At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team and drive sales at a thriving garden centre.
- Company: Established garden retail site in Exeter, transitioning to a structured group operation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £45,000 and significant autonomy in shaping the business.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make your mark during an exciting transition and enhance team culture and performance.
- Qualifications: Strong retail management experience and proven team leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity to take on a Garden Centre Manager role at a well-established garden retail site in Exeter, with an initial turnover of circa £2 million and a team of around 20 colleagues. The business is entering a new phase, transitioning from independent ownership into a more structured group operation. This is a genuine opportunity to step in, take ownership, and shape standards, performance, and team capability from the ground up.
As Garden Centre Manager, you'll be responsible for the full operational and commercial performance of the site, setting the tone and standards for the entire team. Your key responsibilities will include:
- Full accountability for sales, KPIs, and overall site performance, with a focus on growing turnover from its £2m base
- Leading, developing, and structuring a team of 20, identifying and addressing capability gaps as the business evolves
- Taking a hands-on leadership approach on the shop floor, driving a strong retail culture and high standards
- Embedding best-in-class retail practices, improving merchandising, stock control, and customer experience
- Overseeing all day-to-day operations, including rotas, recruitment, and performance management
- Supporting and overseeing the restaurant manager to ensure alignment across the wider site
- Implementing structure and processes where needed, as the centre transitions from an independent model
- Ensuring full compliance with health & safety and operational procedures
- Playing a key role in building a cohesive, engaged team during a period of change
A strong retail manager with experience running a store or site of similar scale is required. Proven ability to lead and develop teams, particularly through periods of change or transformation is essential. You should be commercially driven, with confidence managing KPIs and driving sales performance. A hands-on, visible leader who leads from the front is desired. Experience within garden centres is highly desirable, but strong retail backgrounds (DIY, home improvement, discount retail, etc.) will be considered. You should be comfortable stepping into a business where structure is still being developed and possess strong communication skills, with the ability to manage change sensitively and effectively.
Why join? Significant autonomy to shape the culture, standards, and commercial direction. A centre at a key transition point, part of and supported by a much larger group. Competitive salary package up to £45,000. A varied role combining retail leadership with light-touch hospitality oversight. This is an ideal role for an experienced retail manager looking to step into garden centre management, or an existing GCM seeking a site where they can truly make their mark.
To apply, send your CV or get in touch for a confidential discussion.
Garden Centre Manager in Exeter employer: Morepeople 01780
Join a dynamic team as a Garden Centre Manager in Exeter, where you will have the unique opportunity to shape the future of a well-established garden retail site. With a competitive salary of up to £45,000 and significant autonomy to influence culture and performance, this role offers a rewarding environment for growth and development. Embrace the chance to lead a dedicated team through an exciting transition, all while enjoying the support of a larger group and a vibrant work culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Garden Centre Manager in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the retail and garden centre industry. Attend local events or join online groups where you can meet people who might know about job openings or can give you insider tips.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their current challenges, especially as they transition into a structured group operation. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're the right fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led teams through change and improved performance. Use specific examples to demonstrate your hands-on approach and ability to drive results.
✨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 are proactive and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Garden Centre Manager in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Garden Centre Manager role. Highlight your retail management experience, especially in leading teams and driving sales performance.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed change and improved team performance in previous positions.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:In your application, let us know about your hands-on leadership approach. We want to see how you engage with your team on the shop floor and drive a strong retail culture.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Morepeople 01780
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you’re familiar with key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to garden centres or retail management. Be ready to discuss how you've driven sales and improved performance in previous roles, as this will show your commercial acumen.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've led teams through change. Highlight your hands-on approach and how you’ve developed team capabilities. This is crucial for a role that requires building a cohesive team during a transition.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Research the garden centre industry and the specific challenges it faces. Being able to discuss trends, customer preferences, and best practices in merchandising will demonstrate your commitment and knowledge about the sector.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Since strong communication skills are essential for managing change and leading a team, be prepared to discuss how you handle sensitive situations and ensure alignment across different departments.
