Position Summary
The Landscape Designer & Residential Sales role at Grunder Landscaping Co. leads the design process for high-end residential projects while maintaining a strong focus on client communication, collaboration, and project success. This individual plays a central role in developing creative, high-quality landscape designs and works closely with the Sales Development Representative to prepare thoughtful proposals and ensure each project aligns with the client’s vision.
In addition to overseeing the design process, the Senior Designer mentors and develops other team members, supports account management efforts, and conducts site visits as needed to support successful project execution.
This is a full-time, exempt position with a competitive base salary, plus performance-based bonus and commission opportunities tied to revenue booked and closed projects. Compensation is commensurate with experience and results. Reporting to the Director of Sales Operations, this role may eventually oversee other team members and help lead the continued development of the landscape construction sales department.
Knowledge, Skills* and* Abilities
Required:
- Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Architecture, Landscape Design, or equivalent industry experience.
- Minimum of 5 years of residential landscape design experience, including high-end custom projects.
- Advanced knowledge of regional plant material and hardscape design best practices.
- Understanding of horticultural practices related to plant materials and basic understanding of low voltage lighting, water features, and irrigation systems
- Ability to read and understand blueprints
- Experience using CAD-based design programs (Dynascape, AutoCAD, SketchUp) and Microsoft Office.
- Ability and willingness to learn proprietary software and other programs as needed
- Prior involvement with mentoring or developing other team members.
- Ability to manage multiple clients and timelines
- Skilled at following up with prospects and moving them through the sales pipeline
- Problem solving skills, creativity, and an eye for detail related to landscaping
- Strong organizational and time-management skills
- Experience collaborating with sales and operations in a design-build environment
- Excellent organizational, planning, follow-up, and time management skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
- Comfort working independently and collaboratively.
- Valid Ohio driver’s license.
- Ability and willingness to work evening and weekend hours, including overtime when needed
Preferred:
- Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture, Landscape Design, or related field
- Previous leadership or mentorship experience in a design team
- Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus
- Sales Experience is a plus
- Leadership experience in a design or client-facing role.
- Ohio Certified Nursery Technician – Master Technician or Landscape Industry Certified Horticultural Technician is a strong plus
Licenses and Certifications
- Valid Ohio driver’s license that is not currently suspended or revoked (driving record must meet the insurance carrier’s policy requirements and Grunder Landscaping Co. driving standard
Position Duties and Functions
- Lead all phases of residential landscape design including concept development, site analysis, detailed design, and construction documentation.
- Ensure all designs meet functional, aesthetic, and budget requirements and align with GLC quality standards.
- Provide high-level input on project scope and creative direction from initial client meeting through project handoff.
- Serve as the main point of contact throughout the design process.
- Maintain timely and proactive communication with clients and team members; ensure clarity, transparency, and responsiveness at every step.
- Ensure timely delivery of proposals and design materials
- Prepare client invoices and deliver them to clients on a timely basis; collect receivables in a timely fashion according to contractual demands.
- Maintain relationships with past clients and assist with enhancement sales, referrals, and future project opportunities
- Follow up on completed projects to assess client satisfaction and uncover potential improvement areas
- Participate in site visits as needed to ensure design accuracy and support a smooth transition to production.
- Coordinate design and installations with Director of Production Operations.
- Participate in meetings to review design intent, feasibility, and timelines.
- Support development of visually compelling and informative client presentations.
- Share knowledge of design tools, best practices, and plant and material selection.
- Stay current on industry trends, tools, and local horticultural practices.
- Seek feedback from peers and leadership to strengthen personal performance.
- Identify opportunities to improve processes, design standards, or client experience.
- Track sales metrics and personal performance against goals
- Keep the Director of Sales Operations informed of progress, opportunities, and challenges
- Proactively identify and pursue new high-end residential leads through local outreach, referrals, and networking in affluent communities.
- Guide clients through the sales cycle from discovery to signed agreement with professionalism and clarity.
- Use CRM software (Aspire) to track leads, log interactions, and maintain organized records of all opportunities.
- Maintain consistent follow-up with warm leads and past clients to generate referrals and additional business.
- Monitor local market trends, new home developments, and community transitions to uncover new opportunities.
- Participate in community events and represent the company at networking and public relations functions to ensure constant vibrant visibility in the market.
- Stay abreast of industry trends, design techniques, technical data, new products, competitive challenges, and other relevant issues. Proactively anticipate, plan for, craft solutions to, and respond effectively to market and client demands.
- Perform all other duties as assigned
- Working Conditions*
Requires constant contact with candidates, coworkers, and the public. Work is normally performed in air-conditioned/heated facility. Majority of work is performed at a desk. May require visits to outdoor job sites periodically.
This is a full-time position, with the majority of work taking place Monday through Friday. However, due to the nature of the role, candidates should expect to often work outside of typical office hours. This includes evenings, early mornings, and occasional weekends to attend networking events, client meetings, and other business development opportunities essential to growing and maintaining strong relationships. Flexibility and a willingness to be present where opportunities arise are key to success in this role.
Special Equipment
Must possess working knowledge of office machines and equipment including, but not limited to: desktop computer and all related software, printers, multi-line phone systems, copier, scanner, and other general office equipment.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $55,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
