Associate Manager – Somerset, NJ

Overview: This position will assist in overseeing and directing the operations, labor, transportation, customer service, and maintenance functions of the distribution center. In addition to management skills, the position requires a “hands-on” approach including, but not limited to loading/ unloading trucks, yard maintenance, and equipment operation.

Responsibilities:

The Associate Manager is responsible for and will have the authority to accomplish the duties set forth below. They will delegate portions of these responsibilities but may not delegate accountability for the results.

• Directs the daily activities of the nursery labor force as it relates to yard layout, product placement, loading, unloading, organizing, and scheduling. Ensures that these activities are performed correctly.
• Directs the receiving of incoming materials, ensuring quality control checks and accurate counts. Maintains receiving records from purchase orders and timely submission to Office Supervisor for input into the inventory system. Ensures the timely placement of product signage.
• Manages company truck driver activities including hiring and terminations, training, driver Logs, D.O.T. compliance, physicals and drug test compliance, safety compliance.
• Maintains all company trucks & nursery equipment including registrations / permits, maintenance scheduling & record keeping, mileage records, supplies purchasing, scheduling rental trucks
• Directs proper horticultural care and maintenance of all nursery stock including fertilization, pesticide, and herbicide applications.
• Manages consistent and efficient operation of the site irrigation system.
• Directs deployment of yard sales and service personnel to ensure superior customer service throughout all product areas and is personally involved in providing that customer service.
• Maintains inventory control processes (spot counts, inventory turn goals, markdowns, scrap reduction) to maximize site effectiveness.
• Maintains site housekeeping operations both outside and inside the facility, to maintain an attractive, professional, and safe shopping environment for customers.
• Contributes to the recruiting, training, succession planning, and other areas of employee development.
• Assumes the duties and responsibilities of the Assistant Manager in his/her absence and any other duties that may be reasonably assigned.

Requirements:

• 3-5 years retail, wholesale, or landscape, horticultural operations management experience, or a degree from an accredited college or university in horticulture.
• High level of organizational and planning skills with specific ability to prioritize activities.
• Ability and willingness to work in a fast-paced environment with seasonal work demands.
• Ability to work independently yet take a lead role in a team-oriented structure.
• Excellent oral communication and listening skills.
• Physicality is necessary. Must be able to lift 50 pounds with or without assistance.
• Must possess, or acquire and maintain functionality of, a Class B or Class A CDL license.

Salary begins at $55,000