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- Tasks: Lead daily operations of a vibrant garden centre and coffee shop, ensuring exceptional customer experiences.
- Company: Join Hillier Garden Centre, a dynamic workplace in Winchester with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, car allowance, 31 days' leave, and private healthcare.
- Why this job: Be a key player in a thriving environment that blends retail and hospitality.
- Qualifications: Proven retail management experience and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Flexible hours with weekends off and opportunities for personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.
We’re looking for an experienced and motivated Garden Centre Manager to lead the day‑to‑day operation of our Hillier Garden Centre in Winchester, Hampshire, including its popular coffee shop. This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic leader who thrives in a customer‑focused environment, enjoys a varied and hands‑on role, and can seamlessly bring together retail and hospitality to deliver an exceptional experience for every visitor. This is a full‑time, permanent position, working an average of 37.5 hours per week, with alternate weekends off as part of the rota. We are offering a salary of circa £40,000 per annum, depending on experience, plus a car allowance.
Key responsibilities include:
- 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 include:
- Salary of circa £40,000 salary per annum
- 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 15th April 2026, although we may close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of interest.
Garden Centre Manager in Winchester 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 Winchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Hillier Garden Centre and its values. When you walk in for an interview, you want to show that you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about their mission and can bring that passion to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can give you insider tips on what it’s really like to work there and might even put in a good word for you. Plus, it shows you’re proactive!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions! Think of examples from your past experiences where you’ve led teams, managed budgets, or handled customer complaints. This will help you demonstrate your skills and how you fit into the Garden Centre Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email. It’s a nice touch and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in the position. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Garden Centre Manager in Winchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your retail management experience, especially in garden centres or similar environments, to show us you’re the right fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about leading a garden centre and how your leadership style can inspire our teams. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Customer Service Skills: Since we’re all about delivering exceptional experiences, make sure to include examples of how you’ve provided excellent customer service in previous roles. We want to see your passion for putting customers first!
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 this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 Hillier Garden Centre thoroughly. Familiarise yourself with their operations, customer service approach, and any recent events or promotions. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions more confidently.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, especially in retail or hospitality settings. Highlight your ability to motivate staff and manage diverse teams, as this is crucial for the role. Use specific scenarios to demonstrate your inspiring leadership style.
✨Demonstrate Your Customer Focus
Think of instances where you've gone above and beyond for customers. Be ready to discuss how you ensure high standards of customer service and how you handle complaints or difficult situations. This will illustrate your commitment to delivering an exceptional experience for every visitor.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Budgets and Performance
Since managing budgets and driving commercial performance is key, prepare to talk about your experience with financial management. Bring examples of how you've met sales targets or controlled costs in previous roles. This will show that you're commercially minded and ready to take on the responsibilities of the position.