Garden Center Manager

Southern States Cooperative.; Carrboro (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern States Cooperative is seeking a Garden Center Manager to lead daily operations, drive sales, manage nursery inventory, and deliver exceptional customer experiences. This role guides a team of associates, curates merchandising displays, and serves as the local plant expert.

You will oversee procurement, inventory accuracy, and vendor relations while ensuring safety and profitability. Strong leadership, horticulture knowledge, and customer-focused skills are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agronomy, Business Management, or related field preferred.
• 2+ years purchasing and managing nursery inventory (annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs).
• 5+ years of experience in retail garden center operations, greenhouse production, or nursery management.
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop associates in a fast-paced retail environment.
• Strong knowledge of plants, lawn and garden products, and seasonal merchandising.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Ability to obtain forklift certification and other location-specific certifications as needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily Garden Center operations including sales, merchandising, inventory management, and customer service.
• Procure and manage nursery stock including seasonal products.
• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate with vendors to ensure stock availability.
• Coach, train, and motivate associates to deliver outstanding customer service.
• Assist customers with plant selection, garden planning, and product recommendations.
• Create engaging displays and seasonal merchandising plans to drive sales.

Skills

Team leadership

Customer service

Merchandising

Inventory management

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Horticulture or related field

Tools

Forklift certification

Job description

The Garden Center Manager oversees the daily operations of the Garden Center, driving sales, managing plant inventory, and delivering an exceptional customer experience. This role leads a team of associates, ensures attractive merchandising displays, and serves as the local expert on plants and garden solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily Garden Center operations, including sales, merchandising, inventory management, and customer service.
• Procure and manage nursery stock, including annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, and seasonal products.
• Monitor inventory levels and work with vendors to ensure the right products are available at the right time.
• Coach, train, and motivate team members to provide outstanding customer service and product knowledge.
• Assist customers with plant selection, garden planning, and product recommendations.
• Create engaging displays and seasonal merchandising plans to drive sales and enhance the customer experience.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment while ensuring compliance with company safety standards.
• Support facility goals by managing inventory accuracy, controlling shrink, and contributing to overall profitability.
• Represent Southern States in the local community and build strong customer relationships.

This position works indoors and outdoors and requires standing, walking, lifting up to 50 pounds, and working in varying weather conditions. Seasonal overtime and weekend hours may be required to support business needs.

Why Join Southern States?

Join a trusted agricultural and retail cooperative where your expertise in plants, customer service, and leadership can make a direct impact on our customers, associates, and community.

Requirements

We are seeking an experienced, customer-focused leader with a passion for gardening, plants, and retail operations.

Required Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agronomy, Business Management, or a related field preferred. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum 2+ years of experience purchasing and managing nursery inventory, including annuals, perennials, trees, and shrubs.
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in retail garden center operations, greenhouse production, nursery management, or a related industry.
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop associates in a fast-paced retail environment.
• Strong knowledge of plants, lawn and garden products, seasonal merchandising, and customer service.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Ability to obtain forklift certification and other location-specific certifications as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous Southern States experience.
• Experience with inventory management, merchandising, purchasing, and vendor relationships.Knowledge of local gardening trends, plant selection, and seasonal growing conditions.

Southern States Cooperative, Inc., is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate against individuals based on their race, color, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, family medical history or genetic information, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws, or regulations.

Southern States Cooperative

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