We’re looking for an experienced and motivated Garden Centre Manager to lead the day‑to‑day operation at our Garden Centre at Liss, Hampshire, including its coffee shop. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys a varied role, thrives in a customer‑focused environment, and can bring together retail and hospitality to deliver an exceptional experience for every visitor.
Key responsibilities include:
1. Overseeing all areas of the garden centre, including retail and coffee shop operations
2. Ensuring strong coordination between retail and hospitality to maximise performance and profitability
3. Managing stock levels, supply chains, merchandising, and promotional activity
4. Delivering excellent customer service and maintaining high standards of presentation across all departments
5. Organising seasonal events, promotions, and customer engagement activities
6. Monitoring budgets, controlling costs, and driving commercial performance
7. Leading and developing teams across retail and hospitality, including staffing, rotas, recruitment, and performance reviews
8. Ensuring compliance with all health, safety, and food hygiene requirements
9. Maintaining safe working practices and completing risk assessments
10. Managing stock, monitoring wastage, and maximising margin potential
11. Ensuring accurate till operations, cash handling, and banking procedures
12. Acting as a key holder and taking part in the duty manager rota
13. Working closely with HR on performance, conduct, and employee matters
Skills and experience:
14. Proven retail management experience, ideally within a garden centre or similar commercial environment
15. Strong leadership skills with experience managing diverse teams
16. Confidence in managing budgets, sales targets, and cost control
17. Excellent communication and customer service skills
18. Ability to multitask and manage competing priorities across retail and hospitality
Personal attributes:
19. Inspiring leadership style with the ability to motivate and support teams
20. Calm, resilient, and composed in a fast‑paced environment
21. High attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high standards
22. Commercially minded with a focus on sales growth and customer engagement
23. Flexible and adaptable, particularly during peak seasonal periods
24. Passion for sustainability and environmentally friendly practices
25. Strong problem‑solving skills and proactive decision‑making
26. Willingness to work weekends and Bank Holidays
Additional requirement:
27. A basic DBS check is required for this role (funded by the Company)
Benefits include:
28. £44,000 salary per year plus car allowance
29. 31 days’ annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays)
30. Employee discount
31. Group Personal Pension Scheme
32. Life Assurance
33. Private Healthcare
34. Employee Assistance Programme with retail discounts
35. Free parking
36. Complimentary access to the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
Please note that we can only consider applicants who are already based in the UK and have the right to work.
The closing date for applications is 27th February 2026, although we may close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of interest.