Garden Centre Retail Department Manager; Horti

3 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

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 Three Legged Cross is a well‑established and popular destination for gardening enthusiasts. We are dedicated to providing 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, creating visually stunning displays, and providing expert advice to our customers. Your passion for plants and ability to lead a team will be key to your success in this role.

The role is full‑time, permanent, 37.5 hours per week, including alternate weekend working.

• Salary of £30,000 per annum
• Life assurance at 4× annual salary
• Option to join enhanced group pension plan
• Sociable hours
• Full training
• Online Learning Hub
• Employee discount of 20%
• 50% discount on restaurant menu whilst on shift
• 31 days annual leave
• Free onsite parking
• Enhanced Employee Assistance Programme for you and your immediate family, including free counselling on health, financial, legal and personal/family matters
• Company Christmas gifts (eligibility based on start date)
• Free access to exclusive retail discounts, deals and coupons, plus extra cashback on Amazon and food shop
• Free entry to the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey and discounts at other gardens nationally

• 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 organisational and time‑management skills
• Experience in managing budgets, sales targets, cost control, and improving profitability

• Ability to lead, inspire, and motivate a diverse team of staff
• Strong delegation skills to ensure efficient task distribution across the team and other departments
• Problem‑solving mindset to address daily operational challenges swiftly and effectively
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, ensuring customers have a positive shopping experience
• Proactive management of complaints and feedback
• Passion for customer service and 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, especially during busy seasons
• Initiative to take ownership of tasks and make decisions that benefit the business

You will be joining a renowned, established family business of over 150 years, working in a fun and friendly environment with an amazing team. We place great value on all our team members and their contributions to the ongoing success and growth of the company.

Have we captured your interest? If so, please apply and we will be in touch soon.

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