At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to drive sales and create exceptional customer experiences.
- Company: Join Haskins Garden Centres, a forward-thinking and people-focused business.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous discounts, health plans, and up to 38 days holiday.
- Other info: Be part of a company that values development and teamwork.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a thriving garden centre with a supportive culture.
- Qualifications: Retail management experience and strong leadership skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ 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.
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.
We're seeking a natural leader who can motivate others, build strong relationships, and bring energy and enthusiasm to every part of the business. You'll ideally have:
- 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
- A passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences
- 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 includes:
- Generous Company Discount scheme
- 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 - West End, Southampton in Hampshire employer: Haskins Garden Centres
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 the picturesque West End of Southampton, you'll benefit from a generous employee discount scheme, a robust health cash plan, and opportunities for personal and professional growth, all while being part of a team that values collaboration and exceptional customer service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trading Manager - West End, Southampton in Hampshire
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like Haskins Garden Centres, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like Haskins Garden Centres!
We think you need these skills to ace Trading Manager - West End, Southampton in Hampshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at Haskins Garden Centres, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at Haskins Garden Centres and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show Haskins Garden Centres that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Haskins Garden Centres
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
