Position SummaryThe Director of Multi-Family Horticulture leads landscape and horticulture performance across Southern Land Company's national multifamily portfolio of 15 communities. All landscape work in this portfolio is performed by subcontractors, and this role is responsible for managing those vendors to SLC's standard at every property, every day. Working with the Senior Vice President of Horticulture, the Director shapes how SLC sources and structures landscape services going forward to get the best quality and value in each market.
The Director partners closely with the Director of Seasonal Landscape Design to make sure seasonal displays look perfect at all times, delivering the wow factor and moments of joy that define the SLC resident experience. This role calls for strong urban horticulture expertise and the ability to solve difficult growing conditions quickly, from heavily trafficked streetscapes to low-light courtyards, wind tunnels between buildings, and reflected heat from glass towers.
The portfolio includes communities in White Plains, NY (1); Long Island, NY (2); Philadelphia, PA (3); Nashville, TN (2); Charleston, SC (1); Denver, CO (1); Las Vegas, NV (3); Fort Worth, TX (1); and Houston, TX (1, under construction). Travel of up to 50% is expected in the first year. The salary range for this position is $120,000 to $140,000, depending on experience.
Essential Functions- Manage all landscape maintenance subcontractors across the multifamily portfolio, holding each vendor accountable to SLC scopes, schedules, and quality standards.
- Partner with the Senior Vice President of Horticulture to evaluate current vendors and service models in each market and determine how SLC gets the best services moving forward, including rebids, contract structure, and vendor selection.
- Write and maintain clear landscape scopes of work; review bids, negotiate contracts, approve change orders, and verify invoices against completed work.
- Conduct regular property inspections using SLC's standardized inspection punch lists; document findings, assign corrective actions, and follow through until resolved.
- Partner with the Director of Seasonal Landscape Design to ensure seasonal displays are installed on time, maintained to standard, and look perfect between rotations.
- Diagnose and quickly resolve urban landscape challenges, including heavy foot traffic, compacted soils, low-light courtyards, high winds, reflected heat and glare from glass buildings, rooftop and container plantings, and limited soil volume.
- Oversee irrigation performance and water management with vendors, adjusting for local climates and restrictions in markets such as Las Vegas, Denver, and Texas.
- Coordinate the landscape transition for new communities, including Houston, from construction through handoff to ongoing maintenance.
- Work with property management, community managers, and asset management to align landscape priorities, budgets, and resident experience.
- Manage multifamily horticulture budgets with the Senior Vice President of Horticulture; track spend against budget and identify cost-saving opportunities that do not compromise standards.
- Coordinate with SLC Marketing ahead of photo shoots, events, and VIP visits so properties present at their best.
- Directly manage, train, and develop the Eastern and Western horticulture coordinators, setting clear expectations and holding them accountable to SLC standards.
- Communicate proactively with the Senior Vice President of Horticulture regarding property conditions, vendor performance, budgets, and any issues requiring escalation.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities- Strong knowledge of urban landscape management and the plant material, soils, and techniques that perform in challenging city conditions.
- Ability to diagnose plant health and site problems quickly and develop practical solutions on the spot.
- Proven experience managing landscape subcontractors, including scopes, contracts, inspections, and performance accountability.
- Working knowledge of plant palettes and growing conditions across multiple U.S. climates, from the Northeast to the desert Southwest.
- Strong eye for detail and appreciation for high-end seasonal color and container design.
- Understanding of irrigation systems and water management practices, including smart controllers and moisture monitoring.
- Budget management skills; ability to read contracts, review invoices, and track costs accurately.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to work effectively with property teams, vendors, and senior leadership.
- Ability to work independently, prioritize competing demands, and manage time effectively across a large, geographically spread portfolio.
- High standards for urgency, follow-through, and attention to detail.
Supervisory Responsibilities- Horticulture Coordinator, Western States (Texas-based)
- Horticulture Coordinator, Eastern States (New York-based)
Required Education and Experience- Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, or related field, or equivalent experience
- 8+ years of experience in commercial landscape management, including significant work in urban environments
- Demonstrated experience managing landscape subcontractors across multiple properties
- Experience at high-end multifamily, commercial, hospitality, or luxury residential properties
- Valid driver's license; ability to travel up to 50% in the first year
Preferred Education and Experience- Experience with holiday decor programs
- Experience managing properties in multiple markets or regions
- Rooftop, podium, or container garden experience
- Pesticide applicator license, ISA Certified Arborist, or Irrigation Association certification
Southern Land Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and we seek to create an inclusive work place that embraces diverse backgrounds, life experiences and perspectives. Southern Land Company offers a competitive benefits package, including 401k and paid time off. Southern Land Company is a Drug Free Workplace. For more information, please visit our website at www.southernland.com.
The above information is only an illustration of the general nature and level of work performed by the employee within this classification. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the Company and employee and is subject to change by the Company as the needs of the Company and requirements of the job change.
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