Schilling’s Garden Market is a destination property that offers a truly memorable shopping experience, from the unique plants in our nursery to the curated wares in our farm stand. We are located on the Old Bend Redmond Highway, tucked into the Central Oregon landscape. As a family owned and oriented retail garden market, our nursery specializes in hardy perennials, trees, and shrubs for the High Desert region.
We are in search of an experienced individual to fill the Horticultural Product Manager position. This role is responsible for overseeing all activities relating to researching, acquiring and promoting products on behalf of the nursery. Ideal candidates will bring extensive knowledge of landscape plants and nursery products, strong inventory management skills, and administrative competence.
This is a full-time, year-round position with consistent hours available February through December.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Sourcing and Procurement:
Identify and establish relationships with reliable suppliers of nursery stock, including trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, and other plant materials.
Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts with suppliers to ensure competitive pricing and favorable terms.
Monitor market trends and industry developments to stay informed about new plant varieties, emerging trends, and innovations in nursery products.
Continuously evaluate supplier performance and quality to maintain high standards of plant material.
Maximize profit margins and buying power for the organization through implementing purchasing procedures. This would include seeking out buying cooperatives, review of early order options, pre-order options and bulk purchase pricing.
Product delivery coordination to include:
-Scheduling delivery and pickup and drop-offs which can include various locations.
-Collaborate with operations team for delivery scheduling, product receiving/offload, and retail placement.
-Collaborate with the Marketing & Events Manager for special event product orders.
Inventory Management:
Develop and maintain inventory plans based on sales forecasts, seasonal demands, and customer preferences.
Review sales figures weekly, monthly, and yearly to maintain profitability.
Implement inventory control measures to minimize shrinkage and waste.
Regularly assess inventory turnover rates and adjust purchasing strategies accordingly.
Maximize time, cost and quality in the retail store through regular inventory cycle checks and inventory counts.
Maintain appropriate inventory control and building stock in anticipation of peak seasons and reducing in slow seasons.
Product Quality and Compliance:
Conduct regular quality inspections of incoming plant shipments to ensure adherence to established standards.
Collaborate with growers and suppliers to address quality issues and implement corrective actions as needed.
Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, including plant health certifications, quarantine regulations, and import/export restrictions.
Organize and lead product training with staff.
Collaboration and Communication:
Work closely with sales, marketing, and operations teams to understand customer preferences and market demands.
Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders to coordinate purchasing activities and optimize inventory levels.
Provide product knowledge training and support to sales staff to enhance customer service and sales effectiveness.
Collaborate with owners and the operations team in developing and maintaining design and layout each season for the nursery and greenhouses.
Assist designing an effective use of nursery property for product while allowing space for events and facility rentals.
Customer Relations, Wholesale: Provide point of contact for the nursery wholesale program. This includes maintaining/improving wholesale program business outline, terms and processes, seeking out new wholesale clients, sourcing wholesale materials, and wholesale sale logistics.
Research and Innovation:
Stay abreast of industry trends, horticultural advancements, and new plant introductions through research and networking.
Collaborate with suppliers, growers, and industry experts to identify and introduce innovative plant varieties and products.
Explore opportunities for sustainable sourcing practices and environmentally friendly products.
Miscellaneous:
Assist in retail floor coverage when staffing needs are low and/or when customer feedback and interaction is necessary for product movement.
All other duties assigned.
REQUIREMENTS & EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
Must be flexible as day-to-day tasks may vary and be able to work in stressful situations.
Proven analytical and quantitative skills.
Proven experience in nursery operations, plant procurement, or horticultural supply chain management.
Strong negotiation skills and ability to build and maintain supplier relationships.
Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
Proficiency in inventory management systems, point of sale systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
Knowledge of plant identification, horticultural practices, and pest/disease management.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
Willingness to wear a uniform and have a clean and tidy appearance.
Ability to work in different weather conditions with exposure to variable elements.
Capable of walking and standing for extended periods of time.
Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds (following appropriate safety protocol).
Available to work 6 days a week during peak season.
Compensation: $24.00 - $28.00/hour (dependent on experience)
Benefits:
Employee retail discounts
Comprehensive benefit package including paid time off, medical/dental insurance, participation with an employer match in a 401k plan
Please respond to this ad with the following:
A relevant, up-to-date resume
A cover letter briefing your overall experience in the plant world, and telling us why you are interested in joining our team