At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the horticultural team and ensure excellent customer service in a vibrant garden centre.
- Company: Join Squire's, a family-owned garden centre group with a friendly and energetic culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 50% restaurant discounts, generous holiday, bonuses, and a pension plan.
- Other info: Opportunities for learning, development, and unique employee perks await you!
- Why this job: Make a difference in customer experiences while working with plants and a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Retail experience in bedding or horticulture knowledge is essential; passion for customer service is a must.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Your primary responsibility will be to provide management support to the Horticultural team, with customer service at the forefront of everything you achieve. Working closely with the Plant Manager to help the Garden Centre succeed.
Rota: Full time, 40 hours including alternate weekend working
Main duties and responsibilities:
- Maintain good control over stock levels, including accurate ordering and stock clearance where necessary
- Train and monitor your team to ensure that stock is cared for appropriately
- Co-operate fully with line management and product managers
- Take responsibility for the whole department in the absence of the manager
- Ensure all queries and complaints are handled with courtesy and referred where necessary to the manager and product manager
- Customer Service expectations are exceeded
- Sales opportunities are generated through interaction with customers
To be successful in this role, we are looking for people:
- Extensive knowledge and experience of working in a retail bedding department and/or a horticultural qualification.
- A passion for customer service and the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment are essential.
- You will be flexible, enthusiastic and highly motivated, commercially aware and have the ability to create dynamic displays.
Squire’s is a family‑owned group of 17 garden centres based in Surrey, Sussex, Middlesex, and Berkshire. Since 1936 the purpose of our business has been the happiness of those who work in it. We are committed to growing our business and to promoting the highest standards in horticulture, catering, and retail. We want our staff to enjoy working with us in a friendly, energetic customer-focused environment.
Rewards & Benefits:
- Employee Discount – 50% in Restaurants and 20% in Garden Centre on joining, increasing to 25% after 2 years’ service and 30% after 5 years’ service.
- Holiday (including bank holidays) – 5.6 weeks on joining, increasing to 6.2 weeks after 2 years’ service and 6.6 weeks after 5 years’ service.
- Bonus – We reward our employees with a non‑contractual bonus at Christmas, based on the profit of the company in any financial year (first year is dependent on start date).
- Pension – We offer a Defined Contribution Pension Plan to new employees. If you pay into the plan and meet the government criteria, the company will too, and these contributions will be invested.
- Attendance – After one year’s service, if you have worked for a full financial year and have 100% attendance, one day holiday (pro‑rata) will be added to your holiday grant as a 'Thank you'.
- Made A Difference Scheme (M.A.D) – A reward scheme for team members who make a difference to our business through outstanding customer service, over and above normal duties or initiatives that have grown/inspired the business. There is a monthly winner. All winners select a gift to receive.
- Learning & Development – You can look forward to a wealth of learning opportunities with us that will enhance and develop you with the skills and confidence you need.
- Birthday – After 6 months service if your birthday falls on your contracted day to work, you can leave work early (holiday policy rules apply). If you have 2 years service on your birthday, you will receive a £25 Squires gift voucher (pro rata for less than 40 hours).
- Cycle2work scheme – After 1 year’s service, a government initiative which offers a 25% to 39% saving on new cycling equipment. This cost is deducted from your pay over 12 or 19 months.
- Child's first day at school – After 1 year’s service, come in late and go home early on your child’s first day of school life, so that you can be there to take them and pick them up from school on their first day.
- RHS Membership or a Tree/Shrub – After 1 year’s service Squire's employees can choose either one tree or shrub to plant each year up to the value of £50 retail on the anniversary of your engagement or £50 towards RHS annual membership.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – After 2 years service employees are eligible to join an EAP, that gives them access to a range of wellbeing resources, etc.
- Retirement – After 15 years service if you are retiring and have over 15 years service, your contracted hours will be reduced by a fifth but your pay will remain the same for your final 3 months.
- Free Parking – Available to all employees in the designated parking areas on our site.
Plants - Assistant Plant Area Manager in Hatch employer: Squires Garden Centre
Squire's Garden Centres is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work culture that prioritises employee happiness and development. With generous benefits such as substantial discounts, extensive holiday allowances, and unique perks like the Made A Difference Scheme and special family considerations, employees are encouraged to thrive in their roles while enjoying a fulfilling work-life balance. Located in the picturesque regions of Surrey, Sussex, Middlesex, and Berkshire, Squire's fosters a community-oriented environment where staff can grow their horticultural expertise and customer service skills.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Plants - Assistant Plant Area Manager in Hatch
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture before your interview. Check out Squire’s social media and website to see what they value. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're a great fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service scenarios! Since this role is all about exceeding customer expectations, think of examples from your past experiences where you’ve gone above and beyond for customers. We want to hear those stories!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to ask questions during your interview! Show your enthusiasm for the role by asking about team dynamics or how they measure success in the plant area. It’ll make you stand out as someone genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen on joining the Squire’s family. Let’s get you that interview!
We think you need these skills to ace Plants - Assistant Plant Area Manager in Hatch
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Horticulture:When writing your application, let your love for plants and gardening shine through! Share any relevant experience or qualifications you have in horticulture, as this will show us you're the right fit for the role.
Customer Service is Key:Make sure to highlight your customer service skills in your application. We want to see how you've gone above and beyond for customers in the past, so share some examples that demonstrate your commitment to excellent service.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, so we can easily understand your experience and why you want to join our team at Squire’s.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Squires Garden Centre
✨Know Your Plants
Brush up on your horticultural knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss different plant types, care requirements, and how to maintain stock levels effectively. This will show your passion for the role and your ability to support the Horticultural team.
✨Customer Service is Key
Prepare examples of how you've exceeded customer service expectations in previous roles. Think about specific situations where you turned a complaint into a positive experience. This will demonstrate your commitment to putting customers first, which is crucial for this position.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since you'll be training and monitoring a team, be ready to share your experiences in leadership or teamwork. Highlight any instances where you helped a colleague or improved team dynamics. This will illustrate your ability to co-operate fully with line management and product managers.
✨Be Ready for Dynamic Scenarios
Expect questions about how you would handle fast-paced situations or unexpected challenges in the garden centre. Prepare to discuss how you can create dynamic displays and generate sales opportunities through customer interaction. This will showcase your commercial awareness and enthusiasm for the role.
