Perennial Buyer and Manager

Suncrest Gardens; Peninsula (OH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Suncrest Gardens in Peninsula, OH, seeks a knowledgeable Perennial Department Manager to oversee 400+ SKUs, purchasing, and staff. You will guide plant selections for landscapes, manage supplier relations, and deliver expert customer service throughout the garden center.

You will lead by example, ensure plant health, and coordinate seasonal campaigns while working in a dynamic, hands-on environment with a 40-hour work week (potentially more during peak seasons).

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in garden center, greenhouse, or nursery industries.
• Knowledge of 300+ perennial cultivars and compatibility with trees and shrubs.
• Familiarity with pest and disease identification and solutions.
• Strong leadership and customer-service focus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Basic computer skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee care, maintenance, and growth of perennials and related products.
• Manage annual budget for perennial purchases and supplier relations.
• Ensure proper display, care, and health of plants.
• Assist with seasonal spring shipments and holiday pre-sales.
• Coordinate nursery and store preparations.
• Maintain vendor relationships with 6-8 suppliers to ensure timely procurement.
• Provide expert guidance to customers on plant selections for landscapes.
• Advise on plant combinations, maintenance, and pest management.
• Identify and address plant health issues and diseases.
• Lead and train department staff to improve performance and knowledge.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Support marketing efforts by promoting seasonal perennial events.

Skills

Garden center experience

Perennial knowledge

Leadership

Communication

Pest diagnosis

Computer skills

Physical fitness

40h/wk

Job description

Job DetailsJob Location: Corporate Address - Peninsula, OH 44264

Suncrest has been providing beautiful plants and landscapes since 1976, with a team of 'Horticultural Superheroes' dedicated to delivering high-quality plants, exceptional customer service, and expert gardening advice.

We offer a wide selection of plants, garden supplies, and home décor, creating a one-stop shop for everything needed to enhance our customers' homes inside and out.

Our company culture fosters acceptance and appreciation in a warm, friendly team atmosphere.

We are currently seeking a knowledgeable and dedicated individual to manage our Perennial Department, overseeing purchasing, vendor relationships, marketing, and providing expert customer service. This role includes the care and selection of over 300 perennial cultivars, assisting customers with landscape plant choices, and leading the department staff. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in the garden center, greenhouse, and nursery industries, with strong knowledge of perennial, tree, and shrub care.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

• Oversee the care, maintenance, and growth of over 400 SKUs of perennial products.
• Manage a yearly budget of $100,000 in perennial purchases.
• Ensure plants are properly cared for, displayed, and maintained.
• Assist with year-round preparations, including pre-booking spring shipments and holiday pre-sale activities.
• Perform necessary tree and shrub care and site maintenance throughout the year.
• Coordinate spring nursery and store preparations.
• Maintain and cultivate relationships with 6-8 suppliers/vendors to ensure the timely and cost-effective procurement of plants and products.
• Provide expert guidance to customers selecting perennials, trees, and shrubs for their landscaping projects.
• Offer advice on plant combinations, maintenance, and pest management solutions.
• Identify and address common pests, diseases, and other plant health issues, offering effective solutions.
• Lead by example within the department, modeling a strong work ethic and customer-focused attitude.
• Assist and train perennial department staff to improve performance and plant knowledge.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Support marketing efforts by promoting seasonal sales and events related to perennials, trees, and shrubs.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in the garden center, greenhouse, or nursery industry is required.
• Strong knowledge of perennial cultivars (over 300 cultivars) and their compatibility with trees and shrubs is essential.
• Familiarity with pest and disease identification and solutions for plant problems.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and guide team members.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Basic computer skills
• Flexibility to work 40 hours per week, with the potential for 50-55 hours per week during peak seasons.
• Ability to work in various weather conditions and lift up to 50 lbs.