Production Manager

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 that ensures installation crews have the materials they need, understands the needs and care required of construction materials and plant materials (annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees), and is responsible for maintaining a highly organized facility and efficient inventory practices.

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

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

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

Purchasing & Procurement Coordination

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

• Reviewing upcoming jobs and identifying material needs

• Planning material purchases based on project schedules and budgets

• Coordinating orders with vendors and suppliers

• Monitoring delivery schedules and material availability

• Maintaining positive vendor relationships through consistent communication

• Identifying substitute materials when needed

• Coordinating seasonal pre-orders with vendors

Inventory & Material Management

Support accurate tracking and responsible management of materials.

• Monitoring inventory practices and counts

• Reviewing material loss or spoilage

• Coordinating material receiving and quality checks

• Ensuring plant materials receive proper care

• Supporting seasonal inventory planning and disposition

Facilities & Production Yard Oversight

Ensure the production yard and facilities remain organized and operational.

• Monitoring layout and organization of landscape yard areas

• Ensuring proper storage of materials, tools, and equipment

• Supporting delivery coordination and material movement

• Maintaining operational readiness of facilities and equipment

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
• Fulfillment center or customer service management

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.

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.
• 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).

Compensation and Benefits

• Compensation ranges from $75,000 to $85,000, commensurate with experience.
• Benefits include paid time off, professional development opportunities, and a collaborative work environment. Core benefits include medical and dental insurance (PPO/HSA and HMO options), life and disability coverage, and a 401(k) with company contribution.

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.

Other Details

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.