Grounds & Retail Department Lead

Saddle River, NJ
Full Time
Retail
Mid Level

Company Overview

Fitz's Fish Ponds is a distinguished company known for designing, constructing, and maintaining outstanding ponds, waterfalls, and other water features. We believe that each water feature should be unique and welcome creative concepts. Our teams are made up of talented and creative individuals, and as our company expands, we are constantly seeking to welcome more members to our team! 

 

Position Summary

The Grounds & Retail Department Lead is responsible for overseeing both the outdoor grounds operations and daily retail department functions, while ensuring an exceptional customer experience and maintaining Fitz’s Fish Ponds presentation standards. This leadership role combines hands-on operational responsibilities with team supervision, staff development, and department accountability.

 

This position plays a key role in maintaining the overall appearance, functionality, and productivity of the assigned retail location, including outdoor grounds, warehouse spaces, greenhouse areas, and customer-facing environments. The Department Lead is responsible for monitoring team performance, supporting staff through coaching and mediation, and ensuring departmental goals are met while aligning with FFP policies and cross-department collaboration.

 

As a salaried leadership position, this role requires flexibility, weekend availability, and consistent accessibility to support business operations and team needs.

 

 

Key Responsibilities

 

Department Leadership & Team Oversight

  • Lead and oversee daily operations of the Grounds and Retail teams.
  • Maintain leadership authority equivalent to other department leads within the organization, ensuring mutual respect for cross-department decisions and operational processes while retaining responsibility for direct oversight of Grounds & Retail staff in the absence of other department leadership. 
  • Monitor staff productivity, workflow efficiency, and task completion to ensure departmental goals are met.
  • Provide coaching, guidance, and performance feedback to team members while fostering accountability and professional growth.
  • Address employee concerns or interpersonal issues through mediation and problem-solving prior to escalation.
  • Escalate formal disciplinary matters, performance concerns, or HR-related issues to the Retail Store Manager when appropriate.
  • Promote adherence to company policies, safety procedures, and operational standards.
  • Maintain open communication with other department leads and respect established processes across departments.
  • Support other departments as business needs require.
 

Grounds, Facility & Warehouse Operations

  • Oversee maintenance and presentation of all outdoor grounds, greenhouse areas, warehouse spaces, and customer-facing areas.
  • Ensure cleanliness and organization across storage areas, outdoor displays, and operational spaces.
  • Assist with building projects, plumbing tasks, equipment handling, and general facility maintenance.
  • Support installation and troubleshooting of filtration systems, pumps, aeration systems, and plumbing lines.
  • Assist with pond construction support, landscape upkeep, and aquatic system maintenance as needed.
  • Coordinate loading and unloading of equipment and materials shipments.
  • Ensure company presentation standards are consistently upheld across the property.
 

Retail Operations & Customer Experience

  • Oversee daily retail floor operations and serve as the lead point of contact during assigned shifts.
  • Provide hands-on customer support, including product recommendations and basic pond and equipment guidance.
  • Ensure retail, greenhouse, and outdoor sales areas remain clean, organized, stocked, and properly presented.
  • Direct team members on daily priorities to maintain floor coverage, task completion, and customer satisfaction.
  • Monitor staff productivity on the sales floor and address day-to-day performance or operational issues.
  • Assist with and/or manage ordering of all retail products, fish, and general operational supplies (including greenhouse and store-use materials), maintain accurate inventory records of these items, and ensure proper stock levels and operational readiness.
  • Support merchandising execution, restocking, and seasonal display setup.
  • Resolve customer concerns when possible and coordinate referrals to Construction, Service, or other departments when appropriate.
  • Assist with register coverage, customer transactions, and general retail operations during peak business periods.

Operational & Leadership Expectations

  • Act as the primary day-to-day leadership contact for Grounds & Retail staff during daily operations, under direction of the Retail Store Manager, including creating, implementing, and enforcing department-specific SOPs and maintenance checklists for all areas of the property.
  • Participate in regularly scheduled meetings with the Retail Store Manager to review departmental performance, staffing needs, ongoing projects, operational priorities, and overall store initiatives.
  • Support scheduling execution and workflow planning to maintain adequate departmental coverage.
  • Maintain ownership and accountability for department performance and standards.
  • Maintain responsiveness and accessibility by phone to support staff and operational needs outside of standard working hours.
  • Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to assist across departments to support overall business success.
  • Support company culture through professionalism, collaboration, and proactive communication.
 

 

Qualifications

  • 2-4 years of experience in retail, landscaping, construction, facilities, or related operational environments required
  • Previous experience leading or supervising team members preferred
  • Strong leadership, conflict resolution, and interpersonal communication skills
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, hands-on environment
  • Comfortable working both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions
  • Basic computer proficiency, including tablets or mobile field devices
  • Ability to lift 30-60 lbs and perform physical job duties including standing, bending, lifting, and walking for extended periods
  • Highly organized with strong attention to detail and safety practices
  • High school diploma or GED required
  • Valid driver’s license with satisfactory motor vehicle record required
  • Availability for weekends, holidays, and peak seasonal business periods required

Position Salary

  • Full-Time | Starting at $48,000 depending on experience

Benefits

  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • 401k and company match
  • Employee company discount
  • High-growth and promotion opportunities!
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