Fresh Design Operations Manager

Bachman's Inc.•Minneapolis, MN

9d•$70,000 - $82,000

About The Position

The Fresh Design Operations Manager oversees Bachman’s fresh design operation, including floral design, planter production, weddings and events, inventory management, and receiving. The role leads the people, processes, and operational strategy that support the flow from receiving products through production of floral arrangements and event designs. This hands-on leadership position balances team development, production operations, and business results. It oversees daily production, staffing and scheduling, seasonal planning, department financial performance, and collaboration with other departments. Weekend, early-morning, event, and extended hours are required during peak periods.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience leading production or operations teams, with knowledge of floral products, care, and handling.
Demonstrated conflict management skills, including addressing disagreements directly and fairly, mediating between individuals and teams, and reaching clear resolutions.
Proven cross-functional leadership and ability to build strong working relationships and lead collaboration across departments to achieve shared goals.
Strong accountability, including taking ownership of results, maintaining clear standards, and following through on commitments.
Change leadership experience and ability to guide a team through organizational change with clarity, confidence, and consistency.
Calm, poised, and professional demeanor, especially under pressure, during peak periods, and in difficult conversations.
Supervisory training and experience in hiring, scheduling, performance management (including discipline), and maintaining employee morale in a productive environment.
Ability to respond positively and lead teams through stressful situations and peak business periods.
Ability to plan and execute seasonal peaks and everyday activities.
Deep understanding of spoilage principles and activities.
Operational skills to lead and organize an effective, efficient physical workspace.
Exceptional communication skills for providing work direction and addressing performance issues.
Ability to resolve interdepartmental issues involving inventory, labor, schedules, employee issues, and special-order coordination.
Reading and math skills to research and analyze business and operational effectiveness and efficiency in support of business goals.
Technology skills, including email, Excel, and Bachman’s sales and inventory systems.
Financial management experience for a production operation, including labor budgets, inventory, and shrink.
Ability to meet the physical requirements of standing for most of the day, frequently lifting 10–30 pounds and occasionally lifting 50 pounds, pushing and pulling loaded carts daily, and working in temperature variations including a refrigerated cooler.
Availability for weekend, early-morning, event, and extended hours during peak periods.

Nice To Haves

Floral design skills and knowledge of design products and techniques.
Experience in high-volume floral, horticultural, or similar production operations, such as a multi-unit florist, wholesale floral business, grocery floral operation, or food production.
Experience leading other leaders and teams of 20 or more.
P&L responsibility for a multi-million-dollar operation.
Experience with weddings and events or other custom, quote-based work.
Experience rebuilding team morale after a period of change.

Responsibilities

Lead, coach, and develop supervisors, designers, and production staff across floral design, planter production, events, and receiving.
Manage hiring, onboarding, performance reviews, employee development, and scheduling.
Foster a positive, collaborative culture and lead teams through peak seasons and organizational change.
Oversee daily floral, planter, and event production to ensure quality, efficiency, and on-time order completion.
Plan production schedules, allocate labor, and maintain organized workspaces, inventory controls, and operational standards.
Partner with team leads to manage receiving, cooler operations, and production workflows.
Support the growth and profitability of the weddings and events business.
Balance event production with everyday operations while meeting pricing, margin, and customer satisfaction goals.
Lead holiday and peak-season planning, including staffing, production schedules, and resource allocation.
Manage department performance, including sales, margins, labor, inventory, and controllable expenses.
Drive productivity improvements, minimize waste, and support budget goals through effective planning and resource management.
Review business results and identify opportunities for operational and financial improvement.
Partner with Merchandising, Marketing, Operations, Finance, Stores, and IT to improve processes, solve problems, and support successful product launches.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives that increase efficiency, communication, and teamwork across departments.
Support special projects and other duties as assigned.