Project Manager (Design / Build)
Location: Dayton, MD (Howard County)
Job Type: Full Time, Exempt
Pay Range: $95,000 – $115,000
Schedule: Monday – Friday (weekends as neecessary)
Position Summary
Absolute Landscapes is looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Project Manager to help lead our design/build projects from concept to completion. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys bringing outdoor spaces to life, coordinating talented crews and trusted subcontractors, and delivering a smooth, high-quality experience for our clients.
As a Project Manager, you will be the central point of communication between clients, sales, design, field crews, subcontractors, vendors, and internal leadership. You will help keep projects organized, on schedule, on budget, and aligned with the high standards Absolute is known for. The ideal candidate is proactive, organized, solutions-focused, and comfortable managing multiple moving pieces in a fast-paced environment.
This is a great opportunity for someone who takes pride in craftsmanship, enjoys building strong relationships, and wants to play an important role in the continued growth of a respected landscape design/build company.
Why join absolute landscapes?
At Absolute Landscapes, we do more than complete projects — we create outdoor spaces that clients enjoy for years to come. Our Project Managers play a key role in making that happen. You will help turn designs into reality, support skilled field teams, solve challenges in real time, and ensure every project reflects our commitment to quality, professionalism, and client care.
If you enjoy leading people, staying organized, working outdoors and in the field, and seeing the results of your work come to life, this role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact every day.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:
Project Management
- Assist in managing in-house design/build crews and subcontractors to ensure projects are completed efficiently, safely and to Absolute’s quality standards.
- Take ownership of all design/build jobs from kickoff through final walkthrough, ensuring a positive experience for both clients and team members.
- Proactively communicate project timelines, expectations, details, and updates to clients, sales teams, and key stakeholders throughout the project life cycle.
Subcontractor and Vendor Management
- Effectively communicate and coordinate with subcontractors, ensuring schedules align and expectations are met.
- Regularly acquire vendor pricing, samples, and procure materials needed for projects.
- Approve subcontractor invoices and cross-reference quoted pricing via work orders to ensure accuracy, while also ensuring subcontractor quality meets Absolute’s expectations.
Material and Inventory Coordination
- Coordinate with the Design/Build Manager for ordering materials, ensuring timely procurement and delivery.
- Shop for bulk inventory materials, ensuring stock levels are maintained and sufficient for project needs.
- Manage material deliveries, including scheduling and coordinating timely deliveries to meet project timelines.
Project Documentation & Reporting
- Create change orders and estimates as required, keeping the project within scope and budget.
- Maintain project folders, ensuring that all plans, change orders, and updated information are distributed to relevant teams.
- Keep thorough records of communications and project updates in the company CRM.
- Manage project billing schedules in collaboration with the Office, Sales, and Management teams.
Job Site Management
- Manage on-site activities of employees and subcontractors, ensuring work is done according to plans and specifications.
- Remain willing to jump in and support the team with light hands-on tasks when needed to keep projects moving forward. (e.g., replacing trim, changing lights, or removing dead plants).
- Ensure job sites are kept clean, organized, and safe, and ensure any work not fully completed is addressed before job turnover.
Regulatory and Compliance
- Handle permitting processes, including providing necessary job information and maintaining accurate records.
- Coordinate with office admin for Miss Utility services to ensure property marking before job initiation.
- Call in necessary site inspections and ensure compliance with all local regulations and guidelines.
Winter Services Management
- Manage snow activities, including on-site supervision and post-event tasks.
- Review snow subcontractor and employee timesheets and/or invoices for accuracy and timely processing, when applicable.
What makes you a great fit?
You may be a great fit for this role if you are organized, dependable, and confident leading people and projects. You enjoy communicating with clients, solving problems before they become bigger issues, and making sure the details are handled correctly. You take pride in high-quality work, hold yourself and others accountable, and are comfortable balancing time in the office, in the field, and on active job sites.
The right candidate will be someone who can manage schedules, coordinate materials and subcontractors, maintain strong relationships, and represent Absolute Landscapes with professionalism and care.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)
- Proven experience in construction project management, particularly with design/build projects.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Excellent communication skills to interact effectively with clients, vendors, subcontractors, and internal teams.
- Proficient in managing subcontractors, materials procurement, and inventory.
- Ability to create and manage project schedules, budgets, and change orders.
- Familiarity with permitting processes, site inspections, and regulatory compliance.
- Experience with CRM software and maintaining project documentation.
- Ability to stay organized, professional, and solution-focused while managing multiple active projects
- Professionalism, can handle situations under pressure
- Ability to perform light physical labor when necessary.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
- Ability to obtain and retain a valid DOT certification.
- Ability to apply discretion, trust with confidential company information.
Benefits
- Base pay + commission
- Company vehicle
- Paid time off
- Medical, dental & vision insurance (company contribution)
- Health Savings Account
- 401(k) plan + company matching
- Professional development
