COMPANY OVERVIEW
We are a well-established gardening and landscaping business based in Northern Ireland, specialising in delivering high-quality gardening, grounds maintenance, and landscaping services to both residential and commercial clients.
With a strong reputation for excellence and customer satisfaction, we have built long-term relationships with our clients through our dedication to professionalism and reliability. Our growing team of 15 skilled staff members is committed to maintaining and enhancing outdoor spaces to the highest standards.
Due to significant growth, we are now recruiting a General Manager to drive the business forward.
JOB SUMMARY
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced General Manager to lead our team and drive the strategic
growth of the business. This role requires a proactive leader with a strong background in business operations, financial management, and team leadership, preferably within a service-based industry.
The General Manager will be responsible for overseeing daily operations, ensuring financial sustainability, developing business opportunities, and maintaining high service standards. They will also be a key decision-maker in shaping the company’s direction, fostering a positive workplace culture, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Planning & Business Growth
Develop and execute long-term business strategies to achieve sustainable growth.
Identify opportunities to diversify service offerings in response to market demand.
Monitor industry trends, innovations, and environmental considerations that may impact the business.
Operational Management
Oversee and manage daily business operations to ensure efficient service delivery.
Develop and implement policies and procedures to improve workflow, service quality, and operational efficiency.
Ensure all gardening, landscaping, and maintenance projects are completed on time and to client specifications.
Manage the scheduling of jobs, staff allocation, and resource planning to optimise productivity.
Identify and implement process improvements to streamline operations and enhance customer satisfaction.
Financial Oversight
Manage company budgets, financial forecasts, and expenditure.
Analyse financial reports and key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess business performance.
Identify and implement strategies to increase revenue and control operational costs.
Negotiate contracts with suppliers and vendors to secure cost-effective materials and services.
Ensure all invoicing, payroll, and financial transactions are accurately processed and recorded.
Team Leadership & Human Resources
Lead, manage, and inspire a team of 15 gardening and landscaping professionals.
Handle staff recruitment, onboarding, and training to ensure a skilled and motivated workforce.
Conduct performance evaluations, provide feedback, and address any disciplinary matters professionally.
Foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture that encourages teamwork, accountability, and professional development.
Ensure workforce planning aligns with business growth and seasonal demand fluctuations.
Business Development & Growth
Identify and develop new business opportunities to expand the company’s client base.
Build strong relationships with existing and potential clients to enhance customer retention and referrals.
Lead the development and execution of sales, marketing, and branding strategies.
Collaborate with local councils, property developers, and businesses to secure long-term contracts.
Stay updated on industry trends and competitor activities to maintain a competitive edge.
Client Relations & Customer Service
Act as the primary point of contact for key clients, ensuring their expectations are met or exceeded.
Handle client queries, concerns, and complaints promptly and professionally.
Ensure service delivery standards are consistently maintained across all projects.
Develop client feedback mechanisms to continuously improve service offerings.
Regulatory Compliance & Health & Safety
Ensure all business operations comply with local regulations, employment laws, and industry standards.
Oversee risk assessments and ensure best practices in health and safety are followed across all work sites.
Maintain up-to-date insurance policies, licenses, and compliance documentation.
Conduct regular safety training sessions and audits to ensure a safe working environment for all staff.
NB: The marginal functions of this position have not been included. This job description in no way implies that these are the only duties to be performed. An employee will be required to follow any other job-related duties required by the Directors.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, or a related field. (Essential)
Masters Degree or MBA in a relevant discipline. (Desirable)
Additional certifications in leadership, financial management, or health & safety. (Desirable)
INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
Minimum of 5 years of management experience in a service-based industry. (Essential)
Experience overseeing field-based teams and coordinating mobile service delivery. (Essential)
Experience of industry regulations and market conditions in Northern Ireland is an advantage. (Desirable)
Knowledge of landscaping trends, sustainability practices, and regulatory requirements. (Desirable)
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Strong commercial awareness and ability to identify new revenue opportunities. (Essential)
Experience in developing and implementing business growth strategies. (Essential)
TEAM MANAGEMENT
Proven track record of managing small to medium-sized teams including field and office personnel. (Essential)
Experience in recruitment, staff development, performance management, and conflict resolution. (Essential)
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Demonstrated experience in budgeting, forecasting, and managing a business with an annual turnover exceeding £500,000. (Essential)
Ability to identify cost-saving opportunities and optimise resource allocation. (Essential)
SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT
Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate staff.
Proficiency in strategic planning and achieving business objectives.
Comfortable managing workplace conflicts and implementing solutions.
COMMUNICATION
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to liaise effectively with clients, staff, suppliers, and external stakeholders.
Strong negotiation skills for supplier and client agreements.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Commitment to delivering exceptional customer service and maintaining client satisfaction.
Ability to handle customer inquiries and resolve issues promptly and professionally.
FINANCIAL ACUMEN
Strong understanding of financial statements and key performance indicators (KPIs).
Ability to use financial data to inform strategic business decisions and cost control.
OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE
Experience with scheduling mobile teams, resource allocation, and workflow optimisation.
Ability to manage multiple projects while ensuring efficiency and profitability.
SALES AND MARKETING
Ability to identify market opportunities and develop strategies to increase market share.
Familiarity with digital marketing tools, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, and branding
strategies.
PROBLEM-SOLVING
Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify operational inefficiencies and implement effective solutions.
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Proficiency in business software applications (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, accounting software, and project management tools).
Familiarity with cloud-based working environments for team coordination and data management.
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
INTEGRITY AND PROFESSIONALISM
Demonstrates high ethical standards and professionalism in all aspects of work.
ADAPTABILITY
Flexible and adaptable to changing business needs, seasonal demands, and customer expectations.
INITIATIVE
Proactive approach with the ability to work independently and make informed decisions.
RESILIENCE
Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
PASSION FOR THE INDUSTRY
Genuine interest in gardening, landscaping, and environmental sustainability.
Commitment to staying updated with industry trends and best practices.
LOCAL INSIGHT
Strong understanding of the market dynamics in Northern Ireland, including regional customer expectations
and regulatory considerations.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Valid UK Driving Licence
Willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional early starts, late finishes, and weekend work as required by business demands.
Must have the legal right to work in the UK.
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