Assistant Dept Manager

Location: Retail Stores (Overland Park, Shawnee, and Liberty) and Farm Locations (Wolcott and Donahoo)

About the Role

The Assistant Department Manager leads teams within the assigned department, working directly with the team to deliver a high level of service, a core value of Family Tree Nursery. This role involves hands-on leadership, collaboration with team members, and effective management of processes and products. The Assistant Department Manager assists in onboarding, training, and holding team members accountable to the company’s mission, core values, and expectations. Innovation in buying decisions and clear communication with team members, guests, and external vendors are vital to ensuring the success of the entire store.

Responsibilities

• Lead the department team to achieve goals of excellent guest service and a unique shopping experience, aligning with the company’s mission, vision, and core values.
• Manage core processes and tasks within the department as directed by the Department Manager.
• Hold team members accountable to core processes, procedures, and values.
• Cultivate a strong culture of guest experience, ensuring guests are greeted, understood, engaged, and provided with solutions.
• Open and close the location as needed.
• Support and communicate with General Manager, Location Manager, Department Managers, and Department Team.
• Assess and oversee staffing schedules based on the needs of the Department Manager.
• Manage execution of departmental daily task lists with oversight from the Department Manager.
• Foster a culture of commitment, urgency, and accountability.
• Oversee guest relations and services.
• Onboard and train team members.
• Maintain cleanliness and safety throughout the department.
• Communicate with the Department Manager regarding call-ins and schedule changes.
• Ensure all communication is timely and professional.
• Operate equipment such as pallet jacks, forklifts, skid steers, cart tugs, or other vehicles (requires a clean driving record).
• Work in other areas of the business, including front-end, store operations, receiving, and production.

Requirements

• 1-3+ years of professional and leadership experience in horticulture, greenhouse production, green industry sales, garden center management, retail management, or other plant-based industries.
• Strong product knowledge and sales proficiency.
• Ability to direct processes within the department as directed.
• Understanding of integrated pest management techniques, which may involve the use of chemicals.

Essential Functions

• Work in varying weather conditions, including hot, humid, cold, wet, or dry environments.
• Lift, carry, and maneuver heavy or awkward items exceeding 50 pounds, using proper techniques and requesting assistance when needed.
• Work on surfaces such as gravel, concrete, mud, or dirt.
• Be available to work weekends, evenings, early mornings, and holidays.
• Work six days a week for at least four months per year (March, April, May, and additional flex months like September and/or November).
• Stand and walk for multiple hours at a time with breaks as required by law.
• Operate effectively in a fast-paced setting with various individuals and teams.
• Strong technological acumen, including proficiency with Microsoft products and point-of-sale (POS) systems.