Garden Center Manager

sscjobs; Carrboro (NC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

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Job summary

Southern States Cooperative, Inc. seeks a Garden Center Manager to lead daily operations, drive sales, and ensure excellent customer service. You will oversee inventory, merchandising, and a team of associates, serving as the local plant expert. This role requires strong leadership, vendor liaison skills, and a commitment to community engagement.

You will work in a dynamic retail environment, indoors and outdoors, with seasonal overtime and weekend hours as needed to meet business goals.

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 including annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs.
• 5+ years of experience in retail garden center operations, greenhouse production, nursery management, or related industry.
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop associates in a fast-paced retail environment.
• Valid driver's license; forklift certification and 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 annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs and seasonal products.
• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate with vendors to ensure timely availability.
• Coach, train and motivate team members to provide outstanding service and product knowledge.
• Assist customers with plant selection, garden planning and product recommendations.
• Create engaging displays and seasonal merchandising plans to drive sales.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment and ensure safety compliance.
• Support facility goals by managing inventory accuracy, shrink control and profitability.
• Represent Southern States in the local community and build strong customer relationships.

Skills

Leadership

Inventory management

Customer service

Merchandising

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Horticulture / related degree

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.

Work Environment

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.

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.