Outdoor Sales & Perennial Department Lead

Outdoor Sales & Perennial Department Lead

(Seasonal, Full Time March - December) 

About Shelmerdine Garden Centre Ltd.

For over 89 years, Shelmerdine has been Manitoba’s premier destination for gardening, home décor, and fashion. As a local business, we take pride in our welcoming work environment, where teamwork, learning, and passion for plants thrive.

We operate one of the largest garden centers in the province, offering high-quality plants, gardening essentials, and unique retail experiences. Our greenhouse production ensures a vibrant selection of homegrown plants each season.

At Shelmerdine, we believe in growth—both for our plants and our people. We invest in employee development, encourage long-term careers, and make work fun. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering a creative and inspiring workplace.

Why Join Us?

• Exclusive Discounts – Enjoy special savings on plants, garden products, and more!
• Great Work Environment – Join a team where collaboration, accountability and fun make every day enjoyable
• Nature All Day, Every Day – Swap the office for a greenhouse and surround yourself with lush greenery.
• Room to Grow – Show your skills, and you may have the chance to transition into another department after the planting season.

Position Overview:
The Outdoor Sales & Perennial Department Lead, reporting to the General Manager is a seasonal leadership role responsible for overseeing daily operations within the Outdoor Sales, Nursery, and Perennials areas. This position is hands-on and customer-facing, leading by example to ensure high standards of salesmanship, merchandising, cleanliness, and customer service.

The Outdoor Sales & Perennial Department  Lead supports departmental sales growth, leads and develops a team of 5–10 staff, and contributes to a positive, collaborative culture within the Outdoor Sales department and across the store.

Position Details:

• Department: Outdoor Sales / Nursery / Perennials / Xmas Trees
• Reports To: General Manager
• Position Type: Seasonal (March–December)
• Schedule: Weekdays, evenings, and weekends as required 
• Location: Shelmerdine Garden Centre Ltd. (own transportation required; no bus service available)
• Key Holder: Participates in store lock-up rotation
• Vacation Blackout Periods: April 1 – June 15 and November 15 – December 23

What You’ll Be Doing:

Team Leadership

• Lead, motivate, and support a team of 5–10 Outdoor Sales and Perennials staff.
• Foster a positive, productive work environment focused on teamwork, sales growth, and customer satisfaction.
• Provide daily task lists and follow up to ensure completion.
• Conduct daily and weekly training moments to build product knowledge and selling skills.
• Train staff on placard selling aids and ensure consistent implementation.
• Lead by example through active salesmanship and customer engagement.
• Supervise, coach, and develop team members.
• Ensure delivery drivers are supported and assign additional tasks once deliveries are complete.

Sales & Operations

• Actively drive sales growth across all Outdoor Sales categories, including trees, shrubs, perennials, and commodity bagged goods.
• Ensure product is properly maintained, attractively displayed, and stocked to optimize sales.
• Enter previous day sales into sales tracking sheets.
• Monitor inventory levels and add items to restocking lists as needed.
• Coordinate deliveries by maintaining delivery schedules and accurately completing required paperwork.

Yard & Facility Management

• Maintain the appearance and organization of the nursery, perennials area, commodities pad, and back sales yard.
• Oversee storefront appearance, entrances, carts, corrals, and garbage control.
• Organize extra stock and pallets to ensure areas are tidy and weed-free.
• Perform basic maintenance on delivery vehicles, vents, shade systems, and irrigation; escalate complex issues to the Supply Division.
• Implement and maintain a weed control program across outdoor sales areas.
• Scheduling & Labor Management
• Generate monthly staff schedules based on labor budgets and staff availability.
• Make operational decisions regarding shift reductions or early dismissals during slow periods or inclement weather.

Customer Service Authority

• Act as the department authority for refunds, returns, and exchanges.
• Resolve customer disputes confidently and professionally.
• Make decisions related to Tree and Shrub warranty claims and train staff on proper procedures.

Meetings & Communication

• Attend weekly meetings with the General Manager to review department performance, updates, and upcoming changes.

Additional Administrative Duties (Transitioned In)

• Once fully trained and successful in core responsibilities, the Outdoor Sales Team Lead will also: 
• Collect, review, and enter warranty replacement paperwork (1-year and Myke warranties) into master spreadsheets. Enter Myke warranty data and finalize restocking orders to ensure adequate weekend and event inventory. 
• Create weekly sales goals using historical and current sales data. 
• Place initial and weekly orders for hardy plant materials (trees, shrubs, perennials) and sod. 
• Ensure purchases align with open-to-buy budgets; obtain General Manager approval when required. 
• Approve and correct hours for Outdoor Sales and Perennials staff in Payworks.

Core Competencies: 

• Leadership and team development
• Sales and customer service excellence
• Time and task management
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Organization and attention to detail
• Computer proficiency

What We’re Looking For:

• Minimum 3 years of customer service experience.
• At least 2 years of experience in the horticulture industry. 
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and guide a team.
• Passion for sales and exceptional customer service.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Physically fit and able to lift 50-75 lbs comfortably.
• Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Forklift license is an asset but not required.