Store Manager - Lititz Garden Center

Job Description

Job Description

Store Manager – Lititz Garden Center

About Esbenshade’s

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

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

What we are looking for:

We’re looking for a hands-on, people-first Store Manager to lead our Lititz location and help deliver exceptional customer experience in one of the region’s premier garden retail environments. This role is ideal for a strong retail leader who enjoys building teams, driving results, and creating an inspiring in-store experience. If you thrive in a fast-moving, seasonal business and have a passion for plants, merchandising, and customer service, we’d love to hear from you.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $62,000–$65,000

Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
• 401(k) and Roth IRA options
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Generous employee discount
• Competitive paid time off (PTO)

Position Overview

Esbenshade’s is seeking an experienced, motivated Store Manager to lead operations at our Lititz retail location. This role blends hands-on leadership with strategic oversight across store operations, team development, merchandising, and customer experience.

The ideal candidate brings strong retail management experience, a passion for horticulture or garden retail, and the ability to lead teams in a fast-paced, seasonal environment. This is an opportunity to shape the customer experience, drive store performance, and help lead a growing business with a strong community presence.

Key Responsibilities

Store Operations

• Oversee the 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, and operational goals.
• Maintain high standards for store presentation, operational consistency, and safety.

Team Leadership & Development

• 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, and team development.

Merchandising & Inventory

• 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.

Customer Experience

• Maintain exceptional service standards throughout the store.
• Resolve escalated customer concerns professionally and promptly.
• Work closely with department leaders to ensure a seamless experience from shopping to checkout.

Financial Performance & Reporting

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

Qualifications

• 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

Preferred Qualifications

• Horticulture certification or related education
• Experience with visual merchandising in a garden retail environment
• Familiarity with design/build retail services or landscaping support

Work Schedule

• Average of 45 hours per week, Monday through Saturday
• Closed Sundays
• Every other Saturday during the regular season, with a weekday off
• Required availability every Saturday during spring peak season and the Christmas holiday season
• Shared responsibility for store opening and closing with other managers