At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage stock, serve customers, and ensure smooth operations at our vibrant garden centre.
- Company: Join Affinity Trust, a leader in supporting adults with learning disabilities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic role with opportunities for creativity and growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that empowers individuals while working in a beautiful garden setting.
- Qualifications: Previous horticultural experience is essential; a hands-on approach is a must.
Location: Englefield Estate, near Theale, Reading RG7 5ES
Annual Salary: £27,632.40 (Pro rata £16,579.44)
Hours per week: 22.5 – Across 3 days per week
Required: Previous horticultural experience within a Garden Centre or plant nursery setting is essential. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Affinity Trust has a strong reputation for creating innovative projects enabling adults with learning disabilities the opportunity to enhance life skills and enjoy an invaluable occupation. Located on Englefield Estate, near Theale, Reading and managed by Affinity Trust, Englefield Garden Centre is the home of such a project. Selling over 150,000 plants a year, Englefield is not only a thriving garden centre but also runs horticultural workshop programmes for people with Learning Disabilities and Autism.
We currently have a rare and exciting opportunity available for a Stock Controller and Administrator to join our team at the Garden Centre. As part of this role, you will be responsible for assisting with the successful day-to-day running of the garden centre by:
- Processing orders
- Serving customers
- Stock control
- Liaising with external company representatives
This role requires a very practical & hands-on approach. You will be responsible for delivering excellent customer service, serving on the till, creating/receiving purchase orders, stock taking, liaising with suppliers and using our EPOS system. Previous horticultural knowledge is essential within a similar setting.
You will need to have a flexible approach to work and be able to adapt to different situations and roles within your normal day. You will be required to work as part of a 2-week rolling rota but understand that during busy seasonal times you may need to be flexible.
Week 1: Mon, Tues & Sun
Week 2: Mon, Tues & Wed
You must be prepared to try new ideas and in return, you will be part of a team committed to providing excellent support to people with learning disabilities within an established and thriving Garden Centre.
Garden Centre Stock Controller and Administrator in Reading employer: Affinity Trust
Affinity Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at the Englefield Garden Centre, where you can contribute to meaningful projects that empower adults with learning disabilities. With a strong focus on employee growth and a supportive work culture, you will be part of a dedicated team that values innovation and collaboration while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the Englefield Estate. The role of Stock Controller and Administrator not only provides a chance to utilise your horticultural expertise but also allows you to make a positive impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Garden Centre Stock Controller and Administrator in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the garden centre before your interview! Visit Englefield, chat with staff, and soak up the vibe. This will help you understand their culture and show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your horticultural knowledge! Be ready to discuss plants, stock control, and customer service. We want to see your passion for gardening and how you can contribute to the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your customer service skills! Think of scenarios where you might need to handle tricky situations or serve customers. Show us you can keep a cool head and deliver excellent service.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to use our EPOS system like a pro!
We think you need these skills to ace Garden Centre Stock Controller and Administrator in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Horticultural Experience:Make sure to highlight any previous experience you have in a garden centre or plant nursery. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on those green-fingered achievements!
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to customise your application for this specific role. Mention how your skills and experiences relate directly to the responsibilities listed in the job description. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect the dots!
Be Practical and Hands-On:Since this role is all about being practical, share examples of how you've tackled hands-on tasks in previous jobs. Whether it’s stock control or customer service, we want to know how you’ve made a difference in a busy environment.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Affinity Trust
✨Know Your Horticulture
Brush up on your horticultural knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific plants, their care, and any relevant experience you've had in a garden centre or plant nursery. This will show that you’re not just passionate about gardening but also knowledgeable.
✨Show Your Customer Service Skills
Since this role involves serving customers, think of examples from your past experiences where you provided excellent customer service. Prepare to share how you handled difficult situations or went above and beyond for a customer.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
The job requires a flexible approach to work, so be prepared to discuss times when you adapted to changing circumstances. Highlight your ability to juggle multiple tasks and how you thrive in a dynamic environment.
✨Familiarise Yourself with EPOS Systems
If you have experience with EPOS systems, mention it! If not, do a bit of research on how they work. Being able to demonstrate your willingness to learn and adapt to new technology will impress the interviewers.
