At a Glance
- Tasks: Select and purchase horticultural products, driving sales and customer satisfaction.
- Company: Join a family-owned garden centre business with a passion for people and growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy 50% restaurant discounts, generous holiday, and a pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for learning and career growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the gardening industry while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Retail buying experience and strong analytical skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Squires Garden Centres is a family-owned business with a turnover of over £75M, operating 17 Garden Centres and 2 Plant Nurseries. We focus on providing a diverse customer proposition that includes Gardening, Restaurant services, Food, Giftware, Toys, Christmas items, Clothing, Outdoor Living, Pets, and Aquatics.
We are recruiting to improve our product offer across centres, drive customer satisfaction, meet changing needs, and increase sales and profit. The role involves working closely with the Senior Buyer on plant categories and complementary product categories, as well as collaborating with the Nursery business to develop own-grown product offerings.
We are looking for someone who:
- Drives sales, profitability, and customer-valued product propositions
- Has extensive horticultural knowledge, including botanical nomenclature
- Defines ranging and space strategy by format and centre to optimise cash profit per square metre
- Supports Buyers and Garden Centre teams in range selection and performance
- Works well cross-functionally and engages teams in direction
- Is a team player with integrity and strives to improve the business for customers and teams
Skills we are looking for:
- Proactive and eager to learn
- Strong team player
- Confident decision-maker
- Results-driven with a commercial mindset
- Strong communication and influencing skills
- Risk management and problem-solving ability
- Strong technical proficiency with an analytical mindset
Job Deliverables include:
- Selecting and purchasing products aligned with category strategy, customer demand, and future trends
- Working with suppliers to develop new and exclusive products
- Supporting Senior Buyers in range planning, product development, and supplier negotiations
- Monitoring sales performance, analysing data to identify trends and opportunities
- Managing purchase orders, tracking deliveries, and ensuring stock availability
- Collaborating with the Buying Team to ensure accurate product and pricing information in internal systems
- Liaising with suppliers regarding samples, pricing, and lead times
- Conducting competitor and market research to ensure competitive product propositions
- Supporting markdown planning and promotional activity
- Attending trade shows and supplier meetings as required
Key Performance Indicators include:
- Financial performance, inventory and stock management
- Sales efficiency
- Market position, customer and product metrics
- Trends and driven ranges
- ATV and sales growth
- Percentage and cash margin
Essential Experience/Qualifications:
- Experience in Retail Buying
- Strong numerical and analytical skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel/Word
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills
- High attention to detail and strong organisational ability
- Commercial awareness and understanding of retail trends
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Desirable Experience/Qualifications:
- Experience in EPOS
- Proven track record in delivering margin and sales growth in a retail environment
- Experience of cross-functional working
Rewards & Benefits:
- Employee Discount – 50% in Restaurants and 20% in Garden Centre on joining, increasing to 25% after 2 years' service and 30% after 5 years' service.
- Holiday – 5.6 weeks on joining increasing to 6.2 weeks after 2 years' service and 6.6 weeks after 5 years' service.
- Bonus – Non-contractual bonus at Christmas based on company profit (first year dependent on start date).
- Pension – Defined Contribution Pension Plan; company matches employee contributions meeting government criteria.
- Attendance reward – 1 day holiday added after one full financial year with 100% attendance.
- Made A Difference Scheme (M.A.D.) – Reward scheme for outstanding customer service or initiatives; monthly winner selects a gift.
- Learning & Development – Wide range of learning opportunities.
- Birthday – Leave early on birthday after 6 months' service; £25 Squires gift voucher after 2 years (pro-rata for part-time employees).
Buying - Horticultural Support Buyer in Lea employer: AgHires
Squires Garden Centres is an exceptional employer that prioritises its employees and customers, fostering a supportive and engaging work culture. Located in the picturesque Farnham, Surrey, we offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits including generous holiday allowances and a contributory pension scheme, as well as numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth. Join us to be part of a family-owned business that values integrity, teamwork, and continuous improvement in the horticultural sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying - Horticultural Support Buyer in Lea
✨Get Hands-On at Local Events
Hit up local horticulture fairs, plant shows, and farmer’s markets. These gatherings are a goldmine for networking and usually attract employers looking for passionate candidates. Chat with the vendors and fellow enthusiasts; you never know who might know about a full-time opening at a place like AgHires.
✨Join Gardening Clubs and Online Communities
Become part of local gardening clubs or online forums where like-minded folks share tips and job leads. These communities can often clue you in on upcoming vacancies. Remember, people in these groups often work in the industry and can help us get our foot in the door at places like AgHires.
✨Show Off Your Green Thumb
Consider creating a public portfolio showcasing your gardening projects, designs, or any unique plants you've cultivated. A well-documented journey through your horticulture experiences can make you stand out when chasing full-time roles. It’s basically your way of shouting, 'Look at what I can do!' to potential employers.
✨Apply Early and Often!
The horticulture field can be competitive, especially for full-time roles. Keep an eye on seasonal hiring trends and don’t hesitate to apply as soon as positions open up. Check out our website regularly for openings at AgHires; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Buying - Horticultural Support Buyer in Lea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:In horticulture, it's all about showcasing your hands-on experience. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant gardening, landscaping, or plant care roles you've held. Also, don’t forget to mention any specific skills like plant identification or pest management that make you a great fit for the position at AgHires.
Include Certifications and Training:If you've got any horticulture-related certifications, such as in organic gardening or landscape design, be sure to include them. This will set you apart from other applicants and show that you’re committed to expanding your knowledge in the field, which is crucial for a full-time role like Buying - Horticultural Support Buyer.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what AgHires is looking for. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on or challenges you've overcome in previous horticultural roles to demonstrate your suitability for the full-time position.
Be Ready to Talk Numbers:When applying for a full-time role in horticulture, it's helpful to quantify your achievements. Did you increase crop yields or reduce waste in a previous job? Highlight these metrics in your CV to give hiring managers at AgHires a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at AgHires
✨Get to Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge! Be prepared to discuss specific species, their growth requirements, and potential pests. Remember, the role involves practical horticultural skills – so don’t be shy about sharing your hands-on experience with various plants and gardening techniques.
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
If you've worked on garden designs, landscaping projects, or community gardens, bring along a portfolio showcasing your work. Visuals speak a thousand words, and this will help us see your creativity and practical skills in action. Plus, don’t forget to have a few stories about challenges you faced and how you overcame them!
✨Be Ready for a Plant Quiz
Prepare for some technical questions related to horticulture! We may ask you about soil types, plant propagation methods, or pest management strategies. This helps us assess your depth of knowledge and problem-solving skills – so don’t skip the revision!
✨Passion for Sustainability
Horticulture often revolves around sustainability practices, so be ready to discuss any experience you have with eco-friendly gardening methods or sustainable designs. This role at AgHires might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
