Garden Center General Manager
Location: Centertown, MO
Reports to: President
FLSA Status: Salary-Exempt
Summary
The Garden Center General Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of operations at Longfellow's Garden Center. This role includes managing staff, optimizing sales and profitability, ensuring excellent customer service, overseeing product procurement and inventory, and implementing strategic initiatives for long-term growth. The General Manager is also responsible for scheduling, event planning and execution, and maintaining the overall appearance and functionality of the garden center. This position requires a results-driven leader with strong business acumen, retail management expertise, and a passion for developing high-performing teams.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Management
- Directly supervise all staff, including nursery and production teams, and retail associates.
- Oversee employee scheduling to ensure optimal coverage while maintaining labor efficiency.
- Conduct staff meetings, training sessions, and performance evaluations to foster a productive team environment.
- Act as the primary point of contact for all management-related concerns, providing coaching and mentorship.
- Enforce company policies and ensure adherence to safety protocols.
Operations & Sales Management
- Manage the daily operations of the garden center, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow.
- Develop and maintain relationships with vendors, suppliers, and landscape contractors.
- Oversee inventory management, including purchasing, stocking, pricing, and loss prevention.
- Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) such as sales targets, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency.
- Ensure the store layout, merchandising, and product placement enhance the shopping experience and drive sales.
Event Planning & Marketing
- Plan, coordinate, and execute seasonal events, workshops, and promotions to attract customers and build community engagement.
- Work with the marketing team to promote the business through social media, email campaigns, and in-store displays.
- Serve as the face of the company during community events and networking opportunities.
Customer Experience & Service
- Lead by example to create a welcoming and engaging customer experience.
- Resolve customer inquiries and complaints in a professional and timely manner.
- Ensure staff is well-trained in product knowledge to provide expert guidance to customers.
Financial & Strategic Planning
- Develop and oversee the budget for the garden center, ensuring cost control and financial sustainability.
- Work with leadership to set sales goals and implement strategies to exceed them.
- Identify growth opportunities and operational efficiencies to improve profitability.
- Maintain compliance with company policies and industry regulations.
Facility & Product Management
- Manage pest and disease control programs for greenhouse and outdoor inventory.
- Coordinate facility maintenance, including repairs and upgrades to ensure a clean, safe, and inviting shopping environment.
- Ensure proper handling, storage, and care of all merchandise.
Other Duties
- Be available for on-call responsibilities, especially during peak seasons.
- Attend and report at management meetings on store performance and improvement opportunities.
- Continuously seek professional development opportunities to enhance business and horticulture knowledge.
Required Skills & Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in retail management, business operations, or a related leadership role.
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Management or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop high-performing teams.
- Strong business acumen with experience driving sales, profitability, and operational excellence.
- Demonstrated success in inventory management, merchandising, budgeting, and financial performance.
- Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and time management skills.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with a customer-first mindset.
- Proficiency in POS systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and inventory management software.
- Ability to lift 50+ pounds and work in both indoor and outdoor environments under varying weather conditions.
- Horticultural, nursery, or garden center experience is preferred but not required. Candidates with strong business, retail, or operational leadership experience and a willingness to learn are encouraged to apply.
Working Conditions
- Work is primarily performed in an outdoor retail setting.
- Regular exposure to all weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, wind, and humidity.
- Indoor work may be performed in buildings without air conditioning during the summer months.
- Requires standing, bending, and lifting for extended periods.
This is an exciting opportunity for a driven, strategic leader to shape the future of a growing garden center. The General Manager will have the autonomy to lead operations, develop a high-performing team, drive business growth, and make a lasting impact within a company committed to innovation, excellence, and long-term success.
