At a Glance
- Tasks: Support buying for plants and enhance our product range across garden centres.
- Company: Join a thriving family-owned business with a passion for horticulture.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous discounts, holiday perks, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing company while working with plants and nature.
- Qualifications: Retail buying experience and strong analytical skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 26400 £ per year.
Squires is a £75M + turnover successful family-owned business with 17 Garden Centres and 2 Plant Nurseries. The customer proposition is extensive and offers a broad range of categories including a strong Gardening and Restaurant business, Food, Giftware, Toys, Christmas, Clothing, Outdoor Living plus Pets & Aquatics.
As a family business with integrity, we put people and our customers at the heart of what we do and how we do it, living our business values with passion every day. We have ambitious plans to continue our growth, evolve for the future, develop and improve for our customers.
Specifics:
- Garden Centres and nurseries based in Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire
- Group Office located in Farnham Surrey
- Over 1000 Employees with 100s of seasonals during Spring/Summer and Christmas
- High levels of Employee engagement
Why are we recruiting?
We want to improve our product offer across our centres, to drive customer satisfaction and meet the ever-changing needs of our customers, driving sales and profit. We are looking for someone to work with our Senior Buyer on our plant categories, specialising in plants, as well as buying in other categories that complement our plant offer. The successful candidate will also work closely with our Nursery business as we continue to develop our offer in own grown products.
We are looking for someone who:
- Drives sales, profitability, and customer valued product propositions
- Has extensive Horticultural knowledge, including familiarity with botanical nomenclature
- Defines ranging and space strategy by format and centre to optimise cash profit per square metre and deliver the customer proposition
- Supports Buyers and Garden Centre teams in range selection and performance
- Works well cross functionally and engages teams and individuals in direction
- Is a team player with integrity and who strives to improve our business for our customers and teams
Skills we are looking for:
- Proactive and eager to learn
- Strong team player
- Results-driven with a commercial mindset
- Strong communication and Influencing skills
- Strong technical proficiency, with an analytical mindset
- Is a team player with integrity and who strives to improve our business for our customers and colleagues
Responsibilities include:
- Selecting and purchasing products in line with category strategy, customer demand and future trends
- Working with suppliers to develop new and exclusive products
- Working with and supporting Senior Buyers in range planning, product development, and supplier negotiations
- Monitor sales performance and analyse data to identify trends and opportunities
- Manage purchase orders, track deliveries, and ensure stock availability
- Work with the Buying Team to ensure accurate product and pricing information in internal systems
- Liaise with suppliers regarding samples, pricing, and lead times
- Conduct competitor and market research, to ensure product proposition is competitive
- Support markdown planning and promotional activity
- Attend trade shows and supplier meetings as required
KPIs:
- Financial Performance
- Inventory and stock
- Market position
- Customer and products
- Trends and driven ranges
- ATV and sales growth
- Percentage and cash margin
Essential Experience/qualifications:
- Experience in Retail Buying
- Strong numerical and analytical skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel/Word
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills
- High attention to detail and strong organizational ability
- Commercial awareness and understanding of retail trends
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Desirable Experience/qualifications:
- Experience in EPOS
- Proven track record in delivering margin and sales growth in a retail environment
- Experience of cross functional working
Please ensure your CV and covering letter are included in your application.
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 week 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.
- Attendance– After one years 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.
- Learning & Development– You can look forward to a wealth of learning opportunities with us.
- Birthday – After 6 months service if your birthday falls on your contracted day to work, you can leave work early.
- Cycle2work scheme – After 1 years service, a government initiative which offers a saving on new cycling equipment.
- 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.
- RHS Membership or a Tree / Shrub – After 1 years service Squire's employees can choose either one tree or shrub to plant each year.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – After 2 years service employees are eligible to join an EAP.
- 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.
Buying - Horticultural Support Buyer in Farnham employer: Squire's Garden Centres
Squires is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and development. With generous benefits such as substantial discounts, extensive holiday allowances, and a commitment to learning opportunities, employees are encouraged to thrive both personally and professionally. Located in the picturesque regions of Surrey, Sussex, and Berkshire, Squires fosters a family-oriented atmosphere where integrity and customer satisfaction are at the forefront of its operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying - Horticultural Support Buyer in Farnham
✨Get Hands-On at Local Events
Hit up local horticulture fairs, plant shows, and farmer’s markets. These gatherings are a goldmine for networking and usually attract employers looking for passionate candidates. Chat with the vendors and fellow enthusiasts; you never know who might know about a full-time opening at a place like Squire's Garden Centres.
✨Join Gardening Clubs and Online Communities
Become part of local gardening clubs or online forums where like-minded folks share tips and job leads. These communities can often clue you in on upcoming vacancies. Remember, people in these groups often work in the industry and can help us get our foot in the door at places like Squire's Garden Centres.
✨Show Off Your Green Thumb
Consider creating a public portfolio showcasing your gardening projects, designs, or any unique plants you've cultivated. A well-documented journey through your horticulture experiences can make you stand out when chasing full-time roles. It’s basically your way of shouting, 'Look at what I can do!' to potential employers.
✨Apply Early and Often!
The horticulture field can be competitive, especially for full-time roles. Keep an eye on seasonal hiring trends and don’t hesitate to apply as soon as positions open up. Check out our website regularly for openings at Squire's Garden Centres; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Buying - Horticultural Support Buyer in Farnham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:In horticulture, it's all about showcasing your hands-on experience. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant gardening, landscaping, or plant care roles you've held. Also, don’t forget to mention any specific skills like plant identification or pest management that make you a great fit for the position at Squire's Garden Centres.
Include Certifications and Training:If you've got any horticulture-related certifications, such as in organic gardening or landscape design, be sure to include them. This will set you apart from other applicants and show that you’re committed to expanding your knowledge in the field, which is crucial for a full-time role like Buying - Horticultural Support Buyer.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Squire's Garden Centres is looking for. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on or challenges you've overcome in previous horticultural roles to demonstrate your suitability for the full-time position.
Be Ready to Talk Numbers:When applying for a full-time role in horticulture, it's helpful to quantify your achievements. Did you increase crop yields or reduce waste in a previous job? Highlight these metrics in your CV to give hiring managers at Squire's Garden Centres a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Squire's Garden Centres
✨Get to Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge! Be prepared to discuss specific species, their growth requirements, and potential pests. Remember, the role involves practical horticultural skills – so don’t be shy about sharing your hands-on experience with various plants and gardening techniques.
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
If you've worked on garden designs, landscaping projects, or community gardens, bring along a portfolio showcasing your work. Visuals speak a thousand words, and this will help us see your creativity and practical skills in action. Plus, don’t forget to have a few stories about challenges you faced and how you overcame them!
✨Be Ready for a Plant Quiz
Prepare for some technical questions related to horticulture! We may ask you about soil types, plant propagation methods, or pest management strategies. This helps us assess your depth of knowledge and problem-solving skills – so don’t skip the revision!
✨Passion for Sustainability
Horticulture often revolves around sustainability practices, so be ready to discuss any experience you have with eco-friendly gardening methods or sustainable designs. This role at Squire's Garden Centres might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
