Landscape Operations Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Position: Landscaping Construction Supervisor

Reports to: Operations Manager

Job Type: Salary, Full-Time, Exempt

Salary: $70,000 - $75,370 (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 Landscaping Construction Supervisor oversees daily field operations for hardscape and construction crews, ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently, and to Apex quality standards. This role manages crew scheduling, workflow, equipment, and on-site problem solving while maintaining strong communication with operations leadership, clients, and internal teams. The supervisor plays a key role in training staff, maintaining productivity, and supporting continuous improvement across construction operations.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Supervise daily operations of hardscape and construction crews, ensuring productivity, safety, and adherence to project specifications.

• Manage and schedule crews according to project requirements, deadlines, and resource availability.

• Oversee installation of hardscape features including patios, walkways, pavers, retaining walls, and other outdoor enhancements.

• Direct and support crews performing tree planting, irrigation work, and general landscape construction tasks.

• Recruit, interview, hire, and train new hourly field staff.

• Train team members on proper safety procedures, equipment operation, and efficient work practices.

• Ensure that all projects are completed on schedule.

• Address disciplinary issues and terminations in accordance with company policy.

• Identify, investigate, and resolve delays or issues affecting project timelines.

• Communicate schedule changes, delays, and project updates to the Operations Manager, production planning, and other stakeholders.

• Coordinate equipment maintenance, repairs, and safe operation of machinery such as skid steers, chippers, and Dingos.

• Collaborate with leadership to identify operational inefficiencies and opportunities for cost reduction.

• Meet with designers, project managers, and foremen to review project details and clarify installation requirements.

• Participate in on-site walkthroughs to ensure crews understand layout, materials, and special considerations.

• Maintain strong communication with clients when needed to support project execution and resolve concerns.

• Manage snow crews and support winter operations during snow and ice events.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Core Competencies:

• Strong leadership and team-management skills

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail

• Effective time management with the ability to meet deadlines

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

• Thorough understanding of construction and landscape operations

• Ability to communicate clearly with crews, clients, and internal teams

• Professionalism, reliability, and a commitment to quality workmanship

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s Degree in Project Management preferred.

• Strong plant identification knowledge required.

• Minimum 5 years of experience in landscape construction or hardscape installation required.

• Previous leadership or supervisory experience required.

• Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record; Class A CDL preferred.

• Strong computer skills, including the ability to learn scheduling, reporting, and internal software systems.

• Ability to operate construction equipment (skid steers, chippers, Dingos, etc.)

• Bilingual English/Spanish (read, write, speak) required.

• Knowledge of hardscapes, masonry, grading, planting, lighting, and fencing preferred.

• Ability to read, interpret, and lay out engineering and landscape plans required.

• General knowledge of village codes and permitting preferred.

• Ability to read, interpret, and layout engineering, and landscape plans

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to walk job sites, traverse uneven terrain, and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

• Prolonged periods of driving to and from job sites

• Periods of time sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

• Ability to bend, kneel, and perform physical tasks related to construction oversight.

Work Environment: This role is primarily field-based, overseeing active construction sites and working closely with crews throughout the day. Supervisors may be exposed to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and heavy equipment. Occasional office time is required for scheduling, reporting, and coordination with management. Snow operations may require work outside standard business hours during winter events.

Schedule: Construction Supervisors maintain standard operating hours as set by management, typically working from 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to align with crew start times and project demands. Hours may vary based on workload, seasonal requirements, and snow events during winter.

What we offer:

• Competitive Compensation

• Insurance: Medical, Dental, & Vision

• 401K Retirement Plan

• Paid Time Off

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Professional Development Opportunities

APEX LANDSCAPING IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER