At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the thriving Plant Centre, balancing commercial success with educational impact.
- Company: Join Derby College Group, a place that values optimism, equity, and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 34 days holiday, and discounts on various services.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for continuous development await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in horticulture while supporting students and promoting sustainability.
- Qualifications: Experience in horticulture, strong plant knowledge, and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 29165 - 29165 £ per year.
Derby College Group (DCG) is seeking an enthusiastic and knowledgeable Plant Centre Lead to support the day-to-day operation of our busy and successful Plant Centre at Broomfield Hall. This exciting role combines commercial management with horticultural expertise, ensuring the Plant Centre operates as a successful retail enterprise while providing an outstanding learning environment for students.
The Opportunity
This is an exciting opportunity to take lead of a thriving Plant Centre, balancing commercial success with educational impact. You will oversee plant production, retail operations, stock management and customer experience, while supporting learners to develop industry-relevant horticultural skills. Working closely with staff, students and the wider community, you will drive income generation, promote sustainability, and help ensure the Plant Centre continues to grow as both a successful business and an outstanding learning environment. Whilst guided working hours are in place, flexibility is essential, as the needs of the plants and business must always be prioritised.
About You
You’ll be an experienced horticultural professional with strong plant knowledge and a background in a plant nursery, garden centre or similar commercial environment. Passionate about customer service, you’ll be organised, proactive and commercially aware, with experience of stock management, merchandising and supervising others. You’ll have excellent communication skills, be confident using IT systems and social media, and enjoy working with students, staff and customers. A Level 3 vocational qualification, Level 2 English and Maths, and a full UK driving licence are essential.
The Benefits
- Salary of £29,165 per annum (this includes our recent pay award)
- 34 days holiday (inclusive of 8 bank holidays and 6 closure days where these occur)
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme with a 19.9% employer contribution
- Discount at our Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding’ onsite Little Explorers Nursery
- TOTUM discount card (aka NUS/Student Discount Card)
- Discounted Tastecard
- Discounts on East Midlands Railway Annual Season Tickets
- Discount on treatments at SENSI our onsite salon at the Roundhouse
- Continuous development and progression opportunities
- Free eye tests with Specsavers
- Our new and enhanced Employee Assistance Programme provides 24/7 confidential support for wellbeing, mental health, and life matters
- Cycle to Work Scheme
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace which promotes and values diversity. We welcome all talent irrespective of age, disability, neuro-divergence, sex, gender identity and gender expression, race, ethnicity, religion, belief, sexual orientation or other personal circumstances. We ensure that our policies and procedures treat all applicants consistently and fairly during our recruitment process.
If you have any questions about the recruitment process, reasonable adjustments, or about the role, please contact us at hrrecruitment@derby-college.ac.uk.
Safeguarding statement
DCG is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and all successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. An online search of the preferred candidate is also completed to help to identify any incidents or issues that have happened, and are publicly available online, which the college may need to explore with the candidate further. Please be advised that it is an offence to apply for this position if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
Please note that unfortunately, this role is not eligible for sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration points-based immigration system. Applications are welcome from candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK but would be eligible to obtain a valid visa via another route. Please consult the Home Office website for further information.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
We are committed to embedding sustainability throughout Derby College Group, from the way we operate to the way we educate and support our learners. We welcome applicants who are motivated to support our sustainability ambitions, help reduce our environmental impact, and contribute to creating a more sustainable world for our future generations.
Plant Centre Lead employer: Derby College
Derby College Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its staff while fostering a supportive and collaborative work culture. Located at the vibrant Joseph Wright Centre campus, employees benefit from a dynamic environment that encourages innovation and creativity, alongside opportunities for professional advancement and meaningful engagement with students and industry partners.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Plant Centre Lead
✨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 Derby College.
✨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 Derby College.
✨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 Derby College; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Plant Centre Lead
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 Derby College.
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 Plant Centre Lead.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Derby College 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 Derby College a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Derby College
✨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 Derby College might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
