Lead Horticularist

Role Overview

The Lead Horticulturist will spearhead horticultural strategy, design coordination, plant selection, nursery operations, softscape development, and long-term landscape maintenance for a large-scale public landscape project. This role requires exceptional technical expertise, leadership, and the ability to collaborate effectively with landscape architects, designers, and contractors. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience developing and managing large and complex landscapes.

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

• Bachelor’s or Master’s 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.