Garden Centre Retail Department Manager (Horti)

Are you passionate about plants and do you have a flair for leadership and a desire to make a difference in a dynamic and growing environment? We are looking for an enthusiastic Plant Area Manager to join our team, and no formal horticultural experience is required!

Our Hillier Garden Centre at Cheddar, is a well-established and popular destination for gardening enthusiasts. We are dedicated to providing our customers with a diverse range of high-quality plants, gardening supplies, and exceptional service. Our mission is to inspire and support our customers in creating beautiful and sustainable outdoor spaces.

As the Plant Area Manager, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing the daily operations of our plant area. You'll be responsible for ensuring our plants are well cared for, creating visually stunning displays, and providing advice to our customers. Your passion for plants and ability to lead a team will be key to your success in this role.

We’re offering a permanent, full-time opportunity with 37.5 hours per week, worked on a rota and averaged across a two-week schedule.

We offer:

• Salary of £29,000 per annum
• Life assurance at 4 x annual salary
• Option to join enhanced group pension plan
• Sociable hours
• Full training
• Online Learning Hub
• Employee discount of 20%
• Discount of 50% on restaurant menu whilst on shift
• 31 days annual leave
• Free onsite parking
• Enhanced Employee Assistance Programme for both you and your immediate family, including free counselling on health, financial, legal and personal/family matters
• Company Christmas gifts (eligibility based on start date with Company)
• Free access to exclusive retail discounts, deals and coupons, plus extra cashback on your Amazon and food shop.
• Free solo entry to the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey and deals at other gardens nationally

Skills and Experience:

• Previous experience in retail management.
• A passion for plants and gardening.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to manage and motivate a team.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Experience of managing budgets, sales targets, cost control, and improving profitability.

Personal attributes

• Ability to lead, inspire, and motivate a diverse team of staff.
• Strong delegation skills to ensure efficient task distribution across the team/other departments.
• Problem solving mindset to address daily operational challenges swiftly and effectively.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, ensuring that customers have a positive shopping experience.
• A natural ability to manage complaints and feedback professionally and proactively.
• Passion for customer service and the ability to create a welcoming environment.
• Strong multitasking abilities to manage the plant area, including stock control, operations, and staffing.
• High attention to detail, ensuring the plant area is well presented and efficiently managed.
• Ability to adapt to seasonal demands and changes in customer preferences.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and Bank Holidays.
• Enthusiasm for sustainability and environmentally friendly practices.
• Ability to stay calm and composed in a challenging environment, particularly during busy seasons.
• Initiative to take ownership of tasks and make decisions that benefit the business.

You will be joining a renowned and established family business of over 150 years, working in a fun and friendly environment with an amazing bunch of people. We also place great value on all our team members and how they contribute to the ongoing success and growth of our Company.

Have we captured your interest, and would you like to know more? Then please apply and we will be in touch with you soon.

Please note that we will only consider candidates who are already located in the UK and have right to work status.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.