At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Garden Furniture Department and drive sales through excellent customer service.
- Company: Squires Garden Centre, a vibrant place to grow your career.
- Benefits: 50% restaurant discount, generous holiday, and a bonus scheme.
- Other info: Enjoy learning opportunities and great career progression.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team and make a real impact in a thriving garden centre.
- Qualifications: Motivated, customer-focused individuals with a proactive attitude.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Your primary responsibility will be to provide management support to the Garden Furniture Department, working closely with the Garden Centre Manager to help the department succeed.
Full time, 40 hours
Rota: Alternate Monday 09:00 - 18:00, Tuesday 09:00 - 18:00, alternate Wednesday 09:00 - 18:00, Thursday 09:00 - 18:00, Friday 09:00 - 18:00, alternate Saturday 09:00 - 18:00 and Sunday 09:00 - 17:30
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
- Maintain good control over stock levels, including accurate ordering and stock clearance where necessary.
- Co‑operate fully with line management and Product Managers.
- Take responsibility for the whole in the absence of the Manager.
- Purchase within the company product range within company guidelines.
- Feed back on current and new products to optimise range and stock availability.
- Close liaison with relevant Product Manager to ensure the optimum range and stock availability.
- Use initiative to increase sales in the department.
- Generate sales opportunities through interaction with customers.
- Standards of appearance are monitored and maintained.
- Organise and allocate team and individual tasks, in line with customer service needs.
- Handle queries and complaints with courtesy, referred where necessary to the Manager and Product Manager.
Requirements:
To be successful in this role, we are looking for people who are motivated, customer‑focused, and proactive.
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 – Non‑contractual bonus at Christmas, based on the profit of the company in any financial year (first year is dependent on start date).
- Pension – Defined Contribution Pension Plan to new employees; company matches appropriate contributions.
- 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) – Monthly reward for outstanding customer service.
- Learning & Development – Opportunities to enhance and develop skills and confidence.
- Birthday – After 6 months service if your birthday falls on your contracted day to work, you can leave work early; after 2 years service you receive £25 Squires gift voucher (pro‑rata for less than 40 hours).
- Cycle2work scheme – 25% to 39% saving on new cycling equipment after 1 year’s service.
- Child's first day at school – After 1 year’s service, flexible schedule to pick up child from school.
- RHS Membership or a Tree / Shrub – After 1 year’s service, choose a tree or shrub each year up to £50 retail or £50 towards RHS annual membership.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – After 2 years service eligible to join EAP for wellbeing resources.
- Retirement – After 15 years service, contracted hours reduced by a fifth but pay remains same for final 3 months.
- Free Parking – Available to all employees in designated parking areas on site.
Garden Furniture - Department Head in Chichester employer: Squire's Garden Centres
Squires Garden Centre is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and development, offering a generous benefits package including substantial discounts, extensive holiday allowances, and opportunities for personal growth. Located in Twickenham, our vibrant work culture fosters teamwork and customer focus, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to make a difference in the lives of our customers. Join us to be part of a supportive environment where your contributions are recognised and rewarded.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Garden Furniture - Department Head in Chichester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Squires Garden Centre, their values, and what makes them tick. This way, when you chat with them, you can show you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to the Garden Furniture Department.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can give you the lowdown on the company culture and maybe even put in a good word for you. Plus, it shows you're proactive!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to management and customer service. Think about how you can demonstrate your motivation and customer-focused attitude. We want to see that you can handle queries and complaints with ease!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Squires Garden Centre. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Garden Furniture - Department Head in Chichester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Gardening:When you're writing your application, let your love for gardening shine through! We want to see how your enthusiasm aligns with our mission at Squires Garden Centre. Share any relevant experiences or hobbies that showcase your passion.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to fit the Garden Furniture Department role. Highlight your management skills and customer service experience, as these are key to helping us succeed. A little effort in personalising your application goes a long way!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the position. Use bullet points if it helps to organise your thoughts better!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Squire's Garden Centres
✨Know Your Garden Furniture
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and products in garden furniture. Familiarise yourself with the types of materials, styles, and brands that are popular. This will show your passion for the role and help you engage in meaningful conversations during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Customer Focus
Prepare examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in the past. Think about specific situations where you went above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. This will highlight your customer-focused mindset, which is crucial for this position.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Department Head, you'll need to manage a team effectively. Be ready to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully organised tasks or resolved conflicts within a team. This will demonstrate your ability to lead and motivate others.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview. Inquire about the company's vision for the garden furniture department or how they measure success. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.