General Manager - Fitchburg Farms LLC

General Manager - Fitchburg Farms

Position Overview

The General Manager oversees all operational, financial, and administrative activities at Fitchburg Farms, ensuring high standards of customer service, employee satisfaction, and business performance. This role is crucial for driving growth, managing resources, and fostering a positive work environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operations & Supply Management

• Daily Operations: Supervise daily activities across retail, production, and greenhouse areas to ensure efficiency and customer satisfaction.
• Supply Management:
• Order supplies (e.g., bathroom stock, cleaning supplies, office materials, production, and retail inventory).
• Monitor inventory levels and adjust orders as necessary to meet demand.
• Purchase Orders:
• Place and track purchase orders for live plants and hard goods.
• Receive shipments, inspect quality, and manage inventory storage.
• Signage & Labeling: Create and maintain accurate signs and labels for all inventory items.
• Seasonal Responsibilities: Anticipate seasonal needs for the greenhouse, adjusting resources and inventory accordingly.

2. Sales & Marketing

• Marketing Strategy:
• Develop marketing plans for seasonal promotions, sales events, and workshops.
• Analyze market trends and customer preferences to inform promotional strategies.
• Content Creation:
• Create engaging social media content (posts, reels) to promote events and products.
• Design and distribute newsletters, coupons, and text message marketing campaigns.
• Advertiser Collaboration:
• Work with local advertisers to create and publish content in regional publications (e.g., Advantage, Bucky Book).
• Business Information Updates: Regularly update business hours, voicemail, and online information to reflect current operations.

3. Inventory & Product Knowledge

• Plant Knowledge: Maintain expertise in various plant categories (annuals, perennials, houseplants, tropicals) to provide customer support and inform purchasing decisions.
• Quality Control: Ensure the quality of all live plant inventory and manage proper care and maintenance.
• Inventory Monitoring: Track inventory levels and adjust purchasing strategies based on seasonal demand and sales performance.

4. Team Management & HR

• Staff Leadership:
• Lead, mentor, and train team members in customer service and operational procedures.
• Foster a collaborative environment among retail, production, and growing teams.
• HR Responsibilities:
• Oversee payroll processing, benefits management, and staff scheduling.
• Manage employee relations, addressing concerns and fostering a positive workplace culture.
• Recognition Programs: Celebrate staff achievements (birthdays, anniversaries) and provide support during personal challenges.
• Volunteer Management: Coordinate volunteer efforts and manage donation initiatives for community engagement.

5. Finance & Administration

• Financial Management:
• Oversee accounts payable and receivable, ensuring timely payments and accurate financial records.
• Manage sales tax filings and ensure compliance with financial regulations.
• Budgeting: Assist in developing and managing the budget, tracking expenses, and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
• Account Management: Maintain and oversee access to accounts (Square POS, Heartland, Microsoft), ensuring security and proper access controls.

6. Event & Class Management

• Workshop Planning:
• Design and coordinate workshops and events, including creating sample products and writing workshop descriptions.
• Manage class registrations and logistics via SimpleTix, ensuring a seamless customer experience.
• Event Logistics: Oversee logistics for events, including coordinating transportation and managing auction needs.

7. Customer & Community Relations

• Customer Service Excellence: Provide outstanding customer service by addressing inquiries and ensuring a positive shopping experience.
• Community Engagement:
• Build relationships with local organizations and manage community donations.
• Participate in community events to enhance the farm’s visibility and reputation.
• Staff Support: Offer support during challenging times, ensuring a strong team dynamic and workplace morale.

8. Off-Hour Responsibilities

• Monitoring & Security:
• Monitor greenhouse conditions (temperature, humidity) during off-hours, reacting to heat issues as they arise.
• Ensure security systems are operational and monitor for any security concerns.
• Seasonal Preparation: Anticipate and prepare for seasonal changes in operations and customer needs.