Retail Nursery Yard Manager

Join Hicks Nurseries - Long Island's Largest Garden Center!

Located in Westbury, NY | $40 Million Annual Revenue | Retail & Wholesale

The Nursery Manager is responsible for overseeing all retail operations related to outdoor green goods, including trees, shrubs, perennials, Christmas greens, and seasonal products. This position drives customer satisfaction, team development, operational excellence, and profitable sales growth while ensuring the highest standards of merchandising, plant care, and customer service.

We are seeking an experienced and passionate retail leader to manage our Nursery and Seasonal Products departments. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, plant knowledge, merchandising expertise, and a commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences. This role works closely with Human Resources, Buying, Visual Merchandising, and Store Leadership teams to ensure successful department operations and sales performance.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Development

• Recruit, hire, and train new team members in partnership with Human Resources.
• Lead, coach, and develop employees to maximize performance and career growth opportunities.
• Conduct performance reviews, compensation discussions, and employee evaluations.
• Identify and develop high-potential employees for advancement within the company.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and operational standards.
• Foster a positive, productive, and customer-focused work environment.

Financial Management & Budget Oversight

• Develop and manage labor budgets and staffing plans.
• Monitor departmental expenses, supplies, and operating costs.
• Analyze financial performance and sales results against established goals.
• Provide regular reporting and recommendations to improve profitability and operational efficiency.

Store Leadership & Manager on Duty Responsibilities

• Serve as Manager on Duty as assigned by the Retail General Manager.
• Open and close the store following established procedures.
• Ensure employees are meeting daily objectives and providing exceptional customer service.
• Monitor store standards and ensure operational processes are consistently followed.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for customer and visitor concerns requiring management support.

Nursery Sales & Merchandising Management

• Oversee merchandising and sales of nursery stock, including trees, shrubs, perennials, and seasonal products.
• Develop and strengthen the sales skills of department staff.
• Ensure merchandising standards, inventory systems, and sales processes are effectively executed.
• Maintain organized, clean, attractive, and customer-friendly retail displays and sales areas.

Nursery Operations & Inventory Management

• Manage the planning, merchandising, and maintenance of all Nursery department areas.
• Collaborate with the Visual Merchandising team to execute seasonal displays, transitions, and promotional setups.
• Develop and monitor replenishment systems to maintain product availability.
• Ensure efficient product flow from receiving to sales floor.

Plant Care & Maintenance

• Develop, document, and maintain plant care programs and operational procedures.
• Train and schedule staff to perform proper plant maintenance practices.
• Monitor plant health and maintenance activities, making adjustments as needed.
• Ensure timely response to plant quality concerns and inventory maintenance requirements.

Buying Team Collaboration

• Serve as the primary liaison between the Nursery department and the Buying team.
• Provide input and recommendations for merchandise planning and product selection.
• Communicate sales trends, inventory levels, display needs, signage requirements, and customer requests.
• Assist buyers in identifying opportunities to improve product offerings and meet customer demand.

Training & Professional Development

• Conduct and participate in product knowledge and sales training programs.
• Attend and contribute to monthly store meetings, training sessions, and educational forums.
• Participate in industry seminars, workshops, and professional development opportunities.
• Continuously expand horticultural and retail knowledge through learning and collaboration with industry experts.

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in special projects and company initiatives as assigned.
• Provide support to other departments and store operations as needed.
• Contribute to the overall success of the retail operation through teamwork and collaboration.
• · 5 years of experience managing sales and related operational functions and processes at a retail establishment
• 5 years of experience managing people in a retail environment
• Associates degree or equivalent
• Computer literate, including Microsoft Office products
• Ability to learn computer systems that are new to you
• Attention to detail
• Able to juggle multiple tasks
• Ability to communicate effectively in English - reading, orally, and in writing
• Ability to operate a forklift, skid steer, and other equipment safely and effectively

Position Preferences

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent
• Ornamental horticultural knowledge
• 5 years' experience in the garden center industry
• Ability to communicate effectively in Spanish

Work Requirements

• Near-constant physical activity required, including standing, walking, reaching, bending, lifting,

climbing, pushing, pulling, squeezing, and grasping.

• Fine motor skills requirements include peeling off labels from a strip of labels, keyboarding,

using a computer mouse, and writing.

• Must be able to lift 10 lbs. consistently and 50 lbs. occasionally.

Work Environment

• Fast paced.
• Team focus.
• Indoor and outdoor activities in all types of weather conditions.
• Environment where noise level varies but can be loud at times.