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- Tasks: Lead the Pets & Aquatics Department and ensure excellent customer service.
- Company: Join a family-owned garden centre with a friendly, energetic atmosphere.
- Benefits: Enjoy 50% restaurant discounts, generous holiday, and a bonus scheme.
- Why this job: Make a difference in a vibrant environment while working with pets and aquatics.
- Qualifications: Pet and fish knowledge is essential; customer service skills are a plus.
- 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 Pet's & Aquatics Department, working closely with the Garden Centre Manager to help the department succeed.
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.
- Feedback 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.
- Pet and fish knowledge essential.
To be successful:
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 savings 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.
Pets and Aquatics - Department Head employer: Squire's Garden Centres
Contact Detail:
Squire's Garden Centres Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Pets and Aquatics - Department Head
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out Squires Garden Centre's vibe. They’re all about friendliness and customer service, so think about how you can show that in your interactions.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your pet and fish knowledge! Since this role is all about Pets and Aquatics, being able to chat confidently about products and care will definitely impress the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare some questions for your interview! Asking about team dynamics or how they handle customer feedback shows you're genuinely interested in making a difference at Squires.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the Squires family!
We think you need these skills to ace Pets and Aquatics - Department Head
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Pets and Aquatics: When writing your application, let your love for pets and aquatics shine through! Share any relevant experiences or knowledge you have about animals and aquatic life. This will help us see how you can connect with our customers and enhance their experience.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the role of Department Head. Highlight your management skills and any previous experience in retail or customer service. We want to know how you can lead our team and drive sales in the Pets and Aquatics department!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
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 position. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to embrace our friendly, energetic environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Squire's Garden Centres
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your pet and fish knowledge before the interview. Familiarise yourself with common species, care requirements, and any recent trends in the pets and aquatics market. This will show that you're passionate and well-informed, which is crucial for a Department Head role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a potential Department Head, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, allocated tasks, and handled customer queries. Highlighting your experience in motivating staff will set you apart.
✨Engage with Customer Service Scenarios
Since customer service is key at Squires, think of specific instances where you've gone above and beyond for customers. Be ready to discuss how you would handle complaints or queries, ensuring you align with the company's ethos of 'nothing is too much trouble for our customers'.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company culture, team dynamics, and expectations for the role. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if Squires is the right fit for you.
