Store & Operations Manager (Hands-On Leadership)

Full-Time, On-Site

Lost in the Forrest is hiring a hands-on Store & Operations Manager to help lead the day-to-day execution of our business.

We've grown quickly over the last several years. What started as a small plant business has evolved into a much larger operation. Today, we have customers who trust us, plants to care for, inventory to manage, a growing wholesale business, and a team that depends on strong leadership and clear priorities. As we've grown, so has the complexity of the business.

We're looking for someone who wants to help build what comes next. This is a player/coach leadership role for someone who enjoys solving problems, creating structure, developing people, and making things run better. One day you might be helping a customer find the right plant. Another day you might be coaching an employee, improving a workflow, jumping into fulfillment, or helping the team work through a large shipment.

Like many small businesses, we've reached a point where there are more opportunities than time. We're looking for someone who can help bring structure, accountability, and strong execution to the day-to-day operation so the business can continue moving forward. You'll work directly with ownership and have significant autonomy in managing day-to-day operations. We'll provide direction on priorities and goals, but this role is expected to determine how those priorities are executed.

As the business grows, this role has the opportunity to grow with it. We don't have a rigid corporate ladder. Future opportunities will depend heavily on the person who fills the role and the value they create.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of full-time and part-time employees
• Set clear expectations and maintain accountability for performance and follow-through
• Address performance issues directly and consistently
• Lead day-to-day store operations and ensure the store is customer-ready each day
• Prioritize and coordinate daily and weekly operational workflows
• Deliver a high-quality customer experience and help the team create one consistently
• Manage scheduling, staffing coverage, hiring, onboarding, and training
• Support inventory, receiving, fulfillment, and operational accuracy
• Improve and define SOPs, workflows, and operational systems
• Identify problems proactively and drive solutions independently
• Jump into operational work when needed and lead by example during busy periods
• Partner with ownership to execute high-level priorities while independently managing day-to-day operations

Who Succeeds In This Role

The strongest candidates for this role naturally create momentum around them. They don't wait to be told what needs attention. They notice problems, identify priorities, take action, and follow through. They're comfortable setting clear expectations, coaching employees, holding people accountable, and helping the team succeed. They know how to build trust, recognize great work, and create a culture where customers and teammates are treated with care and respect.

Most importantly, they take ownership. When something isn't working, they step in, solve problems, and help move the business forward. They're also excited by growth and change. The business will look different in two years than it does today, and this role will evolve along with it. The strongest candidates are energized by that opportunity and want to help shape what comes next.

Qualifications

Required

• 3+ years of management or leadership experience in retail or another fast-paced customer-facing environment
• Proven experience leading small teams independently
• Demonstrated ability to coach employees, hold team members accountable, and improve team performance
• Strong bias for action, ownership mentality, and follow-through
• Excellent prioritization and organizational skills
• Comfortable having difficult conversations and addressing performance issues directly
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including lifting up to 70 pounds and safely using ladders

Preferred

• Experience in boutique retail, specialty retail, greenhouse, nursery, hospitality, or fulfillment environments
• Experience building or improving operational processes and SOPs
• Experience working in environments where leaders are expected to work hands-on alongside the team

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary starting at $65,000, depending on experience
• Quarterly performance bonus
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation and paid time off
• Employee discount
• Significant growth opportunity as the business expands