The Receiving Specialist (RS) is responsible for the efficient and accurate flow of inbound product from delivery arrival through placement on the sales floor. This role plays a critical part in the customer experience by partnering with department peers to ensure timely product availability, accurate on-hand inventory, and well-organized stockroom and yard spaces. The Receiving Specialist supports inventory accuracy, operational efficiency, and seasonal staffing needs while handling both live goods and hard goods.

  Customer Service & Professional Standards

• Provide exceptional customer service across all departments of the garden center.

• Represent company values through professional conduct, appearance, and communication in all situations.

• Promote a positive, inclusive, and respectful work environment that supports diversity, equity, and inclusion.

        Receiving & Inventory Operations

• Ensure timely and accurate receiving of all inbound and outbound freight, minimizing truck-to-floor delays.

• Lead and participate in daily receiving processes for both live goods and hard goods.

• Support training and direction of seasonal inventory associates involved in receiving activities.

• Act as the primary point person for all inventory flow issues and receiving processes.

• Ensure inventory accuracy for multi-store shipments received at the home store.

• Initiate and complete cycle counts in assigned product areas in partnership with the Store Manager (SM).

        Stockroom & Product Flow

• Organize and maintain a clean, safe, and efficient stockroom, backstock, storage containers, and outdoor inventory areas.

• Identify and implement opportunities to improve product flow through better organization, communication, training, and                 process improvements.

• Serve as liaison for inbound and return shipments to warehouse, other stores, and freight companies.

• Support ongoing communication with seasonal warehouse staff and satellite locations regarding inventory flow and logistics.

        Inventory Accuracy & Documentation

• Produce and place accurate price tags and identify products suitable for shelf-tag merchandising to reduce cost and workload.

• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of all inventory transactions, including receiving, transfers, returns, and vendor       shipments.

• Assist the buying team with vouchering, invoicing, cycle count issues, vendor communication, and problem resolution as     assigned.

• Support purchasing processes including vendor contact, return authorizations, claims, and special orders as needed.

        Team Collaboration & Store Support

• Partner with the SM to prioritize daily task lists for seasonal inventory associates in live goods and hard goods areas.

• Provide ongoing feedback to the SM and buying team to improve purchasing decisions, reduce out-of-stocks, and respond to      hot sellers.

• Provide POS and sales floor coverage as assigned/needed.

• Perform carry-out duties and other responsibilities as needed.

• Maintain punctuality and flexibility in scheduling, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and seasonal overtime.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Minimum of 2 years of inventory-related experience required.

• Minimum of 2 years of direct customer service experience preferred.

• Experience with POS and inventory management systems required.

• Advanced gardening or horticultural knowledge required; 2 years of industry experience preferred.

• Proficiency with internet search engines, email, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel required.

• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to remain organized, focused, and calm in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to read and interpret scientific and technical information.

• Knowledge of horticultural terminology, plant diseases, and insects preferred.

• Ability to learn quickly in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally and 40 lbs regularly.

• Availability to work weekends required.

• Ability to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions, including heat, cold, and wet environments.

• Ability to work in, on, and around heavy equipment.

• Capability to perform significant physical activity, including bending, lifting bulky materials, and working above shoulders and      below knees regularly.