Assistant Store Manager

Moon Valley Nurseries; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Moon Valley Nurseries is seeking an Assistant Store Manager in Knoxville to partner with the GM in delivering best-in-class customer service and driving store profitability. You will oversee operations or customer service duties, manage staff, and ensure a safe, clean, and welcoming environment while meeting sales goals.

The role emphasizes merchandising, inventory control, training, and leadership across the store, with accountability for KPI targets and store operations efficiency.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in retail operations, preferably in nursery or landscape.
• 1+ year in a supervisory or lead role.
• Strong HR and sales fundamentals.
• Excellent communication and customer relations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage a full-service retail nursery operation.
• Lead assigned Operations or Customer Service duties.
• Ensure outstanding customer service and safe environment.
• Control expenses, payroll, and inventory.
• Provide training and development for store staff.
• Engage in merchandising and store presentation.

Skills

Retail operations

Supervisory experience

Customer service

HR fundamentals

Education

BS or equivalent experience

Tools

POS systems

MS Office

Excel

Job description

Job Summary

The Assistant Store Manager (ASM) is responsible for working with the GM to establish and maintain best‑of‑class customer service in our retail store operations – typically focusing on either "Operations" or "Customer Service." The ASM oversees and is accountable for their assigned portion of total store operations, ensuring maximum sales and profitability through merchandising, inventory control, expense control, employee management, resource management, safety management, operating cost control, and overseeing all aspects of nursery sales, production, maintenance, and organization. The ASM serves as a key‑holder and as the acting GM in the absence of the GM, enhancing customer satisfaction, meeting sales and profitability goals, and managing staff effectively.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Helping oversee and manage a full service MVN retail nursery operation (Store).
• Owning their assigned "Operations" or "Customer Service" duties and responsibilities.
• Ensuring each customer receives outstanding service by maintaining a safe, clean, friendly environment that includes greeting and acknowledging every guest and providing solid product knowledge.
• Ensuring compliance with all company policies and procedures through regular store management and staff meetings, store walk‑throughs and audits.
• Training and developing store management in all aspects of the business, and directing and monitoring training and development of store personnel.
• Assisting in controlling loss, shrinkage, waste, variable expenses, payroll, and employee turnover.
• Ensuring appropriate merchandise stock levels, adjacencies, presentations, signage, and assortment in all areas of the nursery.
• Reviewing store trends and recommending and initiating changes for maximizing goals and objectives.
• Meeting sales goals by training, motivating, mentoring, and providing feedback to sales staff.
• Assisting with sales transactions of the store, including counter and phone sales, and overseeing product installation/delivery.
• Ensuring the protection and proper use of all store assets, including inventory, equipment, and facilities.
• Assisting in overseeing administrative functions such as POS transactions and warranty issues.
• Maintaining outstanding store conditions and visual merchandising standards.
• Proposing innovative ideas to increase market share to Marketing and Senior Management.
• Handling all issues that arise from employees or customers (complaints, grievances, etc.).
• Being a shining example of good behavior, high performance, and local face of MVN.
• Conducting or overseeing all safety training, including heat, vehicle, and pesticide safety.
• Assisting in overseeing logistics and customer service.
• Performing other duties and tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of experience in retail operations.
• At least 1 year in a supervisory or lead role.
• Experience in a retail, nursery, landscaping, or related environment preferred.
• Solid management skills with a basic understanding of HR and sales fundamentals.
• Understanding of sales and operations planning, demand forecasting, and marketing.
• Excellent customer relation and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Self‑directed and motivated, able to act in an entrepreneurial fashion.
• Ability to work independently to complete specific tasks and meet inflexible deadlines.
• Ability to collect information and facts, draw valid conclusions, and effectively resolve concerns and conflicts.
• Aptitude in decision‑making and problem solving.
• Ability to work well with others and be a leader.
• Basic computer skills, including experience with POS systems and MS Office (Word, Excel, etc.).
• Strong time‑management, attention to detail, and follow‑through.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to coordinate multiple projects and activities simultaneously.

Education

BS or equivalent experience.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing all day. The employee must frequently lift or move items over 50 pounds and may need to work outdoors for extended periods, possibly in extreme conditions such as rain, heat, sun, and wind.

Background Check

Subject to MVR and criminal background check (in accordance with applicable fair chance laws, rules, and regulations).

About Us

Moon Valley Nurseries is the largest grower of box trees and palms in North America and is an industry leader and high‑growth company that offers competitive salaries with exceptional employee benefits, including medical insurance, 401(k), holidays, and PTO to all eligible employees. We are an equal employment opportunity employer. We are a drug‑free workplace.