At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to drive sales and create exceptional customer experiences.
- Company: Join Haskins Garden Centres, a forward-thinking retail leader with a strong heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy retail discounts, health plans, charity days, and up to 38 days of holiday.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive culture that values personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a thriving garden centre while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Retail management experience and a passion for motivating teams.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
At Haskins Garden Centres, we're passionate about creating exceptional experiences for our customers and inspiring places for our teams to work. We're looking for an ambitious, commercially minded Trading Manager to lead our retail operation and play a key role in the success of one of our thriving garden centres.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced retail leader who loves developing people, driving commercial performance, and creating outstanding customer experiences. You'll lead a large and diverse team, working alongside the General Manager and wider leadership team to deliver exceptional results across all trading departments.
What you'll be doing
As Trading Manager, you'll be at the heart of the garden centre's success. You'll inspire and develop your Trading Team Leaders and wider team, creating a positive, high-performing culture where people can thrive and customers receive outstanding service every day.
You'll take ownership of driving sales, managing costs, maximising margins, and ensuring every department is presented to the highest standards. From seasonal promotions and stock management to team development and commercial planning, you'll have a significant impact on both the customer experience and the centre's performance.
You'll also act as a Duty Manager and provide leadership support across the business, including deputising for the General Manager when required.
What we're looking for
We're seeking a natural leader who can motivate others, build strong relationships, and bring energy and enthusiasm to every part of the business.
- Significant retail management experience within a customer-focused environment
- A strong commercial mindset and confidence working with sales, margins, budgets and KPIs
- Experience leading, coaching and developing large teams
- The ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent communication and influencing skills
- Strong analytical skills and confidence using business data to make informed decisions
Most importantly, you’ll be someone who leads by example, embraces teamwork, and enjoys helping people and businesses achieve their full potential.
Haskins Garden Centres has been delighting customers for generations. We combine a strong heritage with a forward-thinking approach, creating inspiring destinations for gardeners, families and visitors alike.
When you join us, you'll become part of a business that genuinely values its people, invests in development, and recognises that great teams are the key to great results. In addition, you can enjoy our employee benefits which include:
- Retail discounts, saving money on day-to-day spending, days out, and gifts
- Cycle Scheme, helping spread the cost of a bike and saving on tax
- Health Cash Plan, for a small monthly contribution access a 24-hour online GP service recover costs for dental and optical appointments and more
- Time off to support local charities, with an annual paid Charity Day
- Wellbeing support with Mental Health First Aiders and external Assistance Program providing free counselling and advice for you and your family
- Enhanced Company pension scheme for eligible employees
- Free on-site parking
- Up to 38 days of Holiday (pro-rata)
If you're ready to take the next step in your retail leadership career and make a real impact within a successful and growing business, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and help us grow something exceptional.
Trading Manager - Southampton employer: Haskins Garden Centres Ltd
At Haskins Garden Centres, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and supportive work environment where our employees can thrive. As a Trading Manager in Southampton, you'll benefit from a strong commitment to personal development, a culture that values teamwork, and a range of employee perks including retail discounts, health plans, and generous holiday allowances. Join us to lead a passionate team and make a meaningful impact in a company that has delighted customers for generations.
Contact Details:
Haskins Garden Centres Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trading Manager - Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the retail industry, especially those who might know someone at Haskins Garden Centres. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Haskins Garden Centres thoroughly. Understand their values, recent initiatives, and customer experience strategies. This will show you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Think of examples where you've motivated teams or driven sales. Being able to share these experiences confidently will demonstrate your fit for the Trading Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Trading Manager - Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for retail and customer service shine through. We want to see how much you care about creating exceptional experiences for customers, just like we do at StudySmarter.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure to customise your CV to highlight your relevant experience in retail management. Focus on your achievements in driving sales and developing teams, as these are key aspects of the Trading Manager role we're looking to fill.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you're a great fit for the position.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, you can ensure your application reaches us quickly and efficiently, and you'll have access to all the latest updates about the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Haskins Garden Centres Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Trading Manager, you'll need to be comfortable with sales figures, margins, and KPIs. Before the interview, brush up on relevant metrics from your previous roles. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive performance and make informed decisions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong leadership skills, so think about examples that highlight your ability to motivate and develop teams. Prepare stories that demonstrate how you've created a positive culture and driven results through effective team management.
✨Understand the Customer Experience
Haskins Garden Centres is all about exceptional customer experiences. Research their approach to customer service and be prepared to share your thoughts on how you would enhance this in the Trading Manager role. Think about specific strategies you've implemented in the past.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in a fast-paced environment. Prepare for scenarios related to stock management, seasonal promotions, or team conflicts. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies clearly.
