Garden Centre Foodhall Manager

We are looking for an experienced and customer-focused Garden Centre Foodhall Manager to lead the day-to-day operation of our foodhall at our Hillier Garden Centre at Eastbourne (Pevensey).

As Foodhall Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the foodhall operation, ensuring high standards of customer service, product presentation, stock management, food safety and team performance. You will work closely with the Garden Centre Manager and wider centre team to maximise sales opportunities, control costs and create a welcoming and well-run department for our customers.

This is a full-time, permanent position working 37.5 hours per week over a two-week work pattern, with a salary of £30,000 per annum, depending on experience. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong retail management experience who can deliver excellent standards, support and develop a team, and help drive sales and profitability within a busy garden centre environment.

• Delivering a high-quality customer experience, ensuring customers receive friendly, knowledgeable and helpful service.
• Managing the smooth day-to-day running of the foodhall to optimise performance, profitability and standards.
• Overseeing stock management, availability, wastage and margin performance, liaising with the central ordering team where required.
• Maintaining excellent merchandising, pricing and product display standards to maximise sales.
• Coordinating promotions and seasonal activity across the foodhall to ensure the department remains commercially focused and well presented.
• Leading, motivating and managing the foodhall team, including rota planning, training, appraisals and performance management.
• Ensuring staffing levels are appropriate to meet the needs of the business.
• Ensuring till operations, cash handling and banking procedures are completed in line with company policy.
• Maintaining high standards of cleanliness, food safety, health and safety, and safe working practices for colleagues and customers.
• Completing compliance checks and ensuring relevant documentation is completed, retained and kept up to date.
• Supporting risk assessments and ensuring the foodhall operates in line with food safety and workplace safety requirements.
• Supporting the wider garden centre team by undertaking duty manager and key holder responsibilities as required.

• Previous retail management experience.
• Proven ability to lead a team, manage performance and create a positive working environment.
• Commercial awareness, with confidence managing budgets, sales targets, costs and profitability.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate and develop a diverse team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a genuine passion for customer service.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage stock, operations, staffing and standards effectively.
• A calm, proactive approach to problem solving and day-to-day operational challenges.
• High attention to detail and pride in maintaining a safe, welcoming and well-presented foodhall.
• Ability to adapt to seasonal demands, changing priorities and customer preferences.
• Willingness to work flexibly, including weekends and Bank Holidays.
• An interest in sustainability and environmentally responsible working practices.

• 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 the 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…