Reports To: Store Manager / Director of Retail Operations
Department: Garden Center
Position Overview:
As the Department Manager for Trees, Shrubs, and Perennials, you will oversee the daily operations of the nursery department, ensuring a superior selection of plant material, excellent customer service, and effective merchandising. You will be responsible for supervising staff, maintaining plant health and inventory, and creating an inspiring shopping environment for customers. This role combines leadership, horticultural expertise, and retail management to meet sales goals, uphold quality standards, and deliver a best-in-class customer experience.
Key Responsibilities:
Department Management & Leadership:
- Lead, train, and motivate a team of associates to deliver exceptional service and plant care.
- Schedule staff effectively to meet business needs and seasonal demand.
- Foster a positive, knowledgeable, and customer-focused team culture.
Customer Engagement & Service:
- Provide expert guidance to customers on plant selection, planting, and care for trees, shrubs, and perennials.
- Resolve customer concerns professionally, building loyalty and long-term relationships.
- Develop and maintain a reputation as a trusted resource for plant knowledge.
Plant Health & Inventory Management:
- Oversee daily care of plant material, including watering, pruning, fertilizing, and pest management.
- Ensure all plant stock is healthy, well-presented, and seasonally appropriate.
- Manage receiving, stocking, and rotation of plant inventory to minimize shrink and maintain freshness.
- Monitor sales trends and adjust orders with the purchasing team to match customer demand.
Merchandising & Presentation:
- Create attractive, organized, and inspiring displays to enhance the shopping experience.
- Ensure signage, labeling, and pricing are accurate and up to date.
- Work with the marketing team to implement seasonal promotions and merchandising initiatives.
Sales & Financial Performance:
- Monitor daily, weekly, and seasonal sales to ensure targets are met.
- Support pricing strategies that align with cost, demand, and gross margin goals.
- Analyze department performance and recommend improvements for sales and profitability.
Safety & Compliance:
- Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment for staff and customers.
- Ensure compliance with company safety standards, equipment use, and handling of plant materials.
Qualifications:
Education & Experience:
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, plant science, or a related field preferred.
- 3+ years of retail management experience, ideally in a garden center, nursery, or greenhouse environment.
- Strong knowledge of ornamental horticulture, including trees, shrubs, and perennials.
Skills:
- Excellent leadership and team development abilities.
- Strong customer service and communication skills.
- Proficiency in inventory management systems and basic computer applications (Excel, Word, POS).
- Ability to balance hands-on plant care with retail operations management.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. regularly.
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and climbing.
- Work outdoors in varying weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, pollen).
Work Environment:
- Fast-paced, customer-facing retail garden center environment.
- Outdoor nursery setting with exposure to seasonal changes.
This position is ideal for someone passionate about plants and people. If you have a strong horticultural background, retail leadership experience, and thrive in an outdoor environment, we invite you to apply!