Garden Center Manager

Garden Center Manager 

Monticello, MN

Position Summary:
The Garden Center Manager oversees all daily operations of the garden center, ensuring exceptional customer service, effective merchandising, and efficient business performance. This role includes staff management, event planning, signage creation, and overall operational leadership. The position follows a teacher-style schedule — working 10 months of the year with two months off during the slower season, while receiving a teacher-equivalent salary.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Staff Management

• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise garden center staff.
• Provide ongoing training to ensure strong customer service and horticultural knowledge.
• Create and manage staff schedules, monitor performance, and foster a positive work environment.
• Lead by example, promoting teamwork, safety, and professionalism.

Merchandising & Inventory

• Plan and execute visually appealing, sales-driven product displays.
• Ensure all products and plants are properly priced, labeled, and well-maintained.
• Oversee inventory management, ordering, and vendor relations including representing the company at vendor shows.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and inviting shopping environment.

Customer Service & Sales

• Deliver knowledgeable, friendly, and solution-based service to all customers.
• Educate customers on plant care, gardening techniques, and related products.
• Resolve customer issues promptly and courteously.
• Drive sales through seasonal promotions and superior customer engagement.

Events & Marketing

• Plan and lead all seasonal events, workshops, and community outreach programs.
• Design and produce in-store signage while collaborating with Marketing Manager.
• Collaborate with marketing staff or vendors to promote events via social media, newsletters, and local advertising.

Operations & Administration

• Oversee day-to-day operations including opening/closing, cash handling, and reporting.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and local safety regulations.
• Monitor sales performance and assist with budgeting and forecasting.
• Support strategic initiatives to improve efficiency and profitability.

Work Environment:

This role requires hands-on involvement both indoors and outdoors. Candidates should enjoy physical work, interacting with the public, and adapting to seasonal demands in a dynamic retail environment. This is not a remote position.

Schedule & Compensation:

• Work Schedule: 10 months on / 2 months off (aligned with seasonal business needs).
• Compensation: Annual salary equivalent to a teacher’s annual pay scale. This position is eligible for our full benefits package.
• Work Hours: Variable, including weekends, holidays, and peak seasonal periods. May include a 6 day work week during peak season.

Qualifications:

• 3 years of management experience in retail, garden centers, or related fields preferred.
• Strong plant knowledge and passion for horticulture.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and lift up to 40 lbs.
• Proficiency in POS systems and basic computer applications.