Job Title: Buyer & Department Manager
Reports To: Vice President of Purchasing and Store Manager
Department: Garden Solutions
Position Overview:
As the Buyer and Department Manager for our Garden Center, you will oversee the daily
operations of the department while managing purchasing, inventory, and merchandising of many
garden-related products. This role combines strategic buying, team leadership, customer service,
and hands-on gardening management to ensure a high-quality product selection and exceptional
customer experience. You will act as the main point of contact between our company and
suppliers, manage the procurement process, and lead the department to meet sales goals, quality
standards, and customer satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities:
Buyer Responsibilities:
- Product Procurement: Source, negotiate, and purchase soil, fertilizers, garden tools, and
accessories, ensuring the availability of merchandise that meets the needs of our
customers (e.g., size, quality, quantity). - Vendor Relations: Act as the company’s agent with vendors, negotiating quality, price,
terms, and service. Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure timely,
cost-effective deliveries. - Sourcing & Trends: Attend trade shows, seminars, and visit nurseries to find new
products. Research market trends and stay updated on customer preferences to keep the
product assortment current and competitive. - Inventory Management: Monitor inventory levels, conduct trend analysis, and adjust
purchasing plans accordingly to avoid stockouts or overstocking. Ensure products are
available when needed, and coordinate shipments. - Freight Management: Review freight costs regularly to ensure products are delivered at
the most economical rate. - Product Evaluation: Select superior products by evaluating quality standards, consumer
appeal, and suitability for use in Tidewater Virginia. Provide feedback to vendors to
improve product offerings and service.
Department Management Responsibilities:
- Team Leadership: Lead, motivate, and train a team of associates, providing ongoing
development to ensure top-notch customer service and efficient department operations. - Customer Engagement: Assist customers with plant selection, gardening advice, and
other related needs. Provide personalized guidance to develop customer loyalty and
satisfaction. - Product Presentation: Maintain attractive and organized product displays both indoors
and outdoors. Oversee the visual merchandising of garden products, ensuring compliance
with company standards. - Sales & Inventory Control: Manage daily operations of the department, monitor sales
targets, and ensure the department achieves its sales goals. - Health and Safety: Ensure compliance with safety protocols, maintaining a safe working
environment for employees and customers. - Cross-Department Support: Assist in the operations of other departments as needed to
ensure overall store success and collaborate with other department managers.
Purchasing & Pricing:
- Price Calculation: Set retail prices based on factors like cost, value, market trends, unit
cost, and gross margin goals. Review inventory and adjust prices based on product
demand, inflation, and availability. - Liaison with Stores: Coordinate with stores to ensure timely deliveries, and
communicate with department managers about delivery schedules. - Promotions and Discounts: Collaborate with the marketing team to plan promotions and
ensure pricing is updated in the system for special offers and discounts.
Merchandising & Marketing:
- Marketing Coordination: Work closely with the marketing team to provide product
information and plans for seasonal promotions. Order signs and tags to support product
movement. - Product Development & Training: Develop training programs for staff on new
products, sales techniques, and seasonal merchandise. Write promotional materials,
labels, and handouts. - Point of Purchase Displays: Develop and implement point-of-purchase displays to
attract customers and drive sales.
Reporting & Analysis:
- Sales & Inventory Analysis: Use the company’s reporting systems to analyze sales,
trends, and inventory levels. Prepare reports on promotions and product success. - Vendor Feedback: Provide feedback to vendors to improve product offerings,
warranties, and service. - Gross Profit Management: Ensure the desired gross margin is met by calculating
necessary sales and maintaining profitability.
Training and Development:
- Staff Training: Develop and conduct training programs on new products, services, and
processes. Train a suitable replacement to take charge in your absence. - Continuous Improvement: Stay current on industry trends and product knowledge to
drive innovation and enhance the customer experience.
Qualifications:
Education & Experience:
o A two-year degree in business, horticulture, or a related field is preferred.
o At least three years of retail management experience, preferably in a garden
center or similar retail environment.
o Knowledge of horticulture, garden center operations, and related products.
o Proficiency with computer systems (Excel, Word, POS, and inventory
management systems like Eagle Browser).
Skills:
o Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
o Strong analytical abilities with experience in trend analysis, inventory
management, and sales forecasting.
o Ability to negotiate and build strong relationships with vendors.
o Experience managing and developing a team.
o Basic knowledge of gardening and horticultural products is preferred.
o Willingness to learn, with a strong enthusiasm for the gardening industry.
Physical Activity Requirements:
- Lifting: Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
- Movement: Requires bending, kneeling, crouching, climbing, reaching, and walking on
various surfaces (paved, unpaved, gravel, sand, etc.). - Manual Dexterity: Ability to handle tools and equipment safely, including operating a
forklift and front-end loader.
Work Environment:
- Work both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain,
and pollen. - Ability to manage a team and customer relations in a busy, fast-paced environment.
Travel:
- Participate in a minimum of three buying trips annually, averaging three days and two
nights per buying trip.
This position is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about horticulture, leadership,
and retail management. If you thrive in a dynamic environment and have a strong interest in
gardening, we encourage you to apply!