$52K - 58K a year
Lead retail staff and daily nursery operations, drive merchandising and customer engagement, and balance production and retail priorities.
2+ years nursery or garden center experience, strong plant knowledge, retail leadership, merchandising skills, and ambition to grow into General Manager.
Lead the Next Chapter of a Portland Institution Marbott’s is a historic Portland nursery with a reputation for quality plants and personalized service. We’re revitalizing our operations for the next generation and looking for a Retail & Operations Manager who can elevate our customer experience, guide daily operations, and help shape our future. This is a hands-on leadership role where you’ll work alongside staff, while also building systems and setting the tone. For the right candidate, this position offers a clear path to General Manager. What You’ll Do • Lead and train retail staff to deliver outstanding customer service. • Own the daily operations rhythm by turning high-level priorities into clear staff action plans. • Balance input from growers, production staff, and retail needs to create one master priority list. • Champion customer engagement by stepping in as a primary salesperson during peak seasons. • Drive merchandising execution — creating and refreshing compelling displays of plants, pottery, and garden products. • Monitor sell-through and adjust displays to optimize sales. • Ensure retail stock is watered, groomed, and maintained to Marbott’s standards. • Train staff in plant care and customer guidance. • Confidently advise customers on plant selection and care (annuals, perennials, shrubs, houseplants). • Partner with growers to spot and escalate plant health issues early. • Flex between retail and production priorities depending on season. Growth Path This role is designed as a clear pathway to General Manager. As you grow, you’ll take on ownership of seasonal planning, financial targets, and revenue growth initiatives. Leading day-to-day operations and helping set the strategic direction of the nursery. What We’re Looking For • 2+ years of experience in a nursery or garden center (retail management, operations, or merchandising). • Strong plant knowledge. Able to advise customers confidently and recognize common plant health issues. • Proven leadership in retail settings, including staff supervision and training. • Merchandising ability with an eye for aesthetics and sales performance. • Strong organizational skills. Able to juggle competing priorities. • Comfortable in a seasonal, hands-on, small business environment. • Ambition to grow into a General Manager role. Compensation & Benefits • Salary: $52,000–$58,000 to start, depending on experience. • Classification: Salaried, exempt. Benefits: • Paid time off (vacation + sick leave) that grows with tenure, plus paid holidays. • Health stipend or ICHRA contribution. • Employee discount on plants and amendments. • Seasonal hour flexibility — lighter winters balance busier spring seasons. • Opportunities for professional development and to contribute ideas that shape the future of the business. Reporting Reports directly to the Owner. Supervises retail staff and directs daily production work in coordination with growers. How to Apply To apply, please send an email to marbotts.nursery@gmail.com and include the following: • Cover letter explaining why you are a good candidate for this position. • Resume that clearly highlights relevant experience gained in your previous jobs.
This job posting was last updated on 9/9/2025