At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing garden centre, driving sales and ensuring exceptional customer experiences.
- Company: Join a respected, independently owned retail group with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, staff discounts, and long-term career development opportunities.
- Other info: Free onsite parking and supportive maternity & paternity leave policies.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a thriving environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail management, strong commercial acumen, and team leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
This is a great opportunity to step into a Garden Centre Manager role with a well‑respected, independently owned group known for strong standards, great customer experience, and long-term career progression. The site is a large, high-performing garden centre with an experienced team already in place. It’s well invested, well run, and in a strong position - giving the incoming manager the chance to take ownership, drive performance, and continue pushing standards and customer experience forward.
What you’ll be doing
- Full accountability for sales, KPIs, and overall site performance across a larger, established trading business
- Leading, developing, and motivating a sizeable team, ensuring strong structure, accountability, and engagement
- Maintaining a highly visible, hands‑on leadership style across the shop floor and wider site
- Driving commercial performance through strong merchandising, stock control, and seasonal trading plans
- Overseeing day‑to‑day operations, including rotas, recruitment, performance management, and workforce planning
- Working closely with senior stakeholders within the wider group to align standards and trading strategy
- Ensuring exceptional customer experience and consistently high retail presentation standards
- Maintaining full compliance with health & safety and operational procedures
- Continuously improving processes, efficiency, and team capability within a well‑established structure
What they’re looking for
- Proven experience as a Garden Centre Manager, or senior retail leader within a high‑volume environment
- Strong commercial acumen with a clear track record of delivering sales growth and managing KPIs
- Confident leading larger teams within a structured, multi‑department retail environment
- A hands‑on leader who leads from the front and sets high standards
- Garden centre experience is highly desirable, though strong multi‑site retail backgrounds (DIY, home improvement, big box retail, supermarkets) will be considered
- Comfortable operating within a well‑established, performance‑driven business
- Strong communication and leadership skills with the ability to inspire and develop teams
Why join?
- Join a highly regarded, independently owned retail group with a strong industry reputation
- A larger, well‑established trading site with real commercial scale and stability
- Competitive salary of £45,000 - £50,000
- Significant opportunity to make an impact within a high‑performing centre
- A strong platform for long‑term career development within a growing business
- Free onsite parking
- Staff discount
- Pension
- Maternity & Paternity leave
Apply now
To apply, please send your CV or get in touch for a confidential discussion.
Garden Centre Manager in East Horsley employer: MorePeople
Join a well-respected, independently owned garden centre group in Surrey, where you will have the opportunity to lead a high-performing team and drive exceptional customer experiences. With a competitive salary, free onsite parking, and a strong focus on employee development, this role offers a unique chance to make a significant impact while enjoying a supportive work culture that values your contributions and fosters long-term career progression.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Garden Centre Manager in East Horsley
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research their values, mission, and recent achievements. This way, when you walk into that interview, you can show them you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about their garden centre.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can give you the lowdown 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 some killer questions for your interview. Ask about their approach to customer experience or how they measure success in the garden centre. This not only shows your interest but also helps you figure out if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your enthusiasm for the role can set you apart from other candidates. It’s a simple yet effective way to keep yourself top of mind.
We think you need these skills to ace Garden Centre Manager in East Horsley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Garden Centre Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant achievements in retail or garden centre management to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Be sure to mention your commercial acumen and team leadership skills.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive sales and manage KPIs. Numbers speak volumes, so if you've improved performance in previous roles, let us know!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at MorePeople
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Garden Centre Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your commercial acumen. Brush up on key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to garden centres, such as sales growth and stock control metrics. Be ready to discuss how you've driven performance in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires a hands-on leader who can inspire a sizeable team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on your approach to motivation and accountability. Highlight any specific strategies you've used to engage staff and improve performance.
✨Customer Experience is Key
Exceptional customer experience is crucial in this role. Think about times when you've gone above and beyond to enhance customer satisfaction. Be prepared to share these stories and discuss how you would maintain high retail presentation standards at the garden centre.
✨Align with Company Values
Research the company’s reputation and values before the interview. Be ready to explain how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding quality standards and community engagement. This shows that you're not just looking for a job, but a place where you can contribute meaningfully.
