Seasonal Color Program Lead

Title:

Seasonal Color Program Lead

Operations Manager

Hourly, Full-Time, Non-Exempt

$25.44 –$28.37 (Based on Experience)

Hawthorn Woods, IL

Apex Landscaping, founded in 1991, has grown from a single summer route into one of Chicagoland’s leading full-service landscaping companies, serving areas from Kenosha, WI to Bolingbrook, IL and west to Elgin. Headquartered in Hawthorn Woods, Apex operates over 200 team members and 40 crews daily in the summer, while also providing full-service snow and ice management in winter. With decades of steady expansion, Apex offers residential, commercial, and multi-family clients comprehensive landscaping, construction projects exceeding $10,000, and year-round maintenance services, backed by the resources and stability of a company built for continual growth.

The
Seasonal Color Program Lead
is responsible for leading, developing, and expanding Apex Landscaping’s seasonal color and annual planting programs. This role oversees the full lifecycle of seasonal displays—including design, plant sourcing, installation, maintenance, and quality control—across a diverse portfolio of high-end residential and commercial properties. The manager combines horticultural expertise, strong design sensibility, and operational leadership to deliver premium seasonal displays that elevate client properties and strengthen long‑term relationships.

• Manage all seasonal color programs including spring, summer, fall, and holiday installations.
• Oversee annual bed rotations, container programs, and seasonal décor installations.
• Plan, schedule, and execute seasonal change-outs across residential and commercial accounts.
• Ensure all installations meet Apex quality standards and design intent.
• Develop seasonal color palettes, planting plans, and container designs.
• Source high-quality plant material from growers and nurseries, ensuring availability and performance.
• Select plant varieties based on site conditions, aesthetics, and long-term success.
• Lead, train, and mentor seasonal color crews and horticultural staff.
• Set daily schedules, production goals, and ensure safe, efficient job-site operations.
• Serve as the subject-matter expert for seasonal color in support of sales teams and client presentations.
• Conduct site walks with clients, property managers, and internal teams to review program needs.
• Identify opportunities for program upgrades, enhancements, and service expansion.
• Manage seasonal color budgets, labor planning, and material costs.
• Track production efficiency, profitability, and maintain accurate program documentation.
• Conduct regular site inspections to ensure proper installation, plant health, and maintenance practices.
• Implement best practices for irrigation coordination, fertilization, and pest management.
• Support sales proposals and collaborate with design and maintenance leadership.
• Maintain strong client communication, addressing concerns and ensuring satisfaction.
• Utilizes company leads to expand current customer base and follows up all leads promptly.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Competitive Compensation
• Insurance:
  Medical, Dental, & Vision
• 401K Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Professional Development Opportunities

• Strong horticultural knowledge, including annuals, perennials, and container design
• Proven ability in landscape design software (like AutoCAD, Sketch Up) and plant selection.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong design sensibility and understanding of plant combinations
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail
• Ability to lead teams and manage field operations
• Strong client-facing skills and professional presence
• Ab…