Hillier is a long‑established, family‑run horticultural retailer with 22 garden centres across the South of England, known for quality products, expert advice, and exceptional customer service.
We’re looking for an experienced, commercially minded Deputy Garden Centre Manager at our Garden Centre at Weyhill, near Andover, to support the Garden Centre Manager in delivering strong retail performance, excellent customer service, and smooth day‑to‑day operations. You’ll lead the shop area, drive sales, maintain high merchandising standards, and act as Duty Manager when required. The role also includes occasional travel to provide management cover at other centres.
Benefits
1. Competitive salary
2. 31 days annual leave (including bank holidays)
3. Life assurance (4x salary)
4. Option to join enhanced group pension plan
5. Sociable hours
6. Full training and access to Online Learning Hub
7. 20% employee discount
8. 50% restaurant discount while on shift
9. Free onsite parking
10. Enhanced Employee Assistance Programme (for you and immediate family)
11. Company Christmas gifts (eligibility applies)
12. Free access to Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey, plus partner garden discounts nationally
Key responsibilities
13. Drive sales, margin and profitability across the shop area
14. Monitor budgets, stock and cost control
15. Analyse sales data and customer trends
16. Oversee daily shop operations and ensure safety and compliance
17. Lead merchandising and maintain high presentation standards
18. Ensure strong product availability and accurate pricing
19. Deliver excellent customer service and resolve queries
20. Lead, motivate and develop the shop team
21. Manage rotas, staffing levels and recruitment
22. Conduct appraisals, coaching and performance reviews
23. Support HR processes and promote a positive working culture
24. Ensure Health & Safety compliance and conduct risk assessments
25. Act as Duty Manager and key holder when required
26. Support seasonal and centre‑wide operational activity
Skills and experience
27. Retail management experience in a commercial, customer‑facing environment
28. Proven ability to drive sales and manage budgets
29. Strong leadership and team‑development skills
30. Confident in merchandising, stock control and operational decision‑making
Desirable
31. Experience in garden centre or multi‑department retail
32. Knowledge of visual merchandising and promotional planning
Personal attributes
33. Inspiring leader with strong communication skills
34. Commercially minded and analytical
35. Calm, resilient and adaptable during peak trading
36. High attention to detail and strong organisational skills
37. Flexible to work weekends and Bank Holidays
38. Willingness to travel occasionally to support other centres
If you are a motivated retail leader who thrives in a fast‑paced, customer‑focused environment, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and grow your career with Hillier.