At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage stock, process orders, and provide excellent customer service in a vibrant garden centre.
- Company: Join Affinity Trust at Englefield Garden Centre, supporting adults with learning disabilities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a unique project that enhances life skills while working with plants.
- 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.
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 lots of 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 Theale 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 customer service while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the Englefield Estate. The role provides flexibility in hours and a chance to engage in hands-on horticultural activities, making it a rewarding place to develop your skills and make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Garden Centre Stock Controller and Administrator in Theale
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the garden centre before your interview! Visit the Englefield Garden Centre, chat with staff, and soak up the atmosphere. This will not only give you insights into their operations but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your horticultural knowledge! Make sure you can talk confidently about plants and gardening. We want to see that you’re passionate about the industry and ready to bring that enthusiasm to the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare some questions for your interview. Ask about the team dynamics or how they support adults with learning disabilities. This shows you’re not just interested in the job, but also in the mission of Affinity Trust.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your skills and experience directly related to the Stock Controller and Administrator role.
We think you need these skills to ace Garden Centre Stock Controller and Administrator in Theale
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 sharing those green-thumb stories!
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to customise your application for this specific role. Mention how your skills and experiences make you a perfect fit for the Stock Controller and Administrator position at our garden centre. We love seeing applicants who take the time to connect their experiences to what we do!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points if necessary to make your key skills stand out!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
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 interested in the role but also passionate about the industry.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Since this role involves serving customers and providing excellent service, think of examples from your past experiences where you’ve gone above and beyond for a customer. Prepare to share these stories during the interview to demonstrate your commitment to customer satisfaction.
✨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
Expect questions or scenarios that test your practical skills and problem-solving abilities. They might ask how you would handle stock control or manage a busy day at the garden centre. Think through these situations beforehand so you can respond confidently.
✨Flexibility is Key
The job requires a flexible approach to work, especially during busy seasons. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve adapted to changing situations in previous roles. Highlight your willingness to take on different tasks and your ability to work as part of a team.
