Landscaping, Horticulture and Sports Field Manager (Rivonia or Cape Town) Permanent

1. Landscaping, Horticulture and Sports Field Strategy  

• Develop and maintain national standards, specifications and maintenance programs for:
• School landscaping and gardens.
• Sports fields (rugby, soccer, hockey, cricket, athletics).
• Artificial turf and specialist surfaces.
• Irrigation systems and water-wise landscaping.
• Ensure consistency and best practice across the portfolio.
• Provide technical guidance and support to schools.
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation.

2. Contractor and Service Provider Management 

• Manage national landscaping and sports field service providers:
• Develop and maintain scopes, SLAs and specifications.
• Assist with tender processes and contractor selection.
• Monitor contractor performance and compliance.
• Conduct site visits and performance audits.
• Resolve performance issues and implement corrective actions.

3. School Support

• Assist with staffing structures and work planning.
• Provide guidance on equipment and materials.
• Support fertilization, irrigation and seasonal programs.
• Assist with troubleshooting and problem solving.

4. Budgeting and Reporting

• Assist with:
  • Budget planning and benchmarking.
  • Equipment standardisation.
  • Cost optimisation initiatives.
  • Technical input into CAPEX planning for fields and landscaping.
• Prepare and maintain:
  • Performance and compliance reports.
  • Site audit findings and action plans.
  • Risk registers and maintenance plans.

Minimum

• Matric.
• Tertiary qualification in a relevant field.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel nationally.
• 10 years’ experience in landscaping, horticulture, sports turf or grounds management.

Advantageous

• Experience managing multiple sites or portfolios.
• Experience managing outsourced service providers.
• Experience in sports field maintenance (natural and/or artificial turf).
• Experience in irrigation systems, fertilization programs and horticultural planning.
• Experience in budgeting, procurement and contract management.