Rockledge Gardens Looking to Hire Annuals & Perennials Sales Area Leader

Rockledge Gardens

Annual & Perennials Sales Area Leader
This is a full-time (40 hours), hourly position and includes one work-from-home day. We are looking for a proactive, organized, self-starter with great people skills.
We are specifically seeking someone with knowledge of and interest in natives.

Position Summary
The Annuals and Perennials Area Leader and Buyer at Rockledge Gardens is responsible for all aspects of retail sales in the Annuals and Perennials and Vegetables and Herbs Department including, but not limited to: ordering, pricing, stocking, and displaying of all merchandise. He/she trains, coordinates, and delegates work to Annuals and Perennials Associates. The individual in this position must be knowledgeable about current trends and brands throughout the garden center industry and how to improve marketing of these products.

Reporting Relationships
The Annuals and Perennials Area Leader and Buyer reports directly to Sales Manager and supervises the Annuals and Perennials Retail Associates.

Experience, Education, and General Background Skills Required
High school diploma or equivalent required. Minimum of one year greenhouse/plant industry experience required. Must enjoy working with plants, both indoors and outdoors, performing physical labor, and working in a bustling environment. Ability to effectively train, motivate, and delegate duties. Must have numerical aptitude, ability to prioritize tasks quickly and to close sales. Must have strong organizational, verbal/written communication, training, and planning skills. Must possess professionalism, sense of pride, positive attitude and integrity. Must be flexible and multi-tasked with problem-solving ability, attention to detail, friendliness, and the ability to build rapport. Good computer skills, including working knowledge of Windows, Excel, Word, VMXPOS and other programs required. Must be able and willing to work weekends and holidays, with additional hours in Spring. Must speak English.

Physical and Mental Demands
Requires sitting, carrying, pulling, kneeling, bending, pushing, crawling, and climbing, reaching and lifting up to 50 pounds, standing and walking. Must be able to work in wet or humid conditions, fumes, extreme heat, cold, chemicals, plant materials and fertilizers, and high levels of noise. Must possess physical ability and stamina to work outdoors and perform physical labor in all weather conditions. Requires constant mental alertness, concentration, corrected vision, and hearing to normal range. Requires ability to communicate clearly. Must possess excellent hand-eye and gross motor coordination, plus manual dexterity. Must be able to wear/utilize required safety equipment. Use discretion and independent judgment.

Special Equipment
Must be able to operate a golf cart, hand tools, ladders, and planting equipment. Must also possess ability to operate computers, 2-way radios, cash registers, calculators, multi-line phones, facsimile machines, laminators, label equipment and software.

Position Duties
1. As the lead salesperson for Annuals and Perennials, the Annuals and Perennials Area Leader and Buyer is required to smile and greet customers. Continually build relationships with customers, co-workers, and vendors at all times, promote excellent customer service, quality, integrity, and professionalism.
2. This position actively works alongside staff while observing their work ethics, efficiencies, and team rapport.
3. Observe the work of the sales personnel on the floor to determine the effectiveness of their sales techniques and check on the quality of customer service being given, leading by example and through direct feedback.
4. Plan, organize and distribute work to associates within the department to maximize productivity. Ensure associates perform all duties effectively and efficiently. Train, mentor, and coach associates as needed.
5. Order, price, stock, and display retail merchandise in a manner to maximize sales and margin dollars per square foot.
6. Track progress and take action toward weekly, monthly, and annual sales and COGS goals established with Management.
7. It is the responsibility of the department, whether it be the department head, or someone assigned within the department, to make signs for retail product on a weekly basis.
8. Communicate to the Managing Director and/or Marketing Director when there are exciting items to be promoted.
9. Request or create informational signs for retail products, as needed.
10. Ensure that staff has necessary tools, products, and materials to exceed quality and service standards. 11. Back up the Sales Manager in their absence.
12. Establish and maintain level of credibility and trust that encourages employees at all levels to discuss issues openly. Set the tone for leadership consistent with the Rockledge Gardens mission and philosophy. 13. Ensure POS system is maintained with up-to-date information for the department. As needed, operate point of sale equipment, and assist customers.
14. Monitor all plants for pests and diseases and see through a plan of action for treatment. Ensure plant quality is maintained.
15. Continually assess needs related to seasonal and buying trends. Make recommendations that lead to increasing sales.
16. Resolve customer issues as needed. Inform Sales Manager, Systems Manager, or Managing Director of any customer issues or concerns that are not completely resolved to the satisfaction of the customer.
17. Complete required reports, time records or other documentation in accordance with company procedures.
18. Stay abreast of current industry trends, brands, new products, and styles and apply this knowledge to the garden center for improved marketing and merchandising. Anticipate seasonal marketing and sales needs.
19. Perform regular systems checks to ensure irrigation is running properly; repair irrigation as required. 20. Maintain current knowledge of industry regulations, technical data, safety standards, equipment, and others.
21. Properly maintain all equipment and immediately refer any problems to management.
22. Always maintain composure. Show respect for co-workers and be able to work with people of all backgrounds.
23. Attend all meetings and make presentations as needed.
24. Perform all other duties as assigned.

This description may not be all-inclusive and employees are expected to perform all other duties as assigned and directed by management. Position descriptions and duties may be modified whenever deemed appropriate by management.

To apply, use the online application

If you have any questions or would like to send in a cover letter, email careers@rockledgegardens.com