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- Tasks: Lead the Gift Department, manage stock, and boost sales through customer interaction.
- Company: Join Squire’s, a family-owned garden centre group dedicated to employee happiness since 1936.
- Benefits: Enjoy 50% restaurant discounts, generous holiday, bonuses, and a pension plan.
- Why this job: Be part of a friendly team focused on customer service and personal growth.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required; just bring your enthusiasm and teamwork spirit!
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for learning and special rewards for outstanding service.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Your primary responsibility will be to provide management support to the Gift Department, working closely with the Garden Centre Manager to help the department succeed.
Rota: Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 09:00-18:00 with alternate weekends Saturday 09:00-18:00 and Sunday 08:30-17:30
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 centre 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.
- Pension – We offer a Defined Contribution Pension Plan to new employees.
- 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.
- 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 year's 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 year's 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, 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.
Gifts - Department Head employer: Squires Garden Centres
Contact Detail:
Squires Garden Centres Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Gifts - Department Head
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in garden centre products and customer preferences. This knowledge will help you engage effectively with customers and demonstrate your expertise during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current employees or industry professionals to gain insights about the company culture and expectations. This can provide you with valuable information that you can use to tailor your approach when applying.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous management experiences, particularly in retail or customer service settings. Highlight specific examples where you successfully increased sales or improved team performance.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your passion for horticulture and customer service during any interactions with the hiring team. Your enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates and align with the company's values.
We think you need these skills to ace Gifts - Department Head
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in management and retail, particularly in a garden centre or similar environment. Emphasise your ability to manage stock levels and your experience in customer service.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams or improved sales in previous positions, aligning with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Highlight any leadership roles you've held, especially those involving team organisation and task allocation. Discuss how you’ve handled customer queries and complaints effectively, as this is crucial for the Gifts - Department Head position.
Research the Company Culture: Familiarise yourself with Squire’s values and culture. Mention in your application how your personal ethos aligns with their commitment to customer service and employee happiness, which will demonstrate your fit for the team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Squires Garden Centres
✨Know the Company Values
Familiarise yourself with Squire's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to customer service and employee happiness will help you align your answers with what they are looking for in a candidate.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Department Head, you'll need to show your ability to lead a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, including how you handled conflicts or motivated staff.
✨Showcase Your Sales Acumen
Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've used to increase sales in previous roles. Highlight any initiatives that led to improved stock management or customer engagement, as these are key responsibilities in this position.
✨Prepare Questions
Have thoughtful questions ready to ask about the role and the company. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.