Greenhouse and Annuals Lead - Williston, VT

Gardens-Alive; Taft Corners (VT); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Gardens-Alive in Vermont is seeking a Greenhouse and Annuals Lead to boost houseplant and annuals sales by sharing expert knowledge and guiding store teams.

You will supervise daily activities, train seasonal staff, manage inventory, oversee plant health and merchandising, and partner with the Store Manager to implement promotions.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years direct sales and customer service experience in the green goods business.
• Advanced horticultural knowledge; a formal degree preferred with focus on annuals, herbs, vegetables & tropical plants.
• Ability to analyze greenhouse and conservatory plant material.
• Financial acumen to manage a budget category and place plant orders within an open-to-buy allotment.
• Provides exceptional customer service across all garden center departments.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day activities in the Conservatory and Greenhouse to meet sales goals.
• Mentor and train seasonal and year-round associates in sales, plant health and customer service.
• Partner with Store Manager on inventory, ordering, and promotions.
• Maintain plant health, integrated pest management, and merchandising standards.
• Assist customers with product recommendations to drive sales and store performance.

Skills

Customer service

Sales experience

Horticultural knowledge

Education

Formal horticultural degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Description

The primary responsibility of the Greenhouse and Annuals Lead (GHL) is to increase sales of houseplants and annuals by maintaining a deep knowledge of the plants and working with the Store Manager to implement sales strategies to meet sales goals. Success will be measured through metrics such as overall houseplant and annuals sales, customer count, average sale, and Gardener’s Club conversions. The GHL will supervise the day-to-day activities and tasks such as ensuring excellent service levels, plant health and merchandising standards. The GHL is a primary information source of emerging trends and inventory needs for the Store Manager. The GHL will impact the efficacy and profitability of the company by expertly assisting customers and by acting as a trainer, resource, leader, and mentor for seasonal and year-round associates.

Strive to drive sales by sharing product knowledge and leveraging expertise to suggest additional products and merchandise.

• Communicate and work with the entire store team to ensure effective zone coverage, with the goal of providing excellent service and remaining visible and available to the customer.
• Cultivate a deep knowledge of the products that we sell, communicate product features to seasonal employees. Remain current on industry, store and company recommendations and offers for earth friendly gardening solutions.
• Remain current on and able to inform customers of all retail division promotions and offers, events and educational opportunities.
• Cultivate an understanding of our customers, what they are looking for and how we can meet their needs.
• Maintain retail readiness and partner with custodial staff to ensure cleanliness throughout the store; check daily to maintain the best possible store presentation.
• Perform manager on duty (MOD) responsibilities as scheduled.
• Assist customers in locating appropriate products and make compelling recommendations to inspire purchases and drive sales.

DEPARTMENT SPECIFIC TASKS:

• Assist the Store Manager with recruiting and hiring to ensure adequate department coverage.
• Complete the weekly tasks defined by the Store Manager necessary to achieve sales goals and manage daily operations.
• Act as a resource and mentor for seasonal and repeat seasonal associates within the Conservatory and Greenhouse department, providing instruction and on-going training in sales skills, plant health, plant attributes and selection as well as the mastery of outstanding customer service.
• Remain current on pest identification, disease and treatment methods as new product offers and relevant tie in products.
• Ensure the health and care of plant material, including, integrated pest management, hand watering/irrigation system, and plant maintenance.
• Participate in merchandizing displays and other duties as assigned.

ORDERING/INVENTORY MANAGEMENT

• Partner with the Home Office Buying Team and Store Manager to ensure appropriate ordering of high velocity seasonal and store specific categories (annuals, veggies, mums, houseplants).
• In partnership with the Receiving Specialist and Store Manager, ensure consistent and prompt flow of houseplants & annuals from receiving areas to sales floor.
• Assists with store operations goals to remain efficient, accurate and productive through processes such as organizing stock, replenishment, receiving, seasonal merchandising changeovers, transfers, cycle counts and physical inventory.
• Effectively participate in regular meetings and ongoing information flow to the Buying Team regarding inventory levels and plant quality.

Requirements

• 3-5 years direct sales and customer service experience in the green goods business.
• Advanced horticultural knowledge- a formal degree preferred with a focus on annuals, herbs, vegetables & tropical plants.
• Ability to analyze and identify Greenhouse and Conservatory plant material.
• Financial acumen sufficient to manage a budget category, and place plant orders within an “open-to-buy” allotment as directed by the buying team.
• Provides exceptional customer service across all departments at the garden center.
• Takes personal accountability for representing the values and company appropriately in all situations (service, dress code, interpersonal skills).
• Promotes a positive work environment through an inclusive and respectful approach.
• Celebrates and encourages diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
• Ability to stay organized, focused and calm in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to regularly lift 40 lbs.
• Ability to stand on hard surfaces for shifts of at least 8 hours.
• Work a flexible schedule including evenings, holidays, and weekends.
• Ability to regularly lift 40 lbs.
• Ability to stand on hard surfaces for shifts of at least 8 hours.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to regularly lift 40 lbs.
• Ability to stand on hard surfaces for shifts of at least 8 hours.