Color Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Title: Seasonal Color Program Lead

Reports to: Operations Manager

Job Type: Hourly, Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Hourly Rate: $25.44 - $28.37 (Based on Experience)

Location: 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.

Job Summary: 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.

Duties/Responsibilities

• 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.

What we offer:

• Competitive Compensation

• Insurance: Medical, Dental, & Vision

• 401K Retirement Plan

• Paid Time Off

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Professional Development Opportunities

Core Competencies

• Strong horticultural knowledge, including annuals, perennials, and container design

• Proven ability in landscape design software (like AutoCAD, SketchUp) 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

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

• Strong time-management and multitasking abilities

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in horticulture, fine gardening, or landscape maintenance.

• Experience managing crews and field operations required.

• Proven ability to manage schedules, budgets, and production goals

• Strong plant identification and horticultural knowledge required.

• Proven account management experience in the landscaping industry is a plus.

• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record

• Industry certifications (MCLP, CPH, horticulture degree, etc.) a plus.

• Must be able to communicate in English, including read and write. (Bilingual Spanish preferred).

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to walk job sites, bend, kneel, and perform site inspections

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as needed

• Exposure to outdoor weather conditions and active job-site environments

Work Environment: This role involves a combination of office work, field supervision, client meetings, and on-site property visits. Seasonal Color Program Managers work closely with field teams, sales staff, and maintenance leadership, and may be exposed to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and active job sites. Some meetings or installations may occur outside standard business hours during peak seasonal periods.

Schedule: Seasonal Color Program Managers are expected to maintain regular office hours as established by management. Seasonal workload may require adjusted hours during peak planting periods.