Garden Goods Department Manager

Garden Goods Manager

The Bruce Company is proud to be a local, family-run landscaping company that's been in business for 70 years. We are passionate about achieving incredible results for our customers and offer an exciting and collaborative company culture where our employees grow along with our company.

We are currently seeking a Green Goods Manager with customer service or retail industry experience to join our Garden Center Retail Team. If you are dedicated to customer success and love learning new skills we would like to learn more about you!

Why Choose The Bruce Company?

• Work/Life Balance:
  Enjoy work/life balance with weekly pay and year-round benefits.
• Team-oriented:
  Learn and develop many new skills to help you succeed in your career.
• Prestigious Work:
  Work in one of the largest Garden Centers in Dane County.
• Career Development:
  Establish and develop your career with Southern Wisconsin's leader in landscaping and Garden Centers

Position Summary

The Garden Goods Manager provides strategic leadership for the Garden Goods department by driving sales performance, enhancing the customer experience, and fostering a positive and engaging work environment. This role oversees daily operations, merchandising execution, sales training, staff development, inventory performance, and the overall financial success of the department.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and promote a customer-first culture that encourages repeat business, sales growth, and exceptional service.
• Establish department goals related to sales performance, customer experience, operational efficiency, and team development.
• Analyze department metrics, sales trends, and key performance indicators to identify opportunities for improvement and increased profitability.
• Coach and develop staff to strengthen product knowledge, selling techniques, customer engagement, and teamwork.
• Train employees on effective sales behaviors, add-on selling opportunities, and customer service expectations to maximize sales and customer satisfaction.
• Serve as the department subject matter expert and provide leadership, training, and daily support to staff.
• Partner with the Garden Goods Buyer to maintain an effective product assortment, inventory levels, and sell-through performance.
• Collaborate with the Customer Experience team to enhance merchandising, displays, signage, and product presentation that supports sales growth and customer engagement.
• Utilize sales and inventory data to improve financial performance and operational decision-making.
• Lead team meetings to communicate sales goals, promotions, product focus areas, advertising initiatives, and employee recognition.
• Partner with the Retail Manager and Human Resources to support recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and staffing plans.
• Support employee retention and career development through coaching, performance feedback, and individualized development plans.
• Manage staffing and scheduling to ensure operational efficiency, sales floor coverage, and exceptional customer service.
• Provide regular updates to the Retail Manager regarding department performance, strategic initiatives, sales results, expenses, and operational needs.
• Proactively resolve operational challenges and employee concerns in a timely and professional manner.
• Maintain high standards for department appearance, cleanliness, organization, merchandising, and safety.
• Support company initiatives, including operational improvements and technology advancements that enhance the customer experience and drive sales.
• Coordinate with the Facilities Manager to ensure proper maintenance of retail and storage areas.
• Maintain flexibility to work varied retail hours, including weekends, holidays, and peak seasonal periods as needed.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly supervise department employees and provide leadership support to the broader retail team.
• Participate in employee hiring, training, performance management, disciplinary action, and termination processes in partnership with the Store Manager and Human Resources.
• Oversee the productivity, sales performance, and development of full-time, part-time, and seasonal staff.
• Train and onboard new employees by…