Branch Manager- Construction in Atlanta, Georgia at Russell Landscape

The Branch Manager –Construction serves as the senior operational leader of the construction branch, responsible for driving project performance, profitability, and team excellence across all landscape construction operations. Reporting directly to the President of Construction, this role provides strategic oversight of project execution, budget management, and cross-functional collaboration with General Superintendents and Project Managers to ensure successful delivery of landscape construction projects.

Leadership & Operations

• Provide overall leadership and direction for the landscape construction branch, setting performance standards and operational priorities in alignment with company goals

• Partner closely with General Superintendents and Project Managers to ensure seamless project planning, scheduling, and execution from preconstruction through project closeout

• Establish and maintain a culture of accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement across all levels of the construction team

• Lead regular operations meetings with superintendents and project managers to review project status, resource allocation, and schedule adherence

• Recruit, onboard, develop, and retain top construction talent; conduct structured performance reviews and implement coaching and corrective action plans as needed

• Serve as escalation point for field-level challenges, resolving issues related to scope, labor, subcontractors, and client concerns in a timely manner

• Oversee and participate in sales and preconstruction efforts to ensure necessary backlog is secured to align with branch and company goals

Project Management & Oversight

• Oversee all active construction projects, ensuring work is completed on schedule, within scope, and in accordance with contract specifications and quality standards

• Review and approve project schedules, labor plans, subcontractor scopes, and material procurement strategies in collaboration with Project Managers

• Monitor project milestones and proactively identify risks to schedule, cost, or quality; develop and implement mitigation strategies

• Conduct regular site visits to assess project progress, evaluate workmanship, ensure safety compliance, and support field teams

• Facilitate preconstruction planning sessions including project kickoffs, site assessments, and value engineering exercises

• Oversee contract review and change order management in partnership with Project Managers and the President of Construction

Financial Management & Budget Oversight

• Own and manage the overall landscape construction branch budget, including labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and overhead costs

• Monitor project-level and branch-level financial performance including revenue, gross margin, cost-to-complete, and profitability forecasts

• Develop and present monthly financial and operational dashboards to the President of Construction, highlighting KPIs, variances, and corrective actions

• Drive cost control initiatives and identify opportunities for operational efficiency without compromising quality or safety

• Review and approve project budgets, purchase orders, subcontractor agreements, and invoicing in accordance with company financial policies

• Manage estimating and business development teams to ensure accurate project pricing and alignment with branch capacity

Client Relations & Business Development

• Serve as a senior client-facing representative for the construction branch, building and maintaining strong relationships with key clients, general contractors, and owners

• Manage the Business Developer and provide guidance on which projects to pursue, which projects to pass on, etc. The Construction Branch Manager is the sales manager for the branch.

• Work with and manage the Pre-Construction Manager to ensure timely delivery of proposals and that proposals have been well thought through and align with the plan to win.

• Partner with Project Managers and Account Managers to proactively identify client concerns, resolve issues, and ensure overall satisfaction throughout project lifecycle

• Support business development efforts including client presentations, proposal reviews, and site walks in coordination with the Business Developer and President of Construction

• Cultivate relationships with subcontractor partners, vendors, and suppliers to ensure reliable sourcing and competitive pricing

Safety & Compliance

• Champion a proactive safety culture across all construction operations, ensuring full compliance with OSHA, company safety standards, and site-specific safety requirements

• Ensure all field personnel, subcontractors, and visitors adhere to safety protocols on all project sites

• Maintain compliance with licensing, permitting, environmental, and regulatory requirements applicable to landscape construction operations

• Minimum 7+ years of progressive experience in landscape construction or related commercial construction; management experience required

• Demonstrated experience overseeing multiple simultaneous projects with combined values exceeding $5M, including full budget and P&L accountability

• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams, including General Superintendents, Project Managers, Preconstruction Managers, Business Developers, and field crews in a fast-paced construction environment

• Strong technical knowledge of landscape construction, including hardscape, grading, drainage, irrigation systems, planting, and site amenities

• Proficiency in construction project management software (e.g., Procore, Buildertrend, or equivalent) and Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced Excel skills and financial dashboards

• Solid understanding of construction contract documents, specifications, change order processes, and subcontract management

• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills with the ability to engage effectively with clients, ownership, field teams, and subcontractors

• Valid state driver's license; ability to meet DOT requirements and maintain a satisfactory driving record

• OSHA 30-Hour Construction certification preferred; demonstrated commitment to job site safety excellence

• Ability to walk, stand, stoop, bend, kneel, and climb for extended periods during site visits and field inspections

• Ability to drive long distances and navigate active construction job sites in varied terrain and weather conditions

• Frequent lifting, pushing, and pulling of equipment and materials as needed

• Clear vision and physical dexterity required for equipment handling, plan reading, and site inspections

#ZR