Department Manager / Buyer – Trees & Shrubs (Courtenay)

GARDENWORKS is British Columbia’s largest independently owned garden centre company with 10 locations across Vancouver’s lower mainland, Vancouver Island, and South Okanagan. Join GARDENWORKS and play a key role in inspiring people to cultivate joy and beauty in their homes, gardens, and communities. We’re seeking a dynamic and knowledgeable horticulture professional with a passion for plants and people. As the Department Manager for our Trees & Shrubs department, you’ll be responsible for sourcing and curating a vibrant, high-quality plant assortment that delights our guests, drives sales, and reflects our brand’s commitment to excellence. Full-time 40hrs – Wage $26.00 – 28.00/hr This role blends strategic buying, plant expertise, and hands-on retail leadership—ideal for someone who thrives in a rapid-paced, guest-focused environment surrounded by all things green and growing. What You’ll Do - Provide expert guidance to guests on plant selection, troubleshooting, and long-term care - Plan, source, and purchase an assortment of trees & shrubs that meet sales goals, inventory targets, and margin expectations. - Analyze sales trends, stock levels, and customer demand to make data-driven buying decisions. - Foster strong relationships with growers, ensuring access to premium-quality plants and timely deliveries. - Oversee receiving, pricing, and merchandising, ensuring all plants meet our high standards for health and presentation. - Collaborate with the store merchandiser to create inspiring, trend-forward displays that reflect the brand and enhance guest experience. - Train and mentor retail staff, sharing product knowledge and sales techniques. - Monitor market trends and new introductions to keep our selection fresh, innovative, and relevant. - Maintain accurate sales reports and inventory data through our POS and tracking systems. Is this you? - A genuine passion for plants and a love for connecting people to nature. - Experience in garden centre operations, with specific knowledge of tree & shrubs and their growing requirements. - Ability to diagnose plant health issues, identify pests/diseases, and take corrective action. - Proven ability to analyze sales and inventory data and make informed purchasing decisions. - Excellent communication and negotiation skills with vendors and internal teams. - Highly organized, detail-oriented, and self-directed, with the ability to multitask in a dynamic environment. - Proficient with Microsoft Excel and POS or inventory systems. - Comfortable working in outdoor environments and capable of performing regular lifting. - Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and peak seasonal periods as required. Why You’ll Love Working Here At GARDENWORKS, we offer a culture that values a healthy, fulfilling work-life balance. Our full-time team members enjoy: - Option to join our Group Benefits share program (health, dental, vision) - A generous employee discount to help you bring home a little beauty, too - Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development - A vibrant workspace surrounded by plants and nature Interested? Forward your resume and cover letter now! You can also apply through our website Apply on Kit Job: kitjob.ca/job/2o4s4a