leveraging technology, AI, and automation to improve purchasing, inventory management, and operational efficiency.

Who We Are

Since 2003, our mission has been to design, create, and maintain luxurious outdoor sanctuaries because we believe that people deserve to live beautifully outdoors. You can learn more about Topiarius at www.topiarius.com .

At Topiarius, we work with honesty, creativity, and respect. We're an upbeat, collaborative team that asks questions, learns from each other, and takes pride in delivering exceptional work. If that sounds like your kind of culture, we'd love to talk.

Who Thrives in This Role

This role tends to work best for people who are:

• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and communicative


• Comfortable coordinating both people and materials


• Able to manage multiple projects and timelines


• Interested in landscape materials and plant knowledge

Candidates with backgrounds in any of the following tend to succeed in this role

• Purchasing or procurement


• Nursery or garden center management


• Horticulture or fine gardening


• Data management, bookkeeping, or account management


• Fulfillment center or customer service management


• Commercial or residential construction

3+ years of experience in the landscape or horticulture industry is preferred, but we are open to candidates in adjacent fields who bring transferable skills with a proven track record of organization and leadership.

Requirements

What We’re Looking For

• High school diploma or equivalent (bachelor’s degree preferred).


• 3+ years of supervisory experience.


• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.


• Strong data analysis and technology skills, with advanced proficiency in Excel / Google Sheets.


• Highly proficient in technology (our team currently uses Microsoft, Google, Aspire, and HubSpot).


• Comprehensive knowledge of annuals, tropicals, bulbs, perennials, shrubs, and trees for Zone 6.


• Valid IL driver’s license and clean driving record.


• Fluent in English (conversational Spanish a plus)

Expected activity and movement for this position includes:

• Visual acuity to perform an activity such as viewing a computer terminal and analyzing data and figures.


• Regularly working at a desk.


• Regularly moving about to work.


• Regularly bend, stoop, and crouch on a regular basis.


• Frequently lift, carry, or otherwise move and position objects weighing up to several hundred pounds using appropriate tools.


• Occasionally climb stairs and ladders.


• Work in seasonal temperatures, including cold, cool, hot, and rain.

Topiarius is a non-union shop. Our final candidates may be required to undergo a background check. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, or other status protected by applicable law. Nothing in this job description restricts the supervisor’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Summary

What You’ll Do

Production Department Oversight

• Leading the production team, including regular performance reviews and staff training


• Ensure safety policies and operational procedures are followed


• Ensure production operations run efficiently by monitoring daily production workflows and material preparation

Facilities & Production Yard Oversight

• Ensure the production yard and facilities remain organized and operational.


• Oversee the organization and cleanliness of the landscape yard and facilities


• Monitor layout and organization of landscape yard areas


• Ensure proper storage of materials, tools, and equipment


• Support delivery coordination and material movement


• Maintain operational readiness of facilities and equipment

Purchasing & Procurement Coordination

• Utilize data and AI to make informed decisions, solve problems, and streamline operations


• Coordinate the purchasing of materials required for installations and seasonal programs


• Review upcoming jobs and identifying material needs


• Plan material purchases based on project schedules and budgets


• Coordinate orders with vendors and suppliers


• Monitor delivery schedules and material availability


• Maintain positive vendor relationships through consistent communication


• Identify substitute materials when needed


• Coordinate seasonal pre-orders with vendors

Inventory & Material Management

• Support accurate tracking and responsible management of materials.


• Monitor inventory practices and counts


• Review material loss or spoilage


• Coordinate material receiving and quality checks


• Ensure plant materials receive proper care


• Ensure materials are organized, stored, and ready for crews


• Support seasonal inventory planning and disposition