Lead Designer

The Lead Florist/Designer is the floral expert and creative leader of the boutique. This role holds full ownership of floral quality, daily production, flower inventory management, and the development of the design team. As the most knowledgeable floral professional in the boutique, the Lead Designer oversees flower buying, inventory accuracy, waste management, and ensures all designs (including custom) meet French Florist's standards of style, quality, and consistency. This leader works hands-on to design arrangements, manage workflow, train and coach designers, and partner with boutique leadership to deliver an exceptional client experience and a highly efficient design creation. Key Responsibilities Floral Expertise & Design Leadership Serve as the boutique's top floral expert — owning flower buying, inventory oversight, floral waste tracking, and quality standards. Design and produce floral arrangements according to French Florist's style, recipes, and quality guidelines. Provide daily creative direction to the design team, balancing artistry with operational efficiency. Ensure all designs match the product photography, brand standards, and client expectations. Team Leadership & Management Lead, train, hire, develop, and manage all Designers in the boutique. Assign orders to designers and oversee daily production to ensure all orders are completed accurately and on time. Hold designers accountable to performance expectations, the Employee Handbook, and French Florist's Core Values. Conduct coaching conversations, performance documentation, and corrective action when needed. Track team productivity and ensure the right number of workable hours for daily demand. Lead by example with a hands-on, supportive approach during all peak periods. Host and/or actively participate in required meetings, workshops, and training sessions. Design Operations & Boutique Support Oversee all floral production from open to close, ensuring quality, efficiency, and accuracy. Manage and maintain inventory of designer supplies, florals, orchids, tools, water tubes, and supporting materials. Partner with the Boutique Managers on flowers to be purchased based on sales trends, upcoming volume, and seasonality. Track and report floral waste; implement improvements to reduce waste. Maintain clean, organized, and visually appealing design stations, wrap areas, and cooler displays. Assist walk-in customers with floral guidance and order placement. Restock FF branded materials, add-ons, and wrapping supplies. Collaborate with the internal team to ensure smooth communication and problem resolution. Perform additional duties as needed. Collaboration & Cross-Functional Alignment Work closely with Dispatch to resolve delivery timing or product issues. Partner with Boutique Leads/Managers to ensure full alignment on boutique flow, labor planning, and daily operational needs. Communicate proactively with the CSR team regarding client order issues, replacement needs, or product shortages.

Qualifications Required:

Proven floral design experience with advanced product knowledge. Previous floral leadership, supervisory, or team lead experience. Experience in floral events, funerals, and weddings Strong understanding of floral purchasing, inventory management, and waste control. Excellent time management, organization, and communication skills. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume, physically active environment. Professional, friendly, team-oriented demeanor. Ability to work weekends, holidays, and peak floral seasons. Regular and punctual attendance is an essential function of this position. Physical Requirements Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift for extended periods. Must be able to lift and move buckets, boxes, and floral supplies (up to ~40 lbs). Comfortable working in coolers (Temperatures 37-42 degrees). Frequent use of hands and arms for arranging, cutting, and wrapping. Moderate noise level environment.

Pay:

$26.00 - $32.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee discount Health insurance Health savings account Paid time off Referral program Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person