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- Tasks: Lead the Garden Furniture Department and support the Garden Centre Manager.
- Company: Join a family-owned garden centre group with a friendly, energetic culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 50% restaurant discounts, generous holiday, and a bonus scheme.
- Why this job: Make a difference in customer service while growing your career in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and a passion for customer service.
- Other info: Opportunities for learning and development, plus unique employee perks.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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: Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday 09:00-18:00 with alternate Tuesdays and Thursdays 09:00-18:00 and alternate weekends, 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.
- Purchasing 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 their department.
- Sales opportunities are generated through interaction with customers.
- Standards of appearance are monitored and maintained.
- Organises and allocates team and individual tasks, in line with customer service needs.
- Queries and complaints handled with courtesy by all team members, and referred where necessary to the Manager and Product Manager.
To be successful in this role, we are looking for people:
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 out of 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.
Garden Furniture - Department Head employer: Squires Garden Centres
Contact Detail:
Squires Garden Centres Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Garden Furniture - Department Head
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, spend some time browsing Squire's website and social media. This will help you understand their values and how you can fit in, making it easier to connect during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare some questions! Think about what you want to know about the Garden Furniture Department and how you can contribute. Asking insightful questions shows you're genuinely interested and ready to take on the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your customer service skills! Since Squire's values friendliness and helpfulness, be ready to share examples of how you've gone above and beyond for customers in the past. It’ll make you stand out as a candidate who aligns with their ethos.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows appreciation for the opportunity and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Garden Furniture - Department Head
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Gardening: When writing your application, let your love for gardening shine through! Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your enthusiasm for garden furniture and horticulture. We want to see how you connect with our mission!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Garden Furniture Department Head role. Highlight relevant experience in management, stock control, and customer service. We appreciate when applicants take the time to align their skills with what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We value clarity, so make it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the team!
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 Centres
✨Know Your Stock
Familiarise yourself with the types of garden furniture the company offers. Be prepared to discuss how you would manage stock levels and ordering processes. Showing that you understand the importance of maintaining optimal stock will impress the interviewers.
✨Customer Interaction Skills
Since customer service is key, think of examples where you've successfully interacted with customers in previous roles. Prepare to share how you would handle queries and complaints with courtesy, as this aligns with the company's ethos of 'nothing is too much trouble for our customers'.
✨Team Management Approach
Be ready to talk about your experience in organising and allocating tasks within a team. Highlight your leadership style and how you motivate team members to achieve sales targets while ensuring excellent customer service.
✨Feedback and Initiative
Think about how you can contribute to product feedback and range optimisation. Prepare to discuss any past experiences where your initiative led to increased sales or improved stock availability, showcasing your proactive approach to management.