At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop our award-winning Pick Your Own farm retail operation.
- Company: Garsons, an award-winning destination Garden Centre and Farm Shop.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, employee discounts, pension scheme, and health support.
- Other info: Fixed-term contract with excellent growth opportunities and a fun work environment.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and create exceptional experiences for visitors.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail or visitor services and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 29472 - 33828 £ per year.
Garson Farm, Esher is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Retail Manager to lead and develop our award-winning Pick Your Own farm retail operation, working alongside the Crop Production Manager. This is an exciting operational leadership opportunity, delivering exceptional experiences and levels of customer service to our Farm visitors from May to October.
Who are Garsons? Founded in 1871, today Garsons is an award-winning destination Garden Centre, Farm Shop and Restaurant with locations in Esher, Surrey and Titchfield, Hampshire. Garsons Esher is also home to one of the UK's largest pick-your-own farms, voted Best PYO of the Year 2025 by the Farm Retail Association. We're honoured to have won numerous awards for our outstanding customer service and quality products, which we couldn't achieve without our valued team. We've built our reputation on friendly, reliable service with a smile, and we're always keen to meet those who share our values.
What does the role involve? As the PYO Retail Manager, you will take the lead in delivering an excellent Pick Your Own experience. You will be responsible for the day-to-day PYO retail operations, working closely with our wider teams to enhance our offering and drive continued growth.
Responsibilities:
- Overseeing the day-to-day management and presentation of the Pick Your Own farm, including signage, staff rotas, packaging, customer service & tills.
- Ensuring we meet safety, quality and customer-experience standards.
- Managing and motivating the PYO sales team.
- Monitoring visitor feedback and driving continual improvement.
What skills and experience do you need?
- Strong background in visitor or retail experience, in a customer-facing environment.
- Excellent organisational and communication skills.
- Experience of leading teams in a busy, hands-on, outdoor setting.
- A proactive, customer-focused mindset and a passion for great retail.
Contract: This is a fixed-term contract, with immediate start until 1st November 2026.
Hours: This is a full-time role, including weekend work. 42.5 hours per week.
Location: This role is based at Garsons Esher, Surrey.
Salary: From £29,472 to £33,828 pro rata, per annum (depending on experience).
Package: 20% Employee discount (plus discount for designated household member), Pension scheme, Access to health and wellbeing support, Company events, Discounted ‘Pick Your Own’ fruit and vegetables, Uniform provided, Free car parking on site.
Note: We may close vacancies early in the event we receive a high volume of applications. Therefore, we recommend you apply early.
Locations
Seasonal Pick Your Own Farm Retail Manager in Esher, Surrey employer: Garsons
Garson Farm in Esher is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises customer service and teamwork. As a Seasonal Pick Your Own Farm Retail Manager, you will enjoy a supportive environment with opportunities for personal growth, alongside benefits such as a generous employee discount, health and wellbeing support, and access to company events. Join us in creating memorable experiences for our visitors while working at one of the UK's largest and award-winning pick-your-own farms.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Seasonal Pick Your Own Farm Retail Manager in Esher, Surrey
✨Get in Early for Seasonal Opportunities
Retail is all about timing, so keep an eye out for those early seasonal hiring windows. Many shops start ramping up their staff as early as September for the festive rush. Put yourself out there by visiting your favourite stores and chatting with managers about possible openings. You might just land a spot before they even hit the online job boards!
✨Show Off Your Sales Skills
In retail, personality goes a long way! When you're chatting with potential employers, showcase your past customer service experiences and your ability to handle busy floors. If you’ve got experience in sales or dealing with customers, make it a key part of your pitch. Think of it as your secret weapon to landing that seasonal gig!
✨Engage with Local Retail Communities
Get involved in local retail job fairs and community events! Many retailers will host hiring sessions during peak seasons, and these are perfect opportunities to meet company representatives face-to-face. Plus, you’ll start building connections that can help you land future roles. So, grab your best outfit and get out there!
✨Leverage Social Media for Retail Roles
Don’t underestimate the power of social media in your job hunt! Follow your local retailers and engage with their posts—like, comment, or share your favourite items. Companies often announce openings on their social platforms first, so being active can give you a leg up. Remember to mention any relevant retail experience you have in your interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Seasonal Pick Your Own Farm Retail Manager in Esher, Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Retail:In your application, let your love for retail shine through! We want to see your enthusiasm and any previous retail experiences that make you the perfect fit for the Seasonal Pick Your Own Farm Retail Manager position at Garsons. Whether it's a past role or a memorable shopping experience that sparked your interest, share those moments!
Highlight Your Customer Service Skills:Customer service is at the heart of retail, especially in a seasonal role like this. Make sure to include specific examples of how you've dealt with customers in the past, resolved issues, or gone above and beyond to make someone’s day. This will show us that you're ready to tackle the bustling holiday season!
Flexibility is Key:For a seasonal role, flexible availability is really important. Mention your availability in your cover letter—highlighting that you're ready to jump in when needed, including during peak times. This can set you apart from other candidates who may have less availability!
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Seasonal roles attract a lot of applicants, so keep your CV sharp and focused. Use bullet points to break down your previous retail experiences and skills so we can quickly see why you'd be a great fit for the Seasonal Pick Your Own Farm Retail Manager at Garsons. Remember, quality over quantity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Garsons
✨Know Your Products
Brush up on the products or brands that Garsons sells. Customers will be looking for advice, and demonstrating your product knowledge can really make you stand out during the interview. Think about how you can engage with their merchandise and show real enthusiasm for the items they'll be selling this season.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In retail, you'll often face situation-based questions like, 'How would you handle an upset customer?' or 'What would you do if stock runs out during a busy sale?'. Think of specific examples from your experience or past roles to showcase your problem-solving skills and customer service approach.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility
Since this is a seasonal role, Garsons is likely looking for someone who can adapt easily. Be ready to discuss your availability and willingness to work various shifts, especially during peak hours. Showing you're a team player who can jump in where needed will make a great impression!
✨Bring a Can-Do Attitude
As a seasonal employee, you'll be part of a fast-paced environment. Expressing your eagerness to learn and take on new tasks can set you apart. Share any experiences where you've tackled challenges head-on or picked up new skills quickly, making it clear that you're ready for whatever comes your way at Garsons.
