Receiving Specialist

Gardens Alive Inc•Taft Corners, VT

14d

About The Position

The Receiving Specialist (RS) is responsible for the efficient and accurate flow of inbound product from delivery arrival through placement on the sales floor. This role plays a critical part in the customer experience by partnering with department peers to ensure timely product availability, accurate on-hand inventory, and well-organized stockroom and yard spaces. The Receiving Specialist supports inventory accuracy, operational efficiency, and seasonal staffing needs while handling both live goods and hard goods.

Requirements

Minimum of 2 years of inventory-related experience required.
Experience with POS and inventory management systems required.
Advanced gardening or horticultural knowledge required; 2 years of industry experience preferred.
Proficiency with internet search engines, email, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel required.
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
Ability to remain organized, focused, and calm in a fast-paced environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to read and interpret scientific and technical information.
Ability to learn quickly in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally and 40 lbs regularly.
Availability to work weekends required.
Ability to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions, including heat, cold, and wet environments.
Ability to work in, on, and around heavy equipment.
Capability to perform significant physical activity, including bending, lifting bulky materials, and working above shoulders and below knees regularly.

Nice To Haves

Minimum of 2 years of direct customer service experience preferred.
Advanced gardening or horticultural knowledge required; 2 years of industry experience preferred.
Knowledge of horticultural terminology, plant diseases, and insects preferred.

Responsibilities

Ensure timely and accurate receiving of all inbound and outbound freight, minimizing truck-to-floor delays.
Lead and participate in daily receiving processes for both live goods and hard goods.
Support training and direction of seasonal inventory associates involved in receiving activities.
Act as the primary point person for all inventory flow issues and receiving processes.
Ensure inventory accuracy for multi-store shipments received at the home store.
Initiate and complete cycle counts in assigned product areas in partnership with the Store Manager (SM).
Organize and maintain a clean, safe, and efficient stockroom, backstock, storage containers, and outdoor inventory areas.
Identify and implement opportunities to improve product flow through better organization, communication, training, and process improvements.
Serve as liaison for inbound and return shipments to warehouse, other stores, and freight companies.
Support ongoing communication with seasonal warehouse staff and satellite locations regarding inventory flow and logistics.
Produce and place accurate price tags and identify products suitable for shelf-tag merchandising to reduce cost and workload.
Ensure accurate and timely documentation of all inventory transactions, including receiving, transfers, returns, and vendor shipments.
Assist the buying team with vouchering, invoicing, cycle count issues, vendor communication, and problem resolution as assigned.
Support purchasing processes including vendor contact, return authorizations, claims, and special orders as needed.
Partner with the SM to prioritize daily task lists for seasonal inventory associates in live goods and hard goods areas.
Provide ongoing feedback to the SM and buying team to improve purchasing decisions, reduce out-of-stocks, and respond to hot sellers.
Provide POS and sales floor coverage as assigned/needed.
Perform carry-out duties and other responsibilities as needed.
Maintain punctuality and flexibility in scheduling, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and seasonal overtime.
Provide exceptional customer service across all departments of the garden center.
Represent company values through professional conduct, appearance, and communication in all situations.
Promote a positive, inclusive, and respectful work environment that supports diversity, equity, and inclusion.