Account Manager

Title: Account Manager

Department: Commercial Grounds Management

Location: Durham NC

Role Overview

The Account Manager (AM) serves as the primary bridge between Bland Landscaping

(Company) and our most valued assets: our clients. You are not just a point of contact; you are a

Trusted Advisor and Asset Steward. Your mission is twofold: (1) ensuring the flawless

execution of existing maintenance contracts through proactive site management and (2) driving

strategic growth by identifying and selling property enhancements that increase the value and

beauty of our clients’ landscapes.

The ideal AM is a disciplined self-starter who thrives on the autonomy of the field. You must

possess the "High EQ" necessary to navigate various client personalities—from volunteer HOA

boards to sophisticated commercial asset managers—ensuring that Bland Landscaping remains

their first and only choice for grounds management.

Core Responsibilities

Client Relationship Management & Retention

• Strategic Partnership: Act as the lead consultant for a dedicated book of business,

fostering long-term relationships through consistent, "high-touch" communication.

• Site Audits & Quality Assurance: Perform regular, documented site walks and

audits to ensure maintenance standards meet (and exceed) contract specifications.

• Adaptive Communication: Tailor communication styles to match client personas—

providing formal presentations for HOA boards, succinct ROI-focused reports for

commercial PMs, and deep technical data for high-touch buyers.

• Conflict Resolution: Proactively identify and resolve client concerns before they

escalate, maintaining a high retention rate across the portfolio.

Strategic Sales & Portfolio Growth

• Enhancement Identification: Proactively identify opportunities for site

improvements (e.g., drainage solutions, seasonal color, turf renovation, or plant

transitions).

• Proposal Development: Utilize the BOSS quoting system to generate

professional, accurate, and timely proposals for enhancements, aquatics, and

ancillary services.

• Consultative Selling: Meet monthly and annual sales goals by educating clients on

the long-term benefits of property upgrades and landscape stewardship.

• Collaboration: Work closely with the design and estimating teams to bring complex,

high-value enhancement projects from concept to contract.

Production Liaison & Operations

• Operational Clarity: Translate client expectations into clear, actionable work orders

for Production Staff and Crew Leaders to ensure "right-the-first-time" execution.

• Cross-Functional Teamwork: Coordinate with Branch Managers and production

teams on scheduling, seasonal labor needs, and specialized service windows.

• Safety & Stewardship: Maintain a safe working environment by adhering to all

company safety protocols and ensuring company vehicles and equipment are

handled professionally.

• Winter Operations: Lead and support snow removal and emergency weather

response efforts during winter months.

Horticultural Stewardship & Technical Expertise

• Subject Matter Expertise: Maintain, or obtain if not already held, a high level of

knowledge regarding local horticultural practices, pest management, and irrigation

efficiency.

• Educational Leadership: Educate clients on proper horticultural standards,

advocating for practices that ensure the long-term health and sustainability of their

landscape.

• Industry Compliance: Stay current on green industry trends, emerging

technologies, and local regulatory changes

Professional Requirements & Certifications

Education & Experience

• Minimum: 2-year college degree with 2+ years of experience in retail, customer

service, outside sales, landscaping, property management, or a related field; OR an

equivalent combination of education and field experience.

• Preferred: 4-year degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, Landscape Architecture, or

Business.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and navigate diverse terrain during

site walks.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds on a routine basis and perform physical tasks (bending,

stooping) as required for site inspections.

• Comfortable working in environments with common allergens and environmental

risks (pollen, bees, thorns, etc.).

Licensing & Technical Advancement

• Driver’s License: Must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License issued from

the State where Company conducts business with a clean driving record.

• Required Path to Mastery: If not already held, the candidate must be willing and

able to obtain the following within the first year of employment:

o Pesticide Applicator’s License issued from the State where Company

conducts business

o Certified Landscape Technician (CLT) Certification

o Completion of Bland Internal Foreman/Management Modules

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Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being

performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an

exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All

personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.