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About Us:

At Esbenshade’s, we’re more than just a garden center — we’re a family-owned business with deep roots and a passion for helping brands grow online and in-store. Our team thrives on innovation, creativity and the entrepreneurial spirit that has shaped our success for over 60 years. We believe in empowering our people, building strong vendor partnerships and maintaining a culture that values both hard work and a sense of family. Join us and be part of a company that’s growing fast, thinking big and staying true to its core values.

Benefits:

• 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:

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Store Manager to oversee operations of our Lititz retail location and to contribute as a key member of our buying team for our premier garden center locations. This leadership role combines high-level store management with strategic retail buying, ensuring exceptional customer experience, optimized product mix and efficient day-to-day operations. The position requires a strong understanding of nursery operations, garden center retail and seasonal plant trends, with a hands-on, team-oriented management style.

Key Responsibilities:

Store Operations Management

• Lead and manage daily operations of our Lititz retail garden center location, including nursery, greenhouse, garden center, design, perennials and cashier/customer service departments.
• Ensure the location meets or exceeds performance, sales and customer service goals.
• Implement consistent operational standards, visual merchandising and health & safety protocols.

Team Leadership & Development

• Train and mentor department managers, department leaders and retail associates.
• Foster a positive, customer-focused culture through consistent coaching, support and recognition.
• Develop and execute staff scheduling, performance evaluations and team development plans.

Retail Buying & Merchandising

• Serve as a key member of our buying team for all Garden Center product categories (garden center, pottery, seeds & bulbs, patio furniture and birding departments). Opportunity to serve as the Lead Buyer with relevant experience.
  • Annual show ordering, pre-season ordering of core item assortments, closeout and special buying opportunities for all three retail locations.
  • Provide assistance and guidance to Garden Center department managers with in-season buying, as well as assortments outside of the core items
  • Monitor inventory levels and coordinate logistics to ensure optimal stock distribution across stores within the Garden Center product categories.
• Analyze sales trends, customer preferences and seasonal demands to forecast inventory needs and purchasing strategies.
• Establish and maintain relationships with vendors, negotiate pricing and terms and manage purchase orders and delivery timelines.
• Plan and execute promotional strategies and visual merchandising in collaboration with marketing and department level management teams.

Customer Experience & Service

• Maintain high standards of customer service and satisfaction.
• Resolve escalated customer concerns promptly and professionally.
• Collaborate with all department level managers to ensure seamless service delivery from purchase to checkout.

Financial & Reporting

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

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in retail management, preferably in the garden center or nursery industry.
• Proven experience in retail buying, purchasing strategy and vendor management.
• Strong leadership, team building and people management skills.
• Knowledge of horticulture, plant care and seasonal product cycles.
• Exceptional organizational, analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency with POS systems, inventory software and retail operations tools.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Skills:

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

Work Schedule

• Average 45 hours/week – Monday through Saturday
• Closed Sundays – Every other Saturday during regular season with weekday off
• Every Saturday during Spring busy Season and Christmas Holiday
• Shared responsibility for store opening/closing with other managers

Interested candidates should submit cover letter & resume to: [email protected]