Administrative & Operations Assistant Manager

We are seeking an Administrative & Operations Assistant Manager reporting directly to the Administrative Manager and severing a key support role in the daily operations of Plant Delights Nursery.

Plant Delights Nursery/Juniper Level Botanic Garden is a perennial plant nursery established in Raleigh in 1986, offering unique, rare, well grown, and properly named perennials to passionate gardeners around the world. We have one of the most extensive perennial trialing programs in the country. Our concern goes far beyond selling plants!

Despite being best known as a nursery, we actually exist for our work as a private 28-acre botanical garden and plant research facility focusing on ex-situ plant conservation, plant exploration, breeding, and propagation. We are a family-owned company with a mission to support research, education and the exploration of plants through the sales of unique perennial plants.

Our nursery and garden provide an opportunity to work indoors and outdoors year-round, so we have a casual dress code, a diverse staff, and a friendly working environment.

Position Summary

The Administrative & Operations Assistant Manager position assists with administrative functions, operational coordination, customer service, shipping, technology support, vendor relationships, event planning, operational inventory management, and seasonal staffing efforts.

The role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, initiative, and the ability to balance multiple priorities while supporting the Administrative Manager and collaborating with staff across departments.

The Administrative & Operations Assistant Manager works independently on assigned projects while escalating significant operational, personnel, or financial decisions to the Administrative Manager.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Purchasing & Inventory Support

• Maintain inventory levels for office, shipping, and operational supplies.
• Track inventory usage and identify cost-saving opportunities
• Obtain vendor pricing, assist with purchasing recommendations and create Purchase Orders.
• Coordinate receiving, distribution of business supplies and updating Purchase Orders.

Staffing & Team Coordination

• Assist with seasonal recruiting and hiring activities.
• Coordinate interview scheduling and applicant communications.
• Participate in candidate screening and interview processes as assigned.
• Assist with staff scheduling, training coordination, and onboarding/offboarding activities.
• Promote effective communication and teamwork across departments.

Technology & Vendor Coordination

• Troubleshoot routine technology issues and coordinate with IT vendors for resolution.
• Assist with management of phone, internet, networking, software, and hardware vendors.
• Support hardware setup, software updates, training coordination, and system implementation projects.
• Assist with maintaining organized electronic files and network resources.

Administrative Support

• Assist the Administrative Manager with daily operational and administrative responsibilities.
• Provide backup support for administrative functions during manager absences.
• Assist with special projects and process improvement initiatives.
• Maintain calendars, deadlines, and project schedules.

Events & Program Support

• Assist with planning and preparation for Open Gardens & Nursery weekends, classes, tours, and special events.
• Coordinate event logistics, scheduling, vendor communications, and supply needs.
• Support event setup, execution, and post-event follow-up activities.

Customer Service & Sales & Shipping Backup Support

• Maintain protocols for aiding visitors and guests.
• Assist with Customers both on site and online.
• Provide shipping with support in reaching their objectives for the day

Physical Requirements

Some duties may require

• Working indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Performing physical and occasionally dirty work.
• Walking on uneven surface and terrain.
• Standing for extended periods.
• Bending, kneeling, lifting, and carrying items up to 30 pounds.
• Working independently and collaboratively.
• Assisting other departments as business needs require.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or equivalent work experience preferred.
• Microsoft Office proficiency required.
• Strong organizational, communication, and project coordination skills.
• Positive, professional, and customer-focused attitude.
• Valid driver's license preferred.
• Plant knowledge is helpful but not required.

Employee Classification: Salary, Permanent Full Time

Compensation

$36,000 to $39,000 based upon experience

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits plan that includes Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance & a company matching Simple IRA. We also provide paid Public Holidays, PTO & Vacation Days.

Standard Business Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm + nine open nursery & garden sales weekends each year

Send cover letter & resume with a detailed description of work history along with 3 professional references to jobs@plantdelights.com

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $36,000.00 - $39,000.00 per year

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person