Retail Landscape Manager

NewQuest; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

NewQuest is seeking a Retail Landscape Manager to provide strategic leadership for agronomic, irrigation, and grounds maintenance programs across multiple properties. You will lead field operations, develop best practices, and ensure exceptional site conditions aligned with stakeholder expectations.

The role requires extensive travel to properties and project sites to train teams, assess conditions, and ensure consistent standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive agronomy/landscape operations experience.
• 5+ years leadership experience managing multi-site operations.
• Strong knowledge of irrigation systems, turfgrass management, soils, fertilizers, pesticides, and landscape maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive agronomic programs for turfgrass and landscape assets (incl. irrigation).
• Establish performance standards and maintenance practices to deliver outstanding property conditions.
• Oversee fertilization, pesticide, and IPM programs and monitor soil health and water quality.
• Direct irrigation management strategies focused on conservation and system efficiency.
• Provide oversight of daily landscape, turf, and grounds maintenance operations and metrics.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Turfgrass Management, Horticulture, Plant Science, Landscape Management, or a related field

Job description

The Retail Landscape Manager is responsible for providing strategic leadership, technical expertise, and operational oversight for all agronomic, landscape, irrigation, and grounds maintenance programs. This role directs the planning, execution, and continuous improvement of turfgrass management, irrigation systems, landscape quality standards, environmental stewardship initiatives, and capital improvement projects.

The Retail Landscape Manager leads field operations teams, establishes agronomic best practices, manages budgets and vendor relationships, and ensures exceptional property conditions that support customer, member, tenant, and stakeholder expectations. The position requires extensive travel to properties and project sites to evaluate conditions, train teams, and ensure consistency of standards across the portfolio.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Agronomic Leadership:

• Develop and implement comprehensive agronomic programs for turfgrass, ornamental plantings, irrigation systems, and landscape assets.
• Establish performance standards and maintenance practices that deliver exceptional property conditions and curb appeal.
• Oversee fertilization, pesticide, herbicide, and integrated pest management programs.
• Monitor soil health, turf performance, water quality, and environmental conditions to optimize long-term landscape health.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations regarding chemical applications and environmental practices.

Irrigation and Water Management:

• Direct irrigation management strategies focused on water conservation, system efficiency, and sustainable practices.
• Evaluate irrigation infrastructure and develop capital improvement recommendations.
• Monitor water use, system performance, reporting, and preventative maintenance programs.
• Utilize technology and analytics to improve irrigation efficiency and reduce operating costs.

Operational Excellence:

• Provide oversight of daily landscape, turf, and grounds maintenance operations.
• Develop quality control programs, inspection processes, and performance metrics.
• Conduct routine site assessments and property audits to ensure consistency across all locations.
• Identify operational efficiencies and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Oversee equipment maintenance programs to maximize performance and asset longevity.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Recruit, train, mentor, and develop agronomy, irrigation, and landscape professionals.
• Foster a culture of accountability, safety, professionalism, and continuous learning.
• Conduct performance evaluations and establish development plans for team members.
• Lead technical training programs focused on agronomic practices, irrigation systems, equipment operation, and safety standards.
• Provide leadership support to the property management team, vendors, superintendents, and field personnel.

Budgeting and Financial Management:

• Develop and manage annual operating and capital budgets.
• Monitor labor, materials, equipment, and contractor expenses.
• Evaluate expenditures and identify opportunities for cost savings without sacrificing quality.

• Own the full lifecycle of budgeted monthly/capital projects, from forecasting and budget development through implementation, project closeout, and performance evaluation

Vendor and Contractor Management:

• Establish and manage relationships with landscape contractors, irrigation vendors, agronomy suppliers, and consultants.
• Review proposals, negotiate service agreements, and monitor contractor performance.
• Ensure work quality, contract compliance, and adherence to company standards.
• Oversee procurement of equipment, supplies, and specialized services.

Safety and Compliance:

• Promote and enforce all company safety policies and OSHA requirements.
• Lead safety training programs and conduct field audits.
• Maintain required records, application logs, regulatory documentation, and operational reports.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and industry best practices.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Turfgrass Management, Horticulture, Plant Science, Landscape Management, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in agronomy, turfgrass management, landscape operations, golf course management, commercial landscaping, or related disciplines.
• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience managing multi-site operations and field teams.
• Extensive knowledge of irrigation systems, turfgrass management, soils, fertilizers, pesticides, and landscape maintenance practices.
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets, capital projects, and vendor relationships.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel regularly to assigned properties.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS), Certified Landscape Professional (CLP), or similar industry certification.
• Experience with water conservation programs and sustainability initiatives.

Travel Requirement:

This position requires routine travel to properties, project sites, vendor locations, and training events. Overnight travel may be required based on portfolio size and operational needs.

This role will be based in our corporate office in Houston, Texas.

Success Measures:

The successful Retail Landscape Manager will:

• Improve overall property appearance and landscape quality.
• Reduce irrigation and maintenance costs through efficiency initiatives.
• Develop high-performing teams and succession plans.
• Maintain regulatory compliance and safety performance.
• Deliver consistent, measurable standards across all managed properties.
• Support organizational goals through proactive planning, innovation, and operational excellence.