Garden Center Manager

Costellos Ace; Edgewater (MD); On-site; USD 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Costellos ACE is seeking a Garden Center Manager to oversee all aspects of the garden center’s operations in Edgewater, MD. You will lead staff, manage daily activities, and drive profitability while delivering excellent customer service.

You will oversee inventory, merchandising, and plant care, ensure safety, and collaborate with other departments to maintain a positive shopping experience and cost controls. This full‑time role requires leadership and hands-on supervision.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; Bachelor's in Business, Horticulture, or related field preferred.
• Retail management experience is required and preferred.

Responsibilities

• Hire, train, schedule, and manage performance of garden center staff.
• Oversee daily garden center operations, cash handling, opening/closing.
• Develop strategies to meet sales goals and maximize profitability.
• Manage inventory, plant stock, and related products; minimize waste and shrinkage.
• Maintain merchandising and visual displays for an attractive shopping experience.
• Ensure plant health and quality; proper watering, fertilization, and pest control.
• Provide expert plant care guidance to customers.
• Comply with company policies and safety regulations.
• Monitor market trends and competitor activity to identify growth opportunities.
• Collaborate with other Costellos ACE departments to ensure smooth operations.
• Manage garden center budget and expenses.
• Address customer inquiries and complaints professionally.
• Maintain a clean, safe working environment.

Skills

Customer service

Leadership

Communication

Time management

Team motivation

Problem-solving

MS Office

Education

High School Diploma

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

POS systems

Inventory management software

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: BHC Edgewater - Edgewater, MD 21037

Salary Range: $19.00 - $23.00 Hourly

Business Title

Garden Center Manager

Job Purpose

To oversee all aspects of the garden center's operations, ensuring profitability, customer satisfaction, and a thriving plant and product environment. This includes managing staff, inventory, merchandising, and maintaining high standards of quality and service within the Costellos ACE brand.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and motivate the garden center team, including hiring, training, scheduling, and performance management.
• Oversee daily operations of the garden center, including opening and closing procedures, cash handling, and customer service.
• Develop and implement strategies to achieve sales goals and maximize profitability within the garden center.
• Manage inventory levels, ensuring appropriate stock of plants, gardening supplies, and related products, while minimizing waste and shrinkage.
• Oversee merchandising and visual displays to create an attractive and appealing shopping experience for customers.
• Maintain a high level of plant health and quality, ensuring proper watering, fertilization, pest control, and overall care.
• Provide expert advice and guidance to customers on plant selection, care, and gardening techniques.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies and procedures, as well as relevant safety regulations.
• Monitor market trends and competitor activities to identify opportunities for growth and improvement within the garden center.
• Collaborate with other departments within Costellos ACE to ensure seamless operations and a positive customer experience.
• Manage the garden center's budget and expenses effectively.
• Address customer inquiries and complaints in a professional and timely manner.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment for both staff and customers.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent; Bachelor's Degree in Business, Horticulture, or a related field preferred.

Required Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in retail management, preferably in a garden center or similar environment.
• Proven experience in managing a team, including hiring, training, scheduling, and performance management.
• Demonstrated success in achieving sales targets and managing inventory.
• Experience with plant care, gardening techniques, and pest/disease management is highly desirable.
• Experience with point-of-sale (POS) systems and inventory management software.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Excellent customer service skills and the ability to build rapport with customers.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to motivate and inspire a team to achieve common goals.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Basic computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Physical ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Passion for gardening and plants.