Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Floral Coordinator

🎯 Role Definition

As a Floral Coordinator, you are the creative force and logistical mastermind behind our stunning floral creations. You will serve as the primary point of contact for clients, translating their vision into breathtaking reality while managing budgets, timelines, and resources. This role involves a blend of artistic design, hands-on production, and detailed project management. You will be responsible for the entire lifecycle of a floral project, from sourcing the freshest blooms and managing inventory to leading a team in creating and installing arrangements for weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions. Success in this position requires a deep passion for floristry, exceptional organizational skills, and a commitment to exceeding client expectations.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Floral Assistant / Junior Florist
Event Staff / Event Assistant
Retail Associate (Flower Shop/Garden Center)

Advancement To:

Lead Floral Designer / Senior Floral Coordinator
Event Design Manager
Floral Department Manager / Studio Manager

Lateral Moves:

Event Coordinator / Planner
Visual Merchandiser

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct in-depth client consultations to understand their vision, style preferences, event theme, and budgetary constraints, providing expert guidance and creative suggestions.
Develop and present comprehensive floral design proposals, including detailed mood boards, color palettes, and itemized quotes for client approval.
Design a wide array of custom floral arrangements, such as bouquets, centerpieces, boutonnieres, corsages, and large-scale installations, ensuring they align with the agreed-upon aesthetic.
Manage the complete lifecycle of floral orders, from initial inquiry and proposal generation through to final on-site installation and post-event breakdown.
Source and procure high-quality fresh flowers, foliage, plants, and other necessary supplies from a network of wholesalers, farms, and local growers.
Negotiate with suppliers to secure competitive pricing on floral products and hard goods, ensuring projects remain profitable and within budget.
Oversee the receiving, processing, and conditioning of all incoming floral shipments to guarantee optimal freshness, hydration, and longevity.
Maintain impeccable organization, cleanliness, and proper temperature controls within the floral design studio, work areas, and coolers.
Manage all logistical aspects of event execution, including creating production schedules, coordinating delivery routes, and managing on-site setup and strike teams.
Act as the primary on-site floral contact during events, overseeing installations and making real-time adjustments to ensure a flawless presentation.
Lead, train, and mentor a team of floral assistants and freelance designers, delegating tasks effectively to ensure timely completion of large-scale projects.
Uphold the company’s high standards for design quality, creativity, and brand consistency across all floral outputs.
Build and nurture strong, lasting relationships with clients, event planners, venues, and other industry vendors to foster repeat business and referrals.

Secondary Functions

Manage and maintain a precise inventory of both perishable (flowers) and non-perishable goods (vases, ribbons, tools, mechanics), conducting regular stock assessments.
Handle administrative duties related to the floral department, including client invoicing, payment tracking, expense reporting, and managing the event production calendar.
Stay at the forefront of floral and event design trends, continuously researching new flower varieties, sustainable practices, and innovative design techniques.
Collaborate with other creative departments, such as lighting and rentals, to ensure a cohesive and integrated event design.
Meticulously prepare and pack all floral arrangements and installations for safe and secure transportation to event locations.
Execute the efficient and thorough breakdown of floral elements after events, ensuring the venue is left in pristine condition and reusable materials are salvaged.
Address and resolve any issues that may arise during production or on event day, such as flower quality concerns, logistical delays, or last-minute client requests.
Assist with creating content for social media and marketing materials by photographing finished arrangements and installations.
Participate in showroom and retail space merchandising to create an inviting atmosphere and showcase floral design capabilities.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Advanced Floral Design Techniques: Expertise in various arrangement styles, mechanics for large-scale installations, and personal flowers (bouquets, corsages).
Flower and Plant Identification: Strong knowledge of common and specialty flowers, seasonal availability, and proper care/handling requirements.
Color Theory: A keen eye for color and the ability to create sophisticated and harmonious color palettes.
Inventory Management: Proficiency in tracking perishable and non-perishable goods to minimize waste and control costs.
Proposal & Quoting Software: Experience using software (e.g., Details, Curate, HoneyBook) to create professional client proposals and manage contracts.
Logistics Coordination: Ability to plan and execute complex delivery schedules and on-site production timelines.
Sourcing & Procurement: Experience building relationships with and ordering from floral wholesalers and growers.

Soft Skills

Creativity & Artistic Vision: The ability to conceptualize unique designs and translate abstract client ideas into tangible, beautiful arrangements.
Client Communication & Consultation: Exceptional listening and communication skills to build rapport and clearly understand client needs.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to design, ordering, and execution to ensure every element is perfect.
Time Management & Organization: Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Problem-Solving: Proactive and resourceful in finding solutions to unexpected challenges, such as supplier shortages or on-site installation issues.
Team Leadership: Capable of motivating and directing a team of designers and assistants during high-pressure event setups.
Physical Stamina: Ability to stand for long periods, work in varying temperatures (coolers), and lift heavy buckets and arrangements (up to 50 lbs).

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Certificate or degree in Floral Design, Horticulture, or a related field from an accredited institution.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Horticulture
Fine Arts / Design
Hospitality Management
Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-5 years of professional experience in a high-volume event floral design studio or a luxury floral retail environment.

Preferred: Demonstrable experience leading the floral design and execution for large-scale weddings and corporate events. A strong portfolio showcasing a range of design styles and installation work is highly desirable.