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: Ideal for those looking to make their mark in garden centre management.
- Why this job: Make a real impact during an exciting transition and develop your leadership skills.
- 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
What they're looking for:
- A strong retail manager with experience running a store or site of similar scale
- Proven ability to lead and develop teams, particularly through periods of change or transformation
- Commercially driven, with confidence managing KPIs and driving sales performance
- A hands-on, visible leader who leads from the front
- Experience within garden centres is highly desirable, but strong retail backgrounds (DIY, home improvement, discount retail, etc.) will be considered
- Someone comfortable stepping into a business where structure is still being developed
- 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.
Senior Garden Centre Manager: Lead Growth & Change in Exeter employer: Morepeople 01780
Join a dynamic team at our well-established garden retail site in Exeter, where you will have the unique opportunity to lead growth and change during an exciting transition phase. We offer a competitive salary package, significant autonomy to shape the culture and standards, and a supportive environment that fosters employee development and engagement. With a focus on high performance and a hands-on leadership approach, this role is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact in a thriving retail setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Garden Centre Manager: Lead Growth & Change in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the garden centre or retail industry. Attend local events or join online forums where you can meet people who might know about job openings. Remember, sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their transition from independent ownership to a structured group operation. This will help you demonstrate how your experience aligns with their needs and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their journey.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led teams through change. Highlight your hands-on approach and how you’ve driven performance in previous roles – this is key for a Garden Centre Manager!
✨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 take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make your next career move a great one!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Garden Centre Manager: Lead Growth & Change in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Gardening:When you're writing your application, let your love for gardening shine through! Mention any relevant experience or personal projects that showcase your enthusiasm for the industry. We want to see that you’re not just a manager, but someone who genuinely cares about plants and the garden centre experience.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Senior Garden Centre Manager, you'll be leading a team of around 20 colleagues. Make sure to emphasise your leadership style and any past experiences where you've successfully developed teams. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and motivate others, so share those stories!
Be Data-Driven:Since you'll be accountable for sales and KPIs, it’s crucial to demonstrate your commercial acumen in your application. Include specific examples of how you've driven sales performance in previous roles. We love numbers, so don’t shy away from showcasing your achievements!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure your CV and cover letter are tailored specifically for this role. Use keywords from the job description and align your experiences with what we’re looking for. Remember, applying through our website is the best way to ensure your application gets noticed!
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 leading a team during a transition.
✨Understand the Business Transition
Research the company’s move from independent ownership to a structured group operation. Be prepared to discuss how you can support this transition and implement best practices, as this will demonstrate your strategic thinking.
✨Engage with the Culture
Think about how you can shape the culture and standards of the garden centre. Prepare to discuss your vision for creating a cohesive team and enhancing customer experience, which is vital for this role.
