Job Description

Assistant Store Manager-Garden Center

Since 1978, Big Tool Box has been the family-owned hardware haven where "all the expertise is under one roof," putting customer service at the heart of everything it does. Spanning five powerhouse categories--Ace Hardware and Tools for every nut, bolt, and power tool imaginable; the Rental & Repair Center to keep projects moving without breaking the bank; the Highlands Garden Center bursting with plants, soil, and green-thumb guidance; the Lawn & Sprinkler Center for flawless outdoor irrigation and landscape solutions; and the Grillin and Chillin Center stocked with premium BBQ grills and all the accessories for perfect backyard cookouts--Big Tool Box remains the go-to destination for contractors, gardeners, grill masters, and DIYers alike.

Job Summary

Serve as the Assistant Store Manager with primary oversight and focus on the Garden Center (indoor/outdoor sales, live goods, lawn & garden, garden decor, patio furniture) while supporting overall store operations. Drive Garden Center profitability, team performance, and legendary customer service through hands-on leadership, strategic planning, and daily execution. Act as the Manager on Duty during assigned shifts, with full authority for the entire store while maintaining a strong visible presence in the Garden Center. Full-time salaried leadership role with keyholder status, override authority, budget responsibility, and direct path to Store Manager. Praise worthy customer service is our goal in every customer interaction.

Key Responsibilities

Garden Center Leadership & Performance + Oversee all Garden Center operations: live goods purchasing/receiving/credits, merchandising, staffing, inventory accuracy, and seasonal planning.
+ Set and achieve Garden Center sales, gross margin, shrink, and labor targets; analyze weekly P&L and Mango reports to drive improvements.
+ Lead or co-lead Garden Center Assistant Manager, Live Goods Specialist, department supervisors, and 20-40 seasonal associates; write schedules, conduct performance reviews, and develop succession plans.
Modeling & Ensuring Impeccable Customer Service + Spend significant time on the Garden Center floor (indoor aisles + entire outdoor area); personally greet customers, carry heavy items, load vehicles, demo products, and resolve issues to model impeccable service behaviors.
+ Monitor service levels store-wide with special attention to Garden Center: ensure 10-foot/10-second rule, carry-out offers, Ace Rewards attachments, and zero unresolved complaints.
+ Coach associates in real time and recognize outstanding service publicly.
Store-Wide Support & Manager on Duty Duties + Act as MOD on rotating shifts: open/close store, handle escalations, authorize overrides/discounts, coordinate tasks across all departments.
+ Support other departments (Hardware, Paint, Rental/Repair, Electrical) during peaks; ensure seamless integration (e.g., Rental trenchers with Sprinkler sales).
+ Partner with Store Manager on hiring, training programs, safety compliance, and corporate initiatives.
+ Stands in for store manager when store manager is off premises.
Operational Excellence in Garden Center + Approve live goods orders, vendor negotiations, and credit pursuits; ensure flawless receiving and 98%+ inventory accuracy.
+ Direct major seasonal setups (spring color explosion, fall mums/pumpkins, holiday poinsettias) and transitions.
+ Coordinate with Receiving/Warehouse on live pallet priority and Sort & Segregate for plant waste.
+ Oversee BOPUIS fulfillment accuracy and speed for Garden Center online orders.
Financial & Compliance Oversight + Monitor Garden Center expenses (freight, shrink, supplies, labor); achieve budgeted GP% and payroll goals.
+ Ensure compliance with pesticide regulations, propane safety, forklift protocols, and live goods cold-chain standards.
+ Lead or participate in quarterly inventory, vendor audits, and safety walks with Garden Center emphasis.
All other duties as assigned by store management

Required Qualifications and Skills

Education + Bachelor's degree in business, Horticulture, or related field preferred; equivalent experience accepted.
Experience + 3+ years multi-department retail management; 2+ years Garden Center leadership (live goods, seasonal merchandising, outdoor operations) required.
+ Proven track record driving sales, managing large seasonal teams, and achieving shrink/GP targets.
Skills & Abilities + Deep Garden Center expertise (plant knowledge, irrigation, seasonal trends) combined with strong general management skills.
+ Exceptional leadership presence--models impeccable service, develops talent, and holds teams accountable with positivity.
+ Mastery of Ace Vision, Mango analytics, P&L review, scheduling software, and vendor negotiation.
+ Strategic thinker who turns spring weather forecasts into million-dollar Garden Center sales.
Physical Requirements + Walk 10-15 miles per shift across entire store and outdoor garden center.
+ Lift/carry 50+ lbs repeatedly; load vehicles and demo equipment in all weather conditions.
+ Flexible for open-to-close availability, including weekends, holidays, and extended spring/summer hours.
Other + Valid driver's license and ability to operate store vehicles/forklift.
+ Age 18 years or older
+ Full keyholder with highest-level overrides.
+ Passion for creating the #1 Garden Center destination in the community while running a tight, profitable operation.