Are you an experienced retail manager with a passion for customer service, strong commercial awareness and the ability to inspire and lead a large team?
We are currently recruiting for an enthusiastic and commercially minded General Manager to lead our popular, busy and family-owned independent garden centre at Bourne Valley. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced retail manager to take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the store, overseeing retail operations, and ensuring the highest standards of customer service and store presentation.
The successful candidate will have proven senior management experience within a garden centre, horticultural business or similar large-scale retail environment, with a strong track record of leading and developing teams. You will be a confident, hands-on leader with excellent organisational skills, strong commercial acumen and the ability to take ownership of the store's performance while motivating your team to deliver outstanding results.
Responsibilities would include: -
- Oversee day to day operations, including inventory management, product merchandising, and customer service, to ensure a seamless and enjoyable shopping experience for our customers.
- Ensure very high standards of store presentation and merchandising are maintained.
- Improve gross margins by reductions in waste and stock losses.
- Reduce overheads by keeping control of all costs and expenditure.
- To optimise stock availability by ensuring effective systems for replenishment are achieved.
- Seasonal and product promotions are planned and delivered.Management of Store department teams throughout the business group.
- To recruit, motivate and develop an effective retail team complying with company procedures and ensuring individual performance is regularly reviewed through assessment and appraisal.
- To create an effective communication strategy, including team meetings and briefings to ensure accuracy of information across all employees.
- All Company Health & Safety procedures are adhered to and compliance with all statutory requirements.
- Training of staff in all and any applicable area of the store throughout.
Desired Experience & Characteristics: -
- Proven experience in a senior management role within the garden centre, horticulture, or retail industry
- Strong leadership and people management skills, with a track record of inspiring and motivating teams.
- Exceptional customer service skills and the ability to provide expert advice to customers
- Candidates must have experience of working and managing large multi-million-pound centres.
- Be capable of managing a team of approximately 80 members staff at this branch.
- Must have great commercial acumen, be an insightful and an instinctive retailer who does not need to be driven by head office instructions.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with colleagues at all levels.
- Free onsite parking
- 15% Staff discount (Increase to 20% after 5 years of service)
- Training and development with opportunities to forge a career with us
- Employee Assistant Programme
- Employee recognition and benefits programme
- Holiday entitlement of 29 days, including bank holidays (Increases with length of service)
- Pension plan
Store: Bourne Valley (Addlestone)
Department: General Store
Contract: Full time
Includes: Monday to Friday with a rota’d day off and alternate weekends
About the Company: -
Longacres Garden Centre aims to be the destination of choice for garden enthusiasts, offering exceptional service and high-quality products at competitive prices. Established in 1979 as a family-run business, Longacres has grown to include six stores across the South East of England, employing over 700 staff in 2026. As a growing company, we provide ample opportunities for personal development and learning within a supportive, inclusive, and friendly team environment. We are deeply committed to our loyal customers, delivering top-notch products while maintaining affordability. Guided by our core values - trust and integrity, family, teamwork, accountability, and retail excellence - we strive to continuously enhance the customer experience and foster lasting relationships.
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Garden Centre General Manager in Addlestone employer: Longacres Garden Centres
Longacres Garden Centres is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values diligence and reliability. As a Security Officer at our Bagshot location, you will benefit from free onsite parking, a pension plan, and the opportunity to work in a thriving environment that prioritises safety and customer service. Join us and be part of a team that not only ensures the security of our valued customers and staff but also fosters personal and professional growth within the UK's leading independent garden centre group.
