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- Tasks: Lead daily operations at our vibrant Garden Centre and coffee shop.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in a customer-focused garden centre environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while engaging with customers and nature.
- Qualifications: Proven retail management experience and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Passionate about sustainability? This role is for you!
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 44000 £ per year.
We’re looking for an experienced and motivated Garden Centre Manager to lead the day-to-day operation at our Garden Centre at Liss, Hampshire, including its coffee shop. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys a varied role, thrives in a customer-focused environment, and can bring together retail and hospitality to deliver an exceptional experience for every visitor.
Responsibilities
- Overseeing all areas of the garden centre, including retail and coffee shop operations
- Ensuring strong coordination between retail and hospitality to maximise performance and profitability
- Managing stock levels, supply chains, merchandising, and promotional activity
- Delivering excellent customer service and maintaining high standards of presentation across all departments
- Organising seasonal events, promotions, and customer engagement activities
- Monitoring budgets, controlling costs, and driving commercial performance
- Leading and developing teams across retail and hospitality, including staffing, rotas, recruitment, and performance reviews
- Ensuring compliance with all health, safety, and food hygiene requirements
- Maintaining safe working practices and completing risk assessments
- Managing stock, monitoring wastage, and maximising margin potential
- Ensuring accurate till operations, cash handling, and banking procedures
- Acting as a key holder and taking part in the duty manager rota
- Working closely with HR on performance, conduct, and employee matters
Skills and experience
- Proven retail management experience, ideally within a garden centre or similar commercial environment
- Strong leadership skills with experience managing diverse teams
- Confidence in managing budgets, sales targets, and cost control
- Excellent communication and customer service skills
- Ability to multitask and manage competing priorities across retail and hospitality
Personal attributes
- Inspiring leadership style with the ability to motivate and support teams
- Calm, resilient, and composed in a fast-paced environment
- High attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high standards
- Commercially minded with a focus on sales growth and customer engagement
- Flexible and adaptable, particularly during peak seasonal periods
- Passion for sustainability and environmentally friendly practices
- Strong problem-solving skills and proactive decision-making
- Willingness to work weekends and Bank Holidays
Additional requirement
A basic DBS check is required for this role (funded by the Company).
Benefits
- £44,000 salary per year plus car allowance
- 31 days’ annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays)
- Employee discount
- Group Personal Pension Scheme
- Life Assurance
- Private Healthcare
- Employee Assistance Programme with retail discounts
- Free parking
- Complimentary access to the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. Please note that we can only consider applicants who are already based in the UK and have the right to work. The closing date for applications is 27th February 2026, although we may close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of interest.
Garden Centre Manager in Liss employer: Hillier Nurseries Ltd
Contact Detail:
Hillier Nurseries Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Garden Centre Manager in Liss
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the garden centre and retail industry. Attend local events or join online groups where you can meet potential employers or colleagues. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your personality! When you get an interview, let your passion for gardening and customer service shine through. Share stories that highlight your leadership skills and how you've created memorable experiences for customers in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you would handle specific scenarios related to managing a garden centre, like dealing with stock shortages or leading a team during peak times. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are excited about joining our team. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in the role and the company!
We think you need these skills to ace Garden Centre Manager in Liss
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Gardening: When writing your application, let your love for gardening and the outdoors shine through. We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission to create an exceptional experience for every visitor at our Garden Centre.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: Make sure to emphasise your experience in leading diverse teams. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and motivate others, so share examples of how you've successfully managed teams in retail or hospitality settings.
Be Customer-Focused: Since this role is all about delivering excellent customer service, include specific instances where you’ve gone above and beyond for customers. We want to know how you ensure a top-notch experience for everyone who walks through our doors.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get to know you better. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hillier Nurseries Ltd
✨Know Your Garden Centre Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you research the garden centre thoroughly. Familiarise yourself with their products, services, and any recent events or promotions. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how you can contribute to their success.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you motivated staff, handled conflicts, or improved team performance. This is crucial for a role that requires strong leadership in both retail and hospitality.
✨Demonstrate Customer Service Excellence
Be ready to share your approach to delivering exceptional customer service. Think of scenarios where you went above and beyond for customers, especially in a fast-paced environment. Highlighting your commitment to customer satisfaction will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Discuss Your Commercial Mindset
Since the role involves managing budgets and driving sales growth, come prepared to discuss your experience with financial management. Share how you've previously maximised profitability and managed costs, as this will show you're commercially minded and ready to take on the responsibilities of the position.
