Garden Center Store Manager & Buyer

Nursery, Greenhouse, Garden Center, Design, Perennials and Cashier/Customer Service

Director of Retail Operations

Permanent, Full-Time

Full-Time, In Person

5+ years of retail management experience, preferably in the garden center, nursery, or related retail industry.

$62,000-$65,000 annually

Esbenshade's is more than a garden center. We are a family-owned business with deep roots, a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for helping things grow. For more than 60 years, we have built our reputation on innovation, exceptional customer service and lasting vendor partnerships.

We are proud of a culture that values hard work, creativity, collaboration and family. As we continue to grow, we are looking for leaders who want to make an impact while staying grounded in the values that define us.

The Store Manager is responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of the Lititz retail location and delivering an exceptional customer experience in one of the region's premier garden retail environments. This role blends hands-on leadership with strategic oversight across store operations, team development, merchandising, inventory, financial performance and customer service.

The ideal candidate is a people-first retail leader who enjoys building teams, driving results and creating an inspiring in-store experience. This role requires strong retail management experience, a passion for horticulture or garden retail and the ability to lead teams in a fast-paced, seasonal environment.

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the Lititz retail location, including nursery, greenhouse, garden center, design, perennials and cashier/customer service departments.
• Ensure the store meets or exceeds sales, service, operational and safety goals.
• Maintain high standards for store presentation, operational consistency, cleanliness and safety.
• Partner with department managers and store leadership to support a seamless customer experience from shopping to checkout.

• Lead, coach and support department managers, team leads and retail associates.
• Foster a positive, customer-focused culture built on accountability, teamwork and recognition.
• Manage staffing, scheduling, performance reviews, coaching and team development.
• Support team members in delivering knowledgeable, friendly and solution-oriented customer service.

• Partner with the Lead Buyer on product categories including garden center, pottery, seeds and bulbs, patio furniture and birding.
• Support department managers and the retail buyer with in-season purchasing and product assortment decisions beyond core items.
• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate product flow to optimize stock across stores within assigned categories.
• Analyze sales trends, seasonal demand and customer preferences to support purchasing and inventory planning.
• Collaborate with marketing, buying and department leaders to execute promotions and visual merchandising plans.

• Maintain exceptional service standards throughout the store.
• Resolve escalated customer concerns professionally and promptly.
• Work closely with department leaders to ensure departments are well-stocked, attractive, easy to shop and aligned with seasonal needs.

• Support the Director of Retail Operations in achieving budget, revenue and profitability goals.
• Review store performance metrics, identify opportunities and implement improvement plans.
• Ensure accuracy in POS systems, pricing, inventory management and reporting.

• Minimum of 5 years of retail management experience, preferably in the garden center, nursery, or related retail industry.
• Demonstrated success in team leadership, store operations and performance management.
• Experience with retail buying, purchasing strategy and vendor relationships.
• Knowledge of horticulture, plant care and seasonal product cycles.
• Strong organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with POS systems, inventory software and retail operations tools.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Horticulture certification or related education preferred.
• Experience with visual merchandising in a garden retail environment preferred.
• Familiarity with design/build retail services or landscaping support preferred.

• Full-time…