Jai Cheswick BSc.
Director: Strategic Leadership and People Management
With 30+ years in landscape architecture and management, Jai Cheswick combines strategic execution, financial oversight, and strong people skills.
As Company Owner and Director, he has experience in operations, team leadership, and fostering a culture of integrity. He specialises in the green industries, including landscape architecture, garden management, construction, and materials, ensuring tailored workforce solutions that meet the unique demands of these sectors.
Inspired and valued by mentors past / current and driven by compassion, Jai founded Cheswick Consultants to create supportive workplaces focused on wellbeing.
A registered counsellor, senior meditation teacher, and psychology student, he integrates mental wellbeing and traditional meditation practices into leadership, promoting healthier, thriving work environments.
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Core communication and de-escalation skills learned in client environments are directly transferable to managing sensitive HR and client relationships:
Conflict De-escalation: Exceptional ability to see alternative viewpoints and occasionally descale possible tense situations.
Client Management: Experience with demanding clients requiring a calm disposition and clear boundaries, often serving as a listening ear to discuss personal, work, and relationship issues.
Corporate Training: Designed and presented a programme with Bunnings head office national training team members over two years.
Safety & Compliance: A high priority on safety awareness in all areas of work, including hazard inspection and ensuring insurances are up to date.
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Jai possesses a robust track record in managing teams, developing internal standards, and fostering a culture of integrity:
Executive Leadership: Directed and managed a team of 20 gardeners as a Public Gardens Maintenance Manager.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Developed a comprehensive maintenance manual for company, incorporating OHS, rostering, and works programs for large public sites.
Integrity-Based Training: Implemented education programs to ensure team members operated with honesty and integrity (above the line).
Stakeholder & Vendor Management: Highly skilled in liaising with council departments, architects, and community organisations , as well as developing and maintaining relationships with clients and suppliers.
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Strategic Planning & Design Thinking :
P&L Responsibility: Proven ability to cost jobs, quote effectively and keep a tight budget.
Operational Finance: Skilled in ensuring BAS statements and GST payments are done in a timely and legal manner.
Project Management: Directing and managing subcontracted works , organising material deliveries, and coordinating trades to ensure projects are completed in a timely fashion.
Data Management & Reporting: Utilising Google Workplace for management of maintenance across multiple sites to facilitate quoting for maintenance contracts, monthly budgeting, and performance appraisals.
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Consultancy: Served as a garden design consultant to Garden Gurus TV.
Award-Winning Execution: MIFGS 2015 show garden award winner, demonstrating in-depth knowledge of form and function together with spatial awareness.
Strategic Research: International experience includes European garden research and dry climate plant research, demonstrating the ability to conduct specialised, long-term strategic analysis.
Mental Health Awareness: Has an in-depth understanding of the mental health benefits of landscapes and gardens, aligning with modern corporate focus on employee well-being and EAP initiatives.
