At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Horticultural team and ensure excellent customer service.
- 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.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for learning and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a friendly, energetic environment that values customer service and personal growth.
- Qualifications: Retail experience or horticultural qualifications with a passion for customer service required.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Job Description
Your primary responsibility will be to provide management support to the Horticultural team, with customer service at the forefront of everything you achieve.
Working closely with the Plant Manager to help the Garden Centre succeed.
Rota: Full time, 40 hours including alternate weekends.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Maintain good control over stock levels, including accurate ordering and stock clearance where necessary
- Train and monitor your team to ensure that stock is cared for appropriately
- Co‑operate fully with line management and product managers
- Take responsibility for the whole department in the absence of the manager
- Ensure all queries and complaints are handled with courtesy and referred where necessary to the manager and product manager
- Customer Service expectations are exceeded
- Sales opportunities are generated through interaction with customers
Qualifications and Experience
- Extensive knowledge and experience of working in a retail bedding department and/or a horticultural qualification
- A passion for customer service and the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment are essential
- Flexible, enthusiastic and highly motivated, commercially aware and able to create dynamic displays
Benefits
We want our employees to be known for their friendliness, helpfulness, and good customer service, with their whole ethos being ‘nothing is too much trouble for our customers’. In turn we will provide an extensive benefit package, please see below.
- 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. 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 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 (MAD): 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 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 you can come in late and go home early on your child’s first day of school.
- 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.
Plants - Assistant Plant Area Manager in Cobham employer: Squire's Garden Centres
Squires Garden Centres in Wokingham is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture where customer service excellence is at the heart of everything we do. With flexible part-time hours and a focus on employee growth, we provide opportunities for staff to develop their skills in a supportive environment, making it a rewarding place to work for those passionate about enhancing guest experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Plants - Assistant Plant Area Manager in Cobham
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific plants and products that Squire's offers. Understanding their range will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with current employees or customers at Squire's to gain insights into their customer service approach. This will help you align your own customer service philosophy with theirs during discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in retail or horticulture, focusing on how you've successfully managed stock levels or trained teams. Real-life examples will make your application stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your enthusiasm for gardening and customer service by participating in local gardening events or workshops. This demonstrates your commitment to the field and can provide great talking points in your interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Plants - Assistant Plant Area Manager in Cobham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in retail and horticulture. Emphasise any previous roles where you provided customer service or managed stock levels, as these are key responsibilities for the Assistant Plant Area Manager position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your passion for customer service and horticulture. Mention specific examples of how you've exceeded customer expectations in past roles and how you can contribute to the success of the Garden Centre.
Showcase Your Knowledge:Demonstrate your extensive knowledge of horticulture and retail bedding departments in your application. This could include mentioning any qualifications you have or specific experiences that relate to the role.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial in a customer-focused environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Squire's Garden Centres
✨Show Your Passion for Horticulture
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for plants and gardening during the interview. Share any relevant experiences or qualifications you have in horticulture, as this will demonstrate your commitment to the role and the company’s values.
✨Highlight Customer Service Skills
Since customer service is a key focus for this position, prepare examples of how you've gone above and beyond for customers in previous roles. This will show that you understand the importance of exceeding customer expectations.
✨Demonstrate Team Leadership Abilities
Be ready to discuss your experience in training and managing teams. Provide specific examples of how you've motivated team members and ensured high standards in stock care, which is crucial for the Assistant Plant Area Manager role.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Have thoughtful questions ready about the responsibilities and expectations of the Assistant Plant Area Manager position. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
