Step into a leadership role where your passion for horticulture, customer engagement, and team development will blossom. Our client—a long-established leader in the garden center industry—is seeking a motivated Assistant Manager to help drive operational excellence and customer satisfaction in a dynamic retail setting. With over 130 years of innovation and industry leadership, our client provides not only products but memorable experiences, cultivating a strong community of garden enthusiasts.
Why This Role?
This is more than just retail—it’s an opportunity to grow your career in a business where nature meets leadership. As an Assistant Manager, you’ll be part of a structured 16-week training program combining hands-on experience and classroom instruction in retail operations, horticulture, financials, and team leadership. You’ll gain valuable skills that prepare you for higher-level management roles while working closely with seasoned professionals who are invested in your development.
Key Responsibilities:
- Serve as a brand ambassador, delivering exceptional customer service and horticultural knowledge.
- Lead, coach, and inspire a team of 10–20 employees across sales, merchandising, and operations.
- Assist in recruiting, training, and developing store associates; support performance reviews and ongoing development.
- Drive customer engagement and satisfaction by modeling outstanding service and resolving concerns.
- Partner with the Store Manager to oversee daily operations, staffing, scheduling, and KPI achievement.
- Manage inventory, ordering, and receiving processes to ensure product availability and quality.
- Oversee visual merchandising, display execution, and store appearance—including general upkeep and watering schedules.
- Monitor and support adherence to company policies, financial goals, and operational procedures.
- Conduct safety audits, daily inspections, and ensure compliance with all workplace safety standards.
- Act as Manager on Duty in the Store Manager’s absence.
- Attend monthly staff meetings and contribute to a collaborative team environment.
What We’re Looking For:
- Prior retail management or supervisory experience (garden center or similar industry preferred).
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a talent for motivating and mentoring others.
- Proven ability to drive sales and deliver excellent customer service.
- Working knowledge of inventory management, merchandising, and basic financials.
- Interest in or knowledge of horticulture (Master Gardener or Certified Nursery Professional is a plus).
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, physical environment with varying weather conditions.
- Willingness to learn and grow through structured training and hands-on leadership.
Location and Work Arrangements:
- Full-time, on-site position.
- Thousand Oaks, CA
Compensation:
Hourly pay: $25.00–$30.00/hour (commensurate with experience)
Comprehensive benefits including:
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Paid time off and paid holidays
401(k) retirement plan
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
Employee discount program
Life insurance
Why Join Our Client?
You’ll join a respected organization with deep roots and a progressive outlook. With a supportive training environment, strong community connections, and a commitment to sustainability and education, our client offers more than a job—it’s a place to plant your future and watch it grow. The company embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion and welcomes candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Reasonable accommodations and flexible arrangements can be made to support success in the role.
