Job Description
Job Description:\n\n Retail Store Manager Full Time - Exempt Salary Range $42,000 - $60,000 The Store Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, operational management, merchandising strategy, and financial performance of the Garden Center. This role ensures the store operates efficiently, meets established sales and profitability goals, and delivers high-quality customer experience. The Store Manager reports directly to the Director of Operations and is accountable for executing company policies, procedures, and strategic initiatives. With in established guidelines, the Store Manager is granted full operational authority over the assigned location, including oversight of staff, inventory, merchandising, and daily store operations. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Management 1. Hold weekly meetings with the managers to convey corporate programs, receive feedback, train management, and plan store programs. 2. Hold weekly meetings of all sales personnel to instruct on selling techniques, product knowledge, and customer service. 3. Walk through all areas of the Garden Center at least several times a day to observe sales, monitor plant quality, and problem areas that managers may overlook (pay particular attention to signs in all departments that need freshening or are lacking). 4. Direct store personnel, motivate them, and promote high employee morale. 5. Instruct department managers in all areas of retail management. Set the tone so they can learn by example. 6. Assist department managers with department layout, merchandising, goal setting, purchasing and any other areas where they need help. Teach and supervise to strengthen these areas. 7. Provide positive support and encouragement for staff and managers. 8. Direct the complete retail operation of the store within the specific guidelines of current corporate policy. 9. Keep the Director of Operations fully informed on the current status of the store at all times. 10. Follow Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Affirmative Action, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Virginia Occupational Safety and Health, Americans with Disabilities Act, Commercial Driver’s License, Hazardous Communications, and other state and federal regulations that impact on the company. 11. Analyze changes, both internal and external, that affect the store operation or goals and make or recommend the changes or adjustments necessary. 12. Responsible for opening and closing the store when scheduled to work. 13. Responsible for cash receipts. 14. Develop new operational plans and procedures as changes make them necessary and submit them to the President for approval. 15. Participate in discussions to determine the future direction of your store. 16. Plan and execute programs with department management. 17. Delegate duties to staff in keeping with their job description, potential, and career goals. 18. Keep employees informed about progress and corporate developments. 19. Attend and actively participate in company meetings and pass on information and directives to appropriate store personnel. Merchandising Sales 20. Emphasize, through department heads and sales associates, the importance of proper selling methods. 21. Observe selling techniques in the garden center and coach associates on techniques for improvement. 22. Review RDI daily watching for low margin items, incorrect discounts given and, in general, to know what is selling. Watch for abuse of general catchall SKU: i.e. #1 for garden supply and #2 for trees and shrubs, etc., and keep use of SKU to a minimum. 23. Supervisor garden center personnel to keep sales and productivity at peak levels. 24. Serve customers on the sales floor as needed. 25. Learn to operate the cash register. 26. Constantly study and improve sales techniques. Display/Layout 27. Determine the layout of merchandise within each department seasonally. 28. Supervise the display of merchandise for maximum sales efficiency. 29. Supervise physical changes needed to meet seasonal needs. 30. Ensure proper signage and displays, paying particular attention to color coordination. Advertising and Promotion 31. Develop and coordinate store promotions in accordance with the advertising and marketing staff. 32. Check to see that all advertised items are signed and displayed each week. 33. Be aware of and communicate to department managers all current store sales and advertised items. 34. Provide cashiers and department managers with copies of current ads. 35. Coordinate and monitor progress for special events. 36. Change the sign board 3 times a week as directed by the marketing team. 37. Implement in-store promotions to build traffic. 38. Contribute ideas to the promotions manager. 39. Contribute ideas for newsletter, clippings, and handouts. 40. Read the ads of major competitors. Customer Service/Relations 41. Talk with customers to ensure their level of satisfaction with the plants, materials and services the store is providing. 42. Establish uniform corporate policies regarding customer relations to be followed throughout the store. 43. Mediate customer complaints to satisfactory conclusion. 44. Receive telephone inquiries and make every attempt to convert callers to customers. Personnel 45. Hire the appropriate number of employees to keep the store operating at maximum efficiency. 46. Coordinate with managers to schedule employee work hours, lunches, vacations, holidays, time-off. Assure sufficient staffing during busy periods and evenings. 47. Follow corporate policy in all hiring procedures. 48. Review all timecards for complete accuracy. 49. Schedule department managers two weeks in advance designating who is to open and close daily. 50. Evaluate the performance of each employee in accordance with a predetermined schedule. 51. Conduct the required number of private conferences with personnel to establish and maintain positive, open communication. 52. Develop career-oriented employees capable of assuming further responsibility within the company. 53. Mediate employee complaints and problems, whether it is employee/employee or employee/company. 54. Take appropriate disciplinary actions, including dismissal, in accordance with corporate policies and procedures when an employee violates corporate policies and procedures. 55. Represent the company in any employment claims or disputes. 56. Train staff in proper procedures. Profitability, Controls, Reports 57. Prepare monthly labor budgets, sales goals, with department managers and vice president of operations. 58. Study expenses and discuss with department heads methods of reducing expenses and increasing sales to generate the desired profit. 59. Evaluate methods of increasing labor productivity to increase profits. 60. Keep profit margins within the ranges established as corporate goals. 61. Review class listing report twice monthly. 62. Run MCI for all departments, checking for any issues weekly. 63. Review payment of bills and invoices with the controller as necessary. 64. Increase sales to meet company goals. Inventory Control 65. Maintain departmental inventories at predetermined levels for maximum turnover, profitability, and seasonal needs. 66. Maintain inventory accuracy within the corporate standard of 2%. 67. Tour all back stock areas weekly to prevent disorganization and shrinkage; pay particular attention to garden supply backstock, backup stock for trees and shrubs, annuals and perennials, and warehousing. 68. Watch for overstock and understock situations by reviewing computer reports to ascertain stock levels by item and by class and checking with buyers for suggestions on resolution. 69. Coordinate movement of stock between stores with buyers. Purchasing 70. Monitor department managers to ensure they make a daily list of stock required and communicate needs with buyers. 71. Tour the garden center daily, noting out-of-stocks and communicating them to department heads. 72. Coordinate purchases to support corporate promotions and seasonal requirements. 73. Review shipping tickets signed by store personnel and check for discrepancies in invoices versus receiving. 74. Be alert to new sources of product and communicate them to buyers. 75. Mediate problems that may arise between departments and buyers. Training 76. Select and train a key employee who can replace him/herself in case of sickness, absence, or vacation. 77. Provide training necessary to develop employees and to improve productivity in all departments. 78. Oversee department heads to ensure that new employee orientation, sales training, and product training are scheduled and conducted in a timely fashion. 79. Determine additional training areas and either coordinate with training or develop in-store training programs. 80. Work constantly to upgrade employees who want and understand the quality, and standards of the company. 81. Review employee progress in training programs offered and counsel on future needs. Facilities 82. Inspect the property daily, making sure that proper maintenance is always in effect. 83. Continually tour the store, especially during peak periods, to spot problems such as congestion, pile up of carts at entrance, placement of hand carry baskets, and clutter at checkout. 84. Maintain a high level of housekeeping throughout the store. 85. Maintain grounds at a high level to ensure eye appeal, cleanliness, weed and trash control. 86. Coordinate monthly with landscape designer to maintain grounds and implement seasonal changes. 87. Ensure that preventive maintenance and repair is performed on all equipment to maintain optimum safety and operation. 88. Maintain roads and parking areas. Set up traffic control. 89. Set up a trash and waste disposal program. Recycle where possible. 90. Assist with, plan and procure any construction projects and activities concerning the store. 91. Submit recommendations for store renovations to the President. Safety/Security 92. Maintain a safe and secure environment for employees and customers. 93. See that each employee is trained on safety procedures, particularly on proper lifting techniques, equipment use, and hazardous communications. 94. Safeguard and care for corporate property, notifying the Director of Operations potential or actual problems. 95. Deter shoplifting by providing training to staff in how to remove opportunities for theft, such as leaving merchandise in loading areas and in trailers, and in how to handle suspected shoplifters. Pricing 96. Shop major competitors to determine price and merchandise mix. 97. Coordinate with buyers to maintain optimum gross margins while remaining competitive in the marketplace. 98. Monitor gross margin levels for variances, discuss with buyers and have them rectify. 99. Monitor prices to ensure adjustments are made to retail price increases from suppliers. Use price to help maintain proper inventory levels. Community Relations/Professional Development 100. Read trade and university periodicals and newsletters to keep abreast of new industry developments. 101. Participate in local and regional, civic, and professional affairs that reflect well on the company. 102. Attend industry trade shows if permitted 103. Maintain membership in local horticultural and nursery groups. Company 104. Support and execute the policies and management decisions of McDonald Garden Center. 105. Seek opportunities for training and experiences that will prepare you for other duties in the management structure. 106. Participate in corporate projects, contributing manpower or materials as needed. Product Knowledge 107. Monitor plant quality and care assuring proper feeding and watering and correct cultural requirements. 108. Pursue Virginia Nurseryman’s certificate and advanced certificates if applicable. 109. Stay abreast of trends in horticulture, retailing, management, and local state and federal regulations which impact on the business. Lateral Responsibilities 110. Maintain compatible working relationships with landscape manager, buyers, marketing and corporate staff in a manner consistent with the overall successful operation of the company. 111. Assume corporate level responsibilities as skills, experience, and corporate needs dictate. 112. Maintain communication with committee members to ensure timely completion of items pending. 113. Any other duties as assigned. SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE QUALIFICATIONS ● A four-year degree with an emphasis in business and horticulture is desirable. ● At least five years’ experience in retailing at the department manager’s level or above required. ● Knowledge and related experience in at least one area of garden center operation such as lawn and garden is essential. ● Knowledge of computers, computerized reporting, and spreadsheet analysis. ● Ability to read and interpret sales and inventory reports. ● Excellent written and verbal communications skills. ● Ability to train staff and develop an effective work team. ● Basic knowledge of horticulture preferred. ● Knowledge of marketing, merchandising and customer relations. ● Must possess a willingness to learn, a high level of enthusiasm and energy, and a sincere interest in garden center management. PHYSICAL ACTIVITY REQUIREMENTS Primary Physical Requirements Lift up to 25lbs Carry up to 25lbs Reach above shoulder height Reach at shoulder height Reach below shoulder height Push/Pull Hand Manipulation Grasping Handling Controls & Equipment Other Physical Considerations Twisting Bending Kneeling Work Surface: Includes but is not limited to walking on paved and unpaved, even and uneven surfaces, on gravel, sand, loose soil and mud. Travel - Infrequently we will have to visit stores or overnight to attend meetings. Environment - Primarily, it is required to work in a largely active setting. Work is predominantly intellectual and varied and requires the exercise of discretion and judgment. All staff will report to the Director of Operations. We encourage you to ask questions whenever you would like information. If there is a concern which you do not wish to speak to your Vice President of Operations about, you are invited to talk directly to Human Resources. Flexible Schedule