Lead Horticularist

Role Overview

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with landscape architects and consultants to develop the plantation strategy, species selection, and horticultural SOPs for a 100+ acre site, keeping in mind climate, soil conditions, and long-term maintenance considerations.
• Provide input on native and climate-resilient plant species, biodiversity enhancement, and ecological design principles.
• Translate design intent into practical on-ground implementation strategies.
• Coordinate with designers, site teams, and contractors to ensure accurate interpretation and execution of planting works.
• Develop planting schedules, sequencing plans, and resource allocation frameworks for large-scale landscapes
• Oversee and troubleshoot horticultural challenges during execution, including soil preparation, irrigation coordination, plant health, and microclimate adjustments.
• Develop and manage in-house nurseries to ensure healthy, high-quality, and timely plant production.
• Identify external nurseries and manage procurement of specialized species when required.
• Supervise and mentor a team of horticulturists, supervisors, gardeners, and maintenance staff.
• Attend site inspections, tender interviews, technical meetings, and coordination sessions.
• Ensure all horticultural contracts, specifications, and deliverables meet project standards and regulatory requirements.
• Verify and manage resources including AMC contractors, workforce planning, equipment, time, and budgets.
• Attend and address feedback, complaints, and observations related to horticultural aspects.
  

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, or a related field.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in horticulture, landscape execution, and maintenance of large-scale (50+ acres) landscapes.
• Relevant experience working with any of the following organizations is highly preferred: DLF, Godrej, Prestige Group, Lodha, Hiranandani, GMR, Oberoi, Taj.
  

Key Experience & Skills

• Proven track record managing very large public, institutional, or township landscapes.
• Strong expertise in plant species suited to tropical and coastal climates; experience in coastal Maharashtra is a plus.
• Experience using SAP is an added advantage
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with architects, contractors, and authorities.
• Deep knowledge of nursery operations, plant propagation, and large-scale planting logistics.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage budgets, resources, and timelines efficiently.