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- Tasks: Lead and develop our award-winning Pick Your Own operation and farm events.
- Company: Garsons, an award-winning garden centre and pick-your-own farm since 1871.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, employee discounts, bonus scheme, and health support.
- Other info: Full-time role with opportunities for career growth and seasonal events.
- Why this job: Create memorable experiences for visitors while working outdoors in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in events management and strong organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Garson Farm, Esher is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Pick Your Own Retail & Farm Events Manager, to lead and develop our award-winning Pick Your Own operation and our growing programme of farm-based events. This is an exciting opportunity to combine operational leadership with creative event planning, delivering exceptional experiences that delight our visitors throughout the year.
Working alongside the Crop Production Manager, this role primarily leads the PYO Retail operations on the farm, in addition to managing farm-based events such as Garsons Maize Maze, Pumpkin Parade and more.
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? You’ll be working outdoors in all weather, carrying out a variety of practical, hands-on tasks. As the PYO Retail & Farm Events Manager, you will take the lead in delivering an excellent Pick Your Own experience while developing and managing a variety of farm-based events. From seasonal activities and family days to educational experiences and community-focused events, you will ensure every visitor enjoys a memorable trip to Garsons. You will be responsible for the staffing of the PYO sales team, the coordination and operational management of both PYO and events, 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 site, signage, staff rotas, packaging, customer service & tills
- Building upon our existing farm-based events such as the Maze and Pumpkin Parade
- Ensuring all events meet safety, quality and customer-experience standards
- Managing and motivating the PYO and events teams, including seasonal recruitment.
- Working with internal teams to promote events and visitor experiences.
- Monitoring visitor feedback and driving continual improvement.
- Sourcing and organising equipment, materials, signage and resources needed for events.
What skills and experience do you need?
- Strong background in visitor experience, events management or a similar customer-facing environment.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to plan and deliver events.
- Experience of leading teams in a busy, hands-on, outdoor setting.
- A proactive, customer-focused mindset and a passion for creating memorable experiences.
- A practical approach and confidence working across varied outdoor tasks.
Contract: This is a full-time role, including weekend work during the summer season. Location: This role is based at Garsons Esher, Surrey. Salary: From £30,060 to £33,828 per annum (depending on experience).
Package:
- 20% Employee discount (plus discount for designated household member)
- 28 days paid holiday increasing to 31 days with 2 years’ service (pro rata)
- Company bonus scheme
- Pension scheme
- Access to health and wellbeing support
- Service rewards awarded for 10 years’ and 25 years’ service
- 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.
Pick Your Own Retail & Farm Events Manager in Guildford employer: Garsons
Contact Detail:
Garsons Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Pick Your Own Retail & Farm Events Manager in Guildford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Garsons and their values! Before you step into that interview, do a bit of homework on the farm's history and what makes them tick. This will help you connect your experience with their mission and show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your event planning skills! Think of some creative ideas for farm events that could enhance the visitor experience. Bring these ideas to the table during your interview to demonstrate your proactive mindset and passion for creating memorable experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to talk about teamwork! Since you'll be managing a team, share examples of how you've successfully led teams in busy environments before. Highlight your ability to motivate and manage staff, especially in outdoor settings.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on being part of the Garsons family right from the start!
We think you need these skills to ace Pick Your Own Retail & Farm Events Manager in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see your love for creating memorable experiences and your excitement about working outdoors. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your passion for events management and customer service.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Pick Your Own Retail & Farm Events Manager role. Highlight your experience in visitor experience and events management, and don’t forget to mention any hands-on outdoor work you've done. We’re looking for someone who can lead our teams and enhance our offerings!
Be Specific: In your cover letter, be specific about why you want to join Garsons and what you can bring to the table. Mention any ideas you have for farm-based events or improvements to the PYO experience. We love creativity and fresh perspectives!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to be part of the Garsons team right from the start!
How to prepare for a job interview at Garsons
✨Know Your PYO and Events Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into Garsons' Pick Your Own operations and their farm events. Familiarise yourself with their past events like the Maze and Pumpkin Parade, and think about how you could enhance these experiences. Showing genuine interest and knowledge will impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a PYO Retail & Farm Events Manager, you'll be leading teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in busy environments before. Highlight your ability to motivate staff and ensure excellent customer service, as this aligns perfectly with Garsons' values.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in outdoor settings. Think about scenarios where you've had to adapt quickly to changing weather or visitor needs. Being able to demonstrate your practical approach will show you're ready for the hands-on nature of the role.
✨Emphasise Your Customer-Centric Mindset
Garsons prides itself on outstanding customer service. Be prepared to discuss how you've created memorable experiences for visitors in previous roles. Share specific examples that highlight your proactive, customer-focused mindset, which is crucial for this position.