Junior Account Manager

Description

     The Junior Account Manager is an Account Manager in training who works under the direct supervision and mentorship of the Sales Manager and a Senior Account Manager while managing a smaller book of business of their own. This role is a hands-on introduction to client account management at Southern Landscape Group, building the horticultural knowledge, client relationship skills, and site audit judgment needed to grow into an Account Manager role. With Southern Landscape Group's 28 years of industry experience behind them, Junior Account Managers are expected to represent that expertise in every client interaction, working closely with their Senior Account Manager to learn the standards and processes that define SLG service. 

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES 

ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT: 

• Serves as the primary point of contact for an assigned, smaller book of business, while assisting the Senior Account Manager with properties on their book, building trust through consistent communication, responsiveness, and growing horticultural expertise. 
• Conducts monthly Site Audits throughout the growing season (April-November) on properties within their book of business, scoring each category (Lawn, Landscape Beds, Trees & Plants, Drainage & Erosion, Hardscape, Lighting, and Safety) against company benchmarks on the 1-10 scale and documenting findings with photos. Audit scores are reviewed and calibrated against the Senior Account Manager's ratings on the same properties as part of ongoing development. 
•  Shadows and assists the Senior Account Manager on Site Audits and client visits for their properties, learning enhancement identification, sales presentation, and property assessment skills firsthand. 
• Identifies enhancement opportunities based on the condition and evolving needs of properties in their book of business; presents recommendations to clients with guidance from the Senior Account Manager and documents each opportunity in the recommendations section of the Site Audit with a marked-up photo. 
• Proactively troubleshoots and problem-solves issues on client properties within their book of business; coordinates with the Group Leader to drive timely and effective resolutions while communicating outcomes to clients. 
• Maintains responsive client communication in accordance with the company 5/10 Rule: communications received before 5:00 PM are answered the same day, and communications received after 5:00 PM are answered by 10:00 AM the following business day. 
• Identifies and reports safety and liability concerns on client properties — trip hazards, obstructed walkways, poor sightlines, and similar conditions — documenting them in the Safety section of the Site Audit and proposing solutions for each area of concern. 
• Supports client retention for their assigned book of business, working toward target retention rates with guidance from the Senior Account Manager. 
• Performs warranty follow-ups as needed. 
• Participates in weekly internal company meetings as required. 

GENERAL: 

• Supports the company's vision, mission, goals, and core values. 
• Attends the company-wide meeting on the first Monday of every month. 
• Assists with other duties as directed by the Senior Account Manager or Director of Landscape Maintenance. 

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS 

• Junior Account Manager performance is measured against the following, reviewed in regular one-on-ones, at the 120-day onboarding certification checkpoint, and again after 12 months: 
• Client retention rate for the assigned book of business (target set annually). 
• Enhancement and renewal sales against monthly, quarterly, and annual goals for the assigned book of business. 
• Site Audit score trend and calibration accuracy (alignment with the Senior Account Manager's scoring of the same properties). 
• Client communication compliance with the 5/10 Rule. 
• Progress toward readiness for promotion to Account Manager, including demonstrated horticultural knowledge and client-facing skills. 

Requirements

• Valid driver's license, insurable by company agent. 
• One or more years of green-industry experience, or strong horticultural aptitude and client-facing ability with a genuine willingness to learn. 
• Green industry degrees are preferred but not required. Documented experience may suffice for degree. 
• Candidates should have solid computer skills and be comfortable learning new technology. 
• Must possess strong mathematical abilities. 
• Candidate must be able to read and write English legibly. 
• Strong oral and written communication skills, along with a coachable, team-first approach to learning the role. 

CERTIFICATIONS: 

This position requires that the individual have the following certifications within one (1) year: 

• First Aid and CPR 
• Virginia Certified Horticulturist 

WORKING CONDITIONS 

     Time will be spent in an outdoor environment, with limited ability to control noise, airborne contaminants, and temperature. 

     The employee is expected to work the assigned hours at Southern Landscape Group from Monday through Friday, Saturdays as needed 8:00 AM-5:00 PM. The work hours required of this position may be long when extended schedules are necessary. This is a salary position with a normally expected work week of 45+/- hours, but the person in this position is expected to work those hours needed to successfully satisfy the responsibilities and duties of the position. 

Note: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.