Marders

Retail Annual, Perennial, Herbs & Vegetable Buyer - FULL TIME

Company Overview:

Marders has been a trusted name in the Hamptons landscaping industry for over 48 years. Our team of skilled professionals is dedicated to delivering exceptional landscaping services, from design and installation to maintenance and horticultural care. We take pride in our attention to detail, creativity, and commitment to customer satisfaction.  Marders specializes in organic plant care solutions, utilizing innovative techniques and sustainable practices to promote the vitality and longevity of landscapes.   We are seeking a talented Retail Annual, Perennial, Herbs & Vegetable Buyer to join our team and contribute to our success. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to grow their careers within a thriving organization.

ROLE SUMMARY

As the Retail Annual, Perennial, Herbs & Vegetable Buyer for Marders, you will develop strong relationships with vendors, customers, and staff. Utilizing your industry knowledge, selling skills, and engaging style, you will identify and source exceptional materials for the retail department, collaborating with the senior buyer and set programs. Your networking abilities will play a key role in expanding our reach and enhancing our reputation in the market.  You will be responsible for achieving monthly sales and profitability goals specifically for the Annual and Perennial, ground cover herbs & vegetables. Your role will involve strategic planning, market analysis, and effective relationship management to drive sales growth. Collaborate with the senior buyer to maximize opportunities for retail and the company.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:

Buying/Business Planning

•    Responsible for buying to the set budget per product line/projected monthly sales goal. 
•    Accountable for setting price points based on Marders outlined pricing structure in line with protocol and collaboration with the senior buyer. 
•    Accountable for the procurement of quality products, establishing Marders as the source for the finest selection available. 
•    Responsible for building vendor relationships, in collaboration with senior “HPD” buyer negotiating best terms/discounts, and articulating the expectation of Marders standard of material.
•    Responsible for demonstrating the ability to maintain pre-existing/new vendor relationships through respectful interaction to maximize the opportunity for the company.
•    Develop comprehensive Pre-orders to cover product assortment in accordance with company deadlines.
•    Responsible for the continued development of product lines that fit with Marders standards while always sourcing and developing upcoming trends.
•    Responsible for spending travel time visiting nurseries, identifying and “cherry picking” extraordinary plant material.
•    Responsible for directing the care of plant material bought while it is in Marders’ control. 
•    Accountable for participation in strategic planning for the development of the programs in collaboration with the senior buyer. 
•    Responsible for creating, sharing, and coordinating programs for specific products within product lines.
•    Discuss sales strategies with the team, including the senior buyer.  Participate in the weekly buying meeting.
•    Responsible for participation in Yard planning/merchandising with the Operational team to best promote product line selling.
Collaborate with the senior buyer.
•    Accountable for obtaining feedback from retail staff and customers, assessing obstacles inhibiting our ability to sell the products.
•    Engage the staff, and create a comfort and knowledge level so all employees can handle customer interactions
•    Responsible for coordinating and leading quality control with incoming products for the retail department. Accountable for ensuring that no diseased material enters the property from a vendor. 
•    Research and select a diverse range of annuals and perennials that meet customer preferences and market trends.
•    Establish and maintain relationships with suppliers to negotiate pricing, terms, and product quality in collaboration with the senior buyer.
•    Monitor inventory levels and sales trends to ensure optimal stock availability to meet sales.
•    Analyze seasonal trends to plan and adjust purchases accordingly for the season.
•    Responsible for demonstrating a sense of urgency with paperwork to ensure the accounting department has information to execute the month's close as per the accounting schedule.

Operational:

•    Responsible for scheduling time to do retail sales to get first-hand feedback from the customer on operations. 
•    Assist in the receipt, display, maintenance, and monitoring of floor stock.

•    Responsible for following the policy for approvals, paper flow, scheduling, and receiving of merchandise in collaboration with the Senior Buyer.
•    Accountable for maintaining accurate and organized records of all purchases and analyses.  
•    Expectation to assist where needed when directed.

 Financial:

•    Responsible for constantly strategizing efforts to meet sales goals as budgeted, enabling the team to hit each product line per month.
•    Assist in monitoring/maintaining inventory to avoid loss.

Customer Service:

•    Utilize the Retail availability requests structure for all requests to purchase from staff.
•    Respond to Retail Orders according to the Special-Order Policy.
•    Train yard staff to improve knowledge of product assortment and new merchandise 
•    Ensure outstanding customer service for all customers entering Marders property, all clients on the telephone, and internal customers and vendors.
•    Communicate and be a source of accurate product knowledge.
•    Maintain awareness of product availability, pricing, promotions, advertisements, and location within the Garden Shop and perimeter.
•    Be a customer-obsessed and focused relationship builder who can identify opportunities for the company through the development of customer relationships, collaboration, and passing leads to appropriate departments, and understand the importance of getting the information to the experts.  
•    Demonstrate your ability to show the customer you know them by learning their names and greeting them by name when they come into the shop. 
•    Be able to demonstrate a sense of urgency with everything you do. 
•    Design talks or workshops to support our event program in collaboration with our main speaker.

Qualifications

•    Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Botany, or a related field.
•    Proven experience in horticulture, landscaping, or a similar role.
•    Proven experience in buying and selling horticultural products, specifically retail annuals and perennials, veggies, and ground covers.
•    Strong communication and teaching skills, with the ability to engage and motivate retail employees.
•    Excellent negotiation skills and a strong understanding of market trends through analysis.
•    Passion for plants and horticulture, with a commitment to educating others.
•    Strong knowledge of plant species, pest management, and soil health.
•    Strong knowledge of plants, gardening products, and horticultural practices.
•    Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
•    Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
•    Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
•    Ability to analyze market trends and make data-driven decisions.
•    Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
•    Enjoy working in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits:
 
Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.  Salary range:  $75,000/year to $95,000/year
Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) savings plan, paid time off, and company holidays.
Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
 
How to Apply:
 
Join us at Marders and be part of our team that is passionate about bringing beauty to the world through innovative design and meticulous care!  Employment@Marders.com   M/F/D/V   EOE

If you require alternative methods of application or screening, you must approach the employer directly to request this.