Reports To: Store Manager / Director of Retail Operations
Department: Receiving
Position Overview:
As the Receiving Manager, you will oversee all aspects of unloading, receiving, and processing incoming shipments of live plants and hardgoods for the garden center. This role requires efficiency, accuracy, and strong communication to ensure all products are received, documented, and distributed in a timely manner. You will coordinate with vendors, department managers, and staff to maintain inventory accuracy and support smooth operations across the store.
Key Responsibilities:
Receiving & Unloading:
- Oversee unloading of deliveries, including live plant material, hardgoods, and seasonal merchandise.
- Verify all shipments against purchase orders, invoices, and packing slips for accuracy.
- Inspect plants and products for quality, damage, or shortages and report discrepancies promptly.
- Ensure proper handling and staging of plant material to maintain health and quality.
Inventory Management & Accuracy:
- Accurately record received items in inventory systems.
- Communicate shortages, damages, or overages to the purchasing and management teams.
- Work closely with department managers to prioritize and distribute received products.
- Ensure products are labeled, priced, and staged efficiently for stocking.
Team Leadership & Coordination:
- Lead and schedule receiving staff to maximize efficiency during deliveries.
- Train associates on receiving procedures, equipment use, and safety practices.
- Foster a culture of accuracy, teamwork, and communication within the receiving team.
Communication & Collaboration:
- Serve as the point of contact for delivery drivers, vendors, and freight carriers.
- Communicate with department managers to coordinate timely distribution of plants and hardgoods.
- Provide updates to management on delivery schedules, inventory issues, and receiving progress.
Efficiency & Process Improvement:
- Streamline receiving processes to improve accuracy and reduce delays.
- Monitor and track performance to ensure receiving goals and timelines are met.
- Recommend improvements to systems, tools, and workflows.
Safety & Compliance:
- Ensure safe unloading practices, including use of forklifts, pallet jacks, and other equipment.
- Maintain a clean, organized receiving area free of hazards.
- Enforce compliance with company safety standards and procedures.
Qualifications:
Education & Experience:
- High school diploma or equivalent required; associate’s degree in logistics, operations, or related field preferred.
- 2+ years of receiving, warehouse, or logistics experience (garden center, nursery, or retail preferred).
- Experience leading or supervising a team strongly preferred.
Skills:
- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
- Excellent communication skills for working with vendors, staff, and management.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities under time-sensitive conditions.
- Proficiency with inventory systems, POS systems, and basic computer applications (Excel, Word).
- Familiarity with live plant handling and seasonal garden center products preferred.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to lift and carry up to 75 lbs. regularly.
- Frequent bending, kneeling, climbing, and operating equipment (forklifts, pallet jacks).
- Work outdoors in varying weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, pollen).
Work Environment:
- Fast-paced retail garden center receiving and warehouse environment.
- Mix of indoor receiving areas and outdoor loading docks.
- Regular interaction with vendors, drivers, and store personnel.
This position is ideal for someone who thrives on accuracy, organization, and efficiency. If you are detail-oriented, enjoy leading a team, and can keep operations running smoothly under pressure, we invite you to apply!