Design & Salesperson, Landscaping

Who We Are:

Topiarius is landscape design, build and maintenance company whose mission it is to be Chicago’s #1 luxury brand for outdoor sanctuaries. Since 2003, Topiarius has aspired to redesign the Chicago urban landscape one rooftop and yard at a time. Where there is concrete, we want nature. Where there is empty space, we want stunning restorative beauty. Our work is based on the fundamental believe that nature is an essential sanctuary for humans. You can learn more about Topiarius at topiarius.com.

The Role:

We are looking for an Design & Salesperson who is responsible for a robust portfolio of Fine Gardening/Seasonal Rotation accounts (primarily residential) as well as selling designs for renovation and new build projects in our construction group maintaining a margin of 50%. Responsibilities include designing seasonal rotations and landscape projects; estimating and creating proposals for seasonal rotations, landscape enhancements, and maintenance services; and, building strong relationships with new and existing clients by having a clear understanding and knowledge of each client’s expectations and delivering “awesome†on those expectations. Minimum annual portfolio management will be $1,000,000+. ($500k in Seasonal Rotations and enhancement + $500K + in one time design and build projects.) This position reports to the Executive Vice President of Sales and Design.

What You Will Do:

DESIGN:

• Design unique seasonal rotations (spring, summer, fall, and winter) and landscape enhancements (e.g. new containers, plants, hardscapes, lighting, irrigation, etc.) that meet and exceed our clients’ objectives.
• Perform site analysis, including taking accurate property measurements and photos of the site.
• As needed prepare design drawings of landscapes.
• As needed create artistic plan presentations with styling images for clients.

 ESTIMATING:

• Generate estimates and contracts that calculate the accurate costs of materials, labor and equipment for maintenance services, seasonal rotations, and landscape enhancements.
• Create estimates, contracts, and style guides with correct spelling and precise composition.
• Ensure that gross profit goals are achieved.

SALES:

• Generate sales by updating, revising, and renewing contracts with new and existing portfolio of clients.
• Generate sales through the enhancement of landscapes by offering appropriate additional upgrades/services that enhance the quality of each landscape through regular review of client landscapes.
• Actively update sales lead status with each communication to new leads and existing customers. 
• Provide exceptional customer service to qualified leads through the entire design build process making the client the Hero and service as the trusted advisor to the client. 
• Sell design retainers for design services on projects that require additional team member support in generating a design or estimate.
• Help establish annual division revenue forecast, expenditure budgets, and cash flow projections.
• Use CRM database to manage all accounts, communications, and sales on a daily basis.

  RELATIONSHIPS:

• Work with Exec. VP for direction, guidance, and input.
• Communicate regularly and efficiently with clients through in-person meetings, phone calls, email, and (when appropriate) texts.
• Meet and collaborate with clients to understand their goals and desires for their project.
• Keep abreast of client problems, document in CRM (Customer Relation Management software) and provide pro-active solutions in a timely manner.
• Work cooperatively with Scheduler and in-field teams to ensure success of installations and service by helping to plan, schedule, and implement the tasks of multiple field crews on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
• Collaborate and contribute to the creative process as both a leader and a member of the Topiarius team by participating in company strategizing, working with internal and external partners, and making recommendations for changes to meet market trends, competitive threats or strategic plans.
• Attend and participate in regularly scheduled sales meetings.
• Attend and participate in regularly staff meetings.
• Maintain a professional, helpful, and optimistic attitude when working with all Topiarius staff and clients.

Who You Are:

• You identify with our culture. Topiarius employees are expected to perform with honesty, integrity, and optimism. We enjoy our work and find it very satisfying and have a strong work ethic. We enjoy each other’s company and choose to work as a team and not as lone wolves. We take the details seriously; they are what allows us to stand apart from our competition. And follow through is in the fabric of all we do.
• You aim for operational excellence. You are someone that doesn’t just show up to “phone†in the day. You are mature and professionally dressed ready to sell to clients that expect you to exude confidence, knowledge, and style. You arrive with a smile. Your lists are clear, organized, and prioritized. You actively track activities in CRM. Producing estimates are what makes your day turn and you excitedly want to send them to clients. You exude pride in all that you do but are humble enough to know when you need to ask for help.
• You are problem solver and a salesperson. You fully understand that sales are the engine that moves a company forward and puts compensation in your bank account (and you want a lot of it!). You are eager to build relationships with clients by providing answers and solutions to their pain points. Matter fact, you love talking with new clients and potential clients, whether on the phone or in person. You have the ability to think holistically around projects providing decisive and concise information about Topiarius and landscape design.
• You enjoy working with a team. In this role you understand that you need to direct and help colleagues provide you with the information you need, whether it’s design work, estimate creation, or marketing collateral. While you have many skills, you understand that others do as well, and in order to succeed you will have to work well with everyone at Topiarius.

Required Background:

Essential Qualifications:

• A degree in Horticulture (or equivalent).
• 5 plus years’ experience in the landscape industry.
• Proven track record and minimum annual sales $600,000+.
• Experience with residential design and implementation, specifically in the Midwest region.
• Experience doing in-field landscaping.
• Expertise in annuals.
• Expertise in seasonal décor materials.
• Proficiency in Microsoft programs.
• Ability to take photos using camera or mobile phone.
• Strong interest in current design trends - loves learning.
• Strong commitment to meeting quantitative and qualitative goals.
• Able to prioritize tasks and handle multiple responsibilities and projects simultaneously.
• Thinks outside traditional design – “out of the box.â€
• Has excellent interpersonal, oral, and written skills.
• Handles details accurately with strong organizational skills.
• Fluent in English.
• Personal commitment to Topiarius’ mission.
• Proof of Covid vaccination.
• Basic understanding of budgets, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Ideal candidate will manage projects from concept stage to payment.
• Personal vehicle with insurance and clean driving record.

 Other Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience using LMN Estimating application.
• Knowledge about "Green" technology and design.
• Skilled at free-hand drawings/renderings. 
• Able to speak conversational Spanish.

 Expected Activity and Movement:

• Required to have visual acuity to perform an activity such as viewing a computer terminal and analyzing data and figures.
• Routinely works at a desk.
• Moves about to coordinate work.

 What We Provide:

Hours and Compensation:

In general, Mon. – Fri. 8:30 am – 5 pm. Minimum 40 hours per week with potential for Saturday client meetings.

$60,000 - $65,000 base salary. Commission paid quarterly.

 Benefits:

Paid Holidays. Paid Time Off (up to 10 days in first year) and Paid Sick time (up to 40 hours each year). Medical and dental insurance plans (PPO/HSA and HMO options). Dental Insurance. Retirement plan available after 1 year of employment or 1000 hours of worked. Complimentary Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability plans. Mileage reimbursement. Company cell phone. Relocation not included.

 Other Details:

Visit Topiarius’ website (www.topiarius.com) to become familiar with our company.

 Please Note:

• Final candidates may be required to undergo a background check.
• All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, or other status protected by applicable law.
• Nothing in this job description restricts the supervisor’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
• Final candidate may be required to participate in a design and estimating exercise.

 Note: Topiarius is non-union shop.