Deputy Garden Centre Manager | Wickford
Hours: Full-time, 45 hours, alternate weekends
Salary: Flexible
If you love the fast pace of garden retail, enjoy being part of a close-knit team, and get real satisfaction from creating a great customer experience, this could be the perfect next step for you.
We're looking for an Assistant Garden Centre Manager to join one of the UK's most respected garden centre groups. This is a hands‑on role in a busy, well‑established centre where you'll have the chance to really get involved in all aspects of the business, supporting the team, driving standards, and helping the centre continue to grow and succeed.
Working closely with the Garden Centre Manager, you'll play a big part in the day‑to‑day running of the site. Whether you're out on the shop floor during busy trading periods, helping with merchandising and seasonal displays, managing stock, or supporting and motivating the team, you'll be someone people naturally turn to.
It's the kind of role where no two days are ever the same. One day, you might be helping to reorganise a department in preparation for a seasonal launch; the next, you'll be supporting the team through a busy weekend rush or coming up with new ideas to improve the customer experience.
They're looking for someone who enjoys being hands‑on, takes pride in high standards, and genuinely enjoys leading people in a busy retail environment. In return, you'll be joining a supportive business where your ideas are welcomed, your hard work is recognised, and there's real opportunity to develop your career long term.
What you’ll be doing
* Supporting the day‑to‑day running of the entire centre alongside the Garden Centre Manager
* Leading and motivating the team to deliver excellent customer service and strong commercial results
* Taking responsibility for key departments, including merchandising, stock control, and availability
* Supporting seasonal changes and bringing creative ideas to displays and layouts
* Acting as a keyholder, including opening, closing, and operational responsibilities
* Organising workloads and supporting the team during peak trading periods
* Assisting with ordering, performance analysis, and maintaining high retail standards
* Supporting compliance across health & safety and company procedures
What they’re looking for
* Previous retail management or supervisory experience, ideally within a garden centre, horticulture, DIY, or specialist retail environment
* A hands‑on leader who enjoys being part of the day‑to‑day operation
* Strong people skills with the ability to motivate and organise a team
* Commercial awareness with a good understanding of sales, stock, and customer service
* A passion for retail and creating a welcoming environment for customers
* Plant knowledge or an interest in gardening would be a bonus, but not essential
Why join?
* Be part of a highly regarded and growing garden centre group
* Supportive, friendly team culture with opportunities to develop your career
* Staff discounts across products and restaurant facilities
* Company benefits including pension scheme, bonus opportunities, and free onsite parking
* A business that values autonomy, ideas, and internal progression opportunities
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