Job Description
The Account Manager (AM) serves as the primary point of contact between Bland Landscaping Co. and its commercial grounds management clients. This role is responsible for maintaining strong client relationships, ensuring high-quality service delivery, driving enhancement and new business sales, and coordinating effectively with production teams to meet client expectations. The ideal candidate is a relationship-focused professional who enjoys working with people, excels at communication, and has experience in customer service, account management, sales, property management, landscaping, golf course management, or a related field.
Successful Account Managers are proactive, organized, and capable of building long-term client partnerships while identifying opportunities to improve and enhance the properties they manage. The primary goals of this position are customer retention, service excellence, enhancement sales growth, and support of new business development.
Essential Responsibilities
Client Relationship Management & Customer Service
- Serve as the primary field contact for assigned clients and maintain strong, professional relationships.
- Act as a trusted advisor by understanding client needs; providing recommendations that improve the appearance, health, and value of their properties.
- Foster long-term client relationships through consistent, proactive communication.
- Maintain excellent on-site relationships with clients, contractors, and subcontractors.
- Conduct regular site visits, walks, and documented property audits to ensure services meet or exceed contract specifications and company standards.
- Proactively identify and resolve client concerns before they escalate.
- Present service recommendations, project updates, and property improvement opportunities in a professional and customer-focused manner.
- Adapt communication style to effectively work with a variety of client types, including HOA boards, property managers, commercial asset managers, and other stakeholders.
- Maintain a high level of customer satisfaction and retention across assigned accounts.
Sales & Business Development
- Identify opportunities for landscape enhancements and property improvements, including seasonal color, drainage solutions, irrigation improvements, turf renovations, plant replacements, and other ancillary services.
- Meet monthly and annual enhancement sales goals.
- Generate accurate and timely enhancement proposals using the BOSS quoting system.
- Meet with clients to discuss improvement opportunities and gather information necessary to develop estimates and proposals.
- Educate clients on the long-term value and benefits of landscape enhancements and proper property stewardship.
- Work closely with estimating, design, and other departments to develop and present solutions for enhancement projects.
- Support new commercial grounds management sales opportunities by gathering site information and assisting with proposal development.
- Stay informed of potential sales opportunities and industry trends that may benefit clients and the company.
Operations & Production Coordination
- Communicate client expectations clearly to production teams to ensure efficient and high-quality service delivery.
- Translate client requests and property needs into actionable work plans for production managers.
- Collaborate with Branch Managers, Account Managers, Production Managers, and Crew Leaders, to maintain consistent service quality.
- Assist in developing work schedules and coordinating seasonal service needs.
- Work closely with field personnel and management teams to ensure projects are completed correctly and on schedule.
- Maintain regular communication with operational staff regarding client concerns, quality issues, and service priorities.
- Safely operate company-owned vehicles and equipment in accordance with company policies.
- Assist with snow removal operations and emergency weather response activities during winter months.
- Promote teamwork and cooperation across all departments.
Horticultural Knowledge & Property Stewardship
- Maintain a strong understanding of commercial landscape maintenance practices.
- Stay informed of new horticultural practices, industry trends, technologies, and regulatory requirements.
- Develop and maintain knowledge related to plant health care, irrigation, pest management, turf care, and landscape sustainability.
- Educate clients on sound horticultural practices and landscape management recommendations.
- Communicate horticultural needs and recommendations effectively to production teams.
- Promote practices that support the long-term health, safety, appearance, and sustainability of client properties.
Safety & Compliance
- Follow all company policies, procedures, and safety requirements.
- Practice safe handling and application of chemicals, equipment, and materials.
- Wear company-provided uniforms and required personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Maintain a safe working environment for employees, clients, and the public.
- Safely operate company vehicles and maintain an acceptable driving record.
Required Skills
Qualifications
Skills & Competencies
- Strong customer service and relationship-building skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of customer personalities and stakeholder groups.
- Strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution abilities.
- Ability to motivate others and work collaboratively across departments.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently in a field-based environment.
- Proficiency with technology, customer management systems, and proposal software.
- Sales aptitude with the ability to identify and close enhancement opportunities.
Certifications & Licensing
Required
- Valid North Carolina Driver's License and acceptable driving record.
Required Within First Year of Employment
- North Carolina Pesticide Applicator License.
- Certified Landscape Technician (CLT) Certification.
- Completion of Bland Landscaping internal Foreman and Management training modules.
Education & Experience
Required
- Associate degree (2-year college degree) and a minimum of two (2) years of experience in customer service, account management, sales, landscaping, property management, or a related field; OR
- An equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
Preferred
- Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, Landscape Architecture, Business, or a related field.
- Experience managing customer relationships in a service-based industry.
- Experience in landscape maintenance, commercial property management, or outside sales.
Physical & Environmental Requirements
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Ability to walk properties and navigate uneven terrain.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds on a routine basis.
- Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, and perform physical tasks as required.
- Ability to work around environmental conditions including pollen, bees, poison ivy, thorns, and other common landscape-related risks.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Bland Landscaping Company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local laws.
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.
Required Experience