At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist customers and create a welcoming shopping experience in our garden centre.
- Company: Join a family-owned garden centre group with a friendly atmosphere.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, generous holiday, bonuses, and learning opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hours and a chance to make a difference in customers' lives.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that values customer service and personal growth.
- Qualifications: Friendly attitude, good communication skills, and a willingness to learn.
The predicted salary is between 10 - 13 € per hour.
Your primary responsibility will be to provide professional support to our customers. Working closely with the Garden Centre Manager to help the business to succeed.
Seasonal: 22 February 2026 until 11 July 2026
Rota: Every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10:00-18:00
Main duties and responsibilities:
- Provide an enjoyable shopping experience for everyone by ensuring all customers are greeted and offered assistance.
- Handle customer queries courteously and efficiently.
- Identify customer needs through interaction, and take appropriate action.
- Establish and maintain excellent standards of merchandising and housekeeping in accordance with company guidelines.
To be successful in this role, we are looking for people with:
- Good friendly manner.
- Good interpersonal skills.
- Willingness to learn.
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 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.
Seasonal - Plants - Sales Assistant in Thames Ditton employer: Squire's Garden Centres
Squire's Garden Centres is an exceptional employer, offering a friendly and energetic work environment where employees are valued for their commitment to customer service. With extensive benefits including generous employee discounts, holiday entitlements, and opportunities for personal growth, Squire's fosters a culture of support and development, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful seasonal employment in the beautiful surroundings of Surrey, Sussex, Middlesex, and Berkshire.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Seasonal - Plants - Sales Assistant in Thames Ditton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Squire's. Understand their values and what makes them tick. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their family.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Since you'll be interacting with customers daily, think of examples from your past experiences where you've gone above and beyond for someone. Share these stories during your interview to highlight your friendly manner and helpfulness.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! When you show up for your interview, make sure you look presentable and ready to work in a garden centre. A smart-casual outfit can go a long way in making a good first impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows that you're keen on joining the Squire's team right from the start!
We think you need these skills to ace Seasonal - Plants - Sales Assistant in Thames Ditton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show off your friendly and helpful nature that aligns with our ethos.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the role of Sales Assistant. Highlight any previous experience in customer service or retail, and mention how you can contribute to creating an enjoyable shopping experience for our customers.
Show Your Enthusiasm:We love candidates who are eager to learn and grow with us! In your application, express your enthusiasm for working in a garden centre and your willingness to engage with customers and help them find what they need.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Squire's Garden Centres
✨Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge before the interview. Familiarise yourself with common plants, their care requirements, and any seasonal trends. This will show your passion for horticulture and help you connect with the Garden Centre Manager.
✨Customer Service Mindset
Prepare to discuss your approach to customer service. Think of examples where you've gone above and beyond to assist customers. Remember, this role is all about creating an enjoyable shopping experience, so highlight your friendly manner and interpersonal skills.
✨Show Your Willingness to Learn
Be ready to express your eagerness to learn and grow within the company. Mention any relevant experiences or training you've had, and how you're excited about the learning opportunities Squire's offers. This will resonate well with their commitment to development.
✨Dress the Part
Since you'll be working in a garden centre, opt for smart-casual attire that reflects the environment. Comfortable shoes are a must, as you might be on your feet a lot. Looking presentable shows that you take the opportunity seriously and respect the company's ethos.