At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage high-end landscaping projects, ensuring quality and client satisfaction.
- Company: CGLA is a luxury landscape design firm known for bespoke outdoor spaces.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, career progression, and the chance to work with top designers.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team creating beautiful landscapes while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in landscaping or construction management, strong communication, and organisational skills required.
- Other info: This role involves travel to various project sites across Buckinghamshire.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 46000 £ per year.
Operations Manager - External Landscaping Projects
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Location: Penn, Buckinghamshire (with travel to sites)
Type: Full-time
Level: Senior Management
Salary: £40-£55k depending on experience
About CGLA
CGLA is a high-end landscape design firm delivering exceptional, bespoke outdoor spaces. Our work spans luxury domestic projects, blending design excellence, horticultural expertise, and operational rigour. We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to join our senior team and support our ambitious growth.
Role Overview
This senior role leads the delivery of external landscaping projects executed by third-party contractors, ensuring work meets CGLA’s high standards for quality, service, and profitability. You’ll manage contractor relationships, site operations, client liaison, and budgets, while contributing to broader commercial and operational strategy alongside the COO and leadership team.
As primary client contact during construction, you’ll identify opportunities to add value, enhance briefs, and build long-term client relationships. The role suits a proactive, commercially minded professional who balances operational detail with strategic thinking.
Key Responsibilities
- Project Delivery & Contractor Management
- Manage project schedules, materials, and subcontractor coordination.
- Source and secure competitive contractor quotes.
- Oversee on-site contractor activity, ensuring standards and timelines are met.
- Manage RFIs and resolve site issues promptly.
- Act as main client contact during construction.
- Build strong client relationships throughout delivery.
- Identify upselling opportunities in collaboration with design and operations teams.
- Support budget preparation, cashflows, procurement, and cost reporting.
- Ensure on-time, on-budget project completion.
- Oversee post-completion processes including snagging and defect management.
- Build and maintain a trusted contractor network.
- Monitor performance, availability, and costs.
- Shape operational improvements across staffing, resources, and procurement.
- Support recruitment and development of operational staff.
- Help leverage in-house design capability to maximise deal flow.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience in landscaping operations or construction management, ideally within high-end domestic projects.
- Strong commercial and budget management skills.
- Excellent communication and client-facing abilities.
- Highly organised, calm under pressure, and solution-oriented.
- Passion for delivering high-quality landscapes and working collaboratively.
Why Join CGLA?
- Join a senior team driving the growth of a design-led landscape business.
- Collaborate with leading designers and landscapers.
- Enjoy variety, autonomy, and visible career progression.
- Deliver beautiful, innovative, lasting projects.
Next Steps
If you’re excited by this opportunity, please submit your CV and a short covering note.
Landscaping/Construction Project Manager employer: CGLA
Contact Detail:
CGLA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Landscaping/Construction Project Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the landscaping and construction industry. Attend relevant events, trade shows, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues and clients. Building relationships can lead to valuable insights and job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Research CGLA's recent projects and their approach to landscaping. Understanding their design philosophy and operational standards will help you tailor your conversations during interviews, showcasing your alignment with their values.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed projects in the past. Highlight your experience with contractor management, client relations, and budget oversight to demonstrate your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on industry trends and best practices in landscaping and construction management. Being knowledgeable about the latest techniques and technologies will position you as a forward-thinking candidate who can contribute to CGLA's growth.
We think you need these skills to ace Landscaping/Construction Project Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in landscaping operations or construction management. Focus on high-end domestic projects and showcase your commercial and budget management skills.
Craft a Compelling Covering Note: In your covering note, express your passion for delivering high-quality landscapes. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed projects and built client relationships in the past.
Highlight Key Skills: Emphasise your excellent communication and client-facing abilities. Mention your organisational skills and how you remain calm under pressure, as these are crucial for the role.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: Demonstrate your ability to balance operational detail with strategic thinking. Provide examples of how you've contributed to broader commercial and operational strategies in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at CGLA
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in managing landscaping or construction projects. Highlight specific examples where you successfully coordinated schedules, materials, and subcontractors, ensuring that projects were completed on time and within budget.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Abilities
As the primary client contact, effective communication is key. Practice articulating how you've built strong relationships with clients in the past, and be ready to share strategies for resolving conflicts or issues that may arise during a project.
✨Emphasise Your Commercial Acumen
CGLA values candidates who can manage budgets and financials effectively. Prepare to discuss your experience with budget preparation, cash flows, and cost reporting, and provide examples of how you've maximised profitability in previous roles.
✨Highlight Your Problem-Solving Skills
The role requires a solution-oriented mindset. Think of instances where you've faced challenges on-site and how you resolved them. Be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes of your decisions.