Nursery Lead - Hadley MA

Gardens Alive•Hadley, MA

About The Position

The Nursery Lead oversees the daily operations of the Nursery and Perennials sales area, driving sales to achieve goals, service, and productivity. As the store’s horticulture expert in perennials, trees, and shrubs, this role ensures customers receive expert guidance for gardening success. The Nursery Lead is responsible for training, coaching, and motivating staff to deliver exceptional service and maintain high merchandising standards. Requirements The Nursery Lead oversees the daily operations of the Nursery and Perennials sales area, driving sales to achieve goals, service, and productivity. As the store’s horticulture expert in perennials, trees, and shrubs, this role ensures customers receive expert guidance for gardening success. The Nursery Lead is responsible for training, coaching, and motivating staff to deliver exceptional service and maintain high merchandising standards.

Requirements

3+ years of sales and customer service experience in the horticulture or green goods business.
Strong knowledge of horticulture, including plant identification, disease and pest management, and industry terminology.
Strong problem-solving, organizational, and multitasking skills in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent communication and customer service skills, with the ability to research and resolve issues.
Proven leadership experience in a team setting.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, POS systems, and Internet search tools; ability to learn new software quickly.
Valid driver’s license required.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Ability to regularly lift 30-50 lbs. and perform physical labor.
Adherence to all company policies and safety regulations.

Responsibilities

Ensure prompt and effective resolution of customer concerns, collaborating with management to address recurring issues.
Deliver exceptional customer service across all departments, setting the standard for engagement and sales support.
Lead and train staff in customer service, product knowledge, and plant maintenance.
Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and development to improve customer experience, efficiency, safety, and compliance.
Maintain a neat, organized, and visually inspiring nursery space, managing seasonal changeovers, inventory transfers, and merchandising.
Oversee green goods care, including watering, pruning, pest management, and weather-related protection.
Plan and delegate meaningful tasks to ensure productivity, even in the Nursery Lead’s absence.
Communicate effectively with buying, receiving, operations, and management teams to maintain optimal inventory flow and quality.
Collaborate with the receiving and delivery teams to ensure materials are properly treated for pests, organized upon receipt, and coordinated for delivery.
Participate in Cycle Count and Physical Inventory processes to maintain accurate inventory and reduce shrink.
Oversee Green Goods receiving, coordinating deliveries with the team, and ensuring any special-order plants are separated from the retail store merchandising space.
Participate in safety initiatives, ensuring a safe environment for employees and customers.
Perform MOD duties, including opening/closing procedures and staff oversight.
Supports company initiatives, events, and promotions by remaining informed on offers and sustainable gardening solutions.
Takes personal accountability for representing company values in all situations (service, dress code, interpersonal skills).
Promotes a positive work environment through an inclusive and respectful approach.
Celebrates and encourages diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
Leads change with a positive and growth mindset, supporting others through transitions and improvements.
Other duties as assigned.