Operations Manager

Operations Manager

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead store operations, drive sales, and create an amazing customer experience.
  • Company: Dobbies, a historic garden centre retailer with a passion for gardens.
  • Benefits: Generous leave, uncapped discounts, financial support, and development opportunities.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse culture that celebrates teamwork and community.
  • Why this job: Join a vibrant team and make a real impact in a thriving retail environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in retail operations and a knack for coaching and training teams.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Our Operations Managers play an essential role in delivering customer experience across our stores - driving sales, promoting customer loyalty, maintaining high operational standards and smashing commercial targets.

Responsibilities

  • Overseeing the store operations to maximise profitable sales and growth
  • Take the lead in creating a great place to work for everyone, whilst allowing your team the opportunity to develop within Dobbies
  • Sparking your team’s passion for delivering the best in-store experience possible by creating a brilliant customer journey and experience
  • Working closely with our central support teams, maintaining excellent communication to improve our business
  • Ensuring all health & safety regulations are carried out across the store, whilst caring for employee and customer welfare
  • Take a lead in ensuring audit controls are in place, maintaining company best practice and coaching the whole team on good governance
  • Monitor and maintain full stock management process across the store, from goods in to strong visual merchandising
  • Act as deputy to the General Manager in their absence
  • As a member of the senior management team, you will also have duty manager responsibilities including key holder duties

Who We Are Looking For

  • You’ll bring operations expertise with experience of retail operations management
  • Commercial awareness and understanding of budgets, profitability from driving sales and improved ways of working
  • A proven ability to manage stock controls and strict adherence to health & safety regulations
  • Ability to identify training needs. You’ll be effectively coaching and training all levels ensuring our teams are delivering a first-class customer experience and safe centre environment
  • Adaptability. You’ll act quickly and enthusiastically to changing priorities, workload and new regulations or requirements
  • Positivity managing change, you’ll lead the team through each season with care and motivation to deliver the best
  • Can demonstrate our values at all times - we’re one team getting better every day. We bring a smile. We live and breathe gardens. We make it work for our customers

What We Offer

  • Generous annual leave entitlement. Use your holidays when you want with limited statutory days off required
  • Treat yourself with generous uncapped discount across our stores with 50% off in our Restaurants, 25% off in the Garden Centre and 10% off in our food halls
  • Access to Stream – support your financial wellbeing, with ability to access earnings ahead of pay day, save for the future and financial advice
  • Access to Retail Trust – seek confidential support, access to a virtual GP, free counselling service and discounted retail rewards with our employee wellbeing platform
  • Access to Dobbies Academy – continue your development with our eLearning platform and development programmes
  • Thriving culture; the Dobbies team are passionate, diverse and committed to making it work for our customers

About Us

At Dobbies, we’re proud to have a history dating back to 1865. We were founded by James Dobbie and are the only garden centre retailer to have stores in every nation across the UK. Our passion and joy for gardens and plants is what makes us special. In our stores, we showcase this through own brand and branded products, concession partners and services. We champion garden living all-year-round. Many of our stores feature a restaurant or coffee shop, where customers can enjoy refreshments or meals in a relaxed and welcoming environment. We offer a calendar of events and experiences that bring people and communities together, and we have a national charity partner that both our colleagues and customers raise money for. We’re committed to being a great place to work. We’re one team and we encourage our colleagues to be the best version of themselves, every day; to share their wins and celebrate success. Together, we make it work for our customers.

Operations Manager employer: Dobbies Garden Centres

Dobbies Garden Centres in Wallington is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture where passion for food and customer service thrives. With generous leave, discounts, and opportunities for professional growth, employees are encouraged to develop their skills while contributing to a team that prioritises exceptional dining experiences. Join us to be part of a supportive environment that values your contributions and fosters career advancement.

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Contact Details:

Dobbies Garden Centres Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Operations Manager

Tip Number 1

Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, spend some time browsing Dobbies' website and social media. This will help you understand their values and how you can fit in, making it easier to connect with the interviewers.

Tip Number 2

Practice your STAR technique! When discussing your past experiences, use the Situation, Task, Action, Result method to clearly demonstrate how you've tackled challenges in operations management. This will show that you're ready to drive sales and improve customer experience.

Tip Number 3

Show your passion for gardens! Since Dobbies is all about garden living, share your personal experiences or interests related to gardening during the interview. This will help you stand out as someone who truly aligns with their mission.

Tip Number 4

Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate why you’d be a perfect fit for the team!

We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager

Retail Operations Management
Commercial Awareness
Budget Management
Sales Driving
Stock Control Management
Health & Safety Compliance
Training and Coaching

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Operations Manager role. Highlight your retail operations management experience and any achievements in driving sales or improving customer experiences.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about the role and how you embody our values. Share specific examples of how you've led teams and improved operational standards in previous roles.

Showcase Your Communication Skills:As an Operations Manager, communication is key! In your application, demonstrate how you've effectively communicated with teams and central support. This will show us you can maintain excellent relationships across the board.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at Dobbies Garden Centres

Know Your Operations Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in retail operations management. Brush up on your knowledge of stock controls, health and safety regulations, and how to drive sales. Being able to discuss specific examples from your past experience will show that you’re ready to hit the ground running.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As an Operations Manager, you’ll be leading a team, so it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership style. Prepare to share stories about how you’ve motivated teams, identified training needs, and created a positive work environment. Highlighting your adaptability in managing change will also impress the interviewers.

Understand the Customer Journey

Dobbies places a strong emphasis on customer experience, so be prepared to discuss how you can enhance the in-store journey. Think about ways you’ve previously improved customer satisfaction and loyalty. Showing that you can spark passion in your team for delivering exceptional service will set you apart.

Align with Company Values

Familiarise yourself with Dobbies’ values and culture. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs, especially the commitment to teamwork and continuous improvement. Sharing how you embody these values in your work will resonate well with the interviewers.