Plant Area Manager
Independent Garden Centre | West Sussex
Salary DOE
About the Role
We're looking for a passionate and experienced Plant Area Manager to join a thriving independent garden centre in West Sussex. This is a hands-on, commercially focused position leading a team in one of the centre's most vital departments.
This role would suit either an experienced Plant Area Manager or a strong Assistant Plant Area Manager looking for their next career step.
About the Business
The centre is a successful and independently run business. Known for its horticultural quality, excellent customer service, and team-focused culture.
The plant area is the heart of the business, especially in spring, while the shop and Christmas departments take the lead in winter. All departments work closely together to deliver a seamless customer experience year-round.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the daily operations of the outdoor plant area, ensuring stock quality, layout, and merchandising are at their best.
Drive retail sales by offering excellent plant knowledge, engaging displays, and proactive team supervision.
Support and develop the plant area team, focusing on training, efficiency, and morale.
Manage plant stock-receiving deliveries, maintaining accuracy, and reacting to seasonal shifts.
Work alongside other department leads to contribute to centre-wide success.
Deliver high-quality visual merchandising to optimise sales potential.
Monitor and manage KPIs, margin, and stock performance within the plant department.
What We're Looking For
Garden Centre Experience: Essential. Candidates must have worked as a supervisor, assistant manager, or manager within a garden centre plant area. Experience in nurseries or landscaping roles will not be considered.
Retail Sales Knowledge: Strong commercial understanding of seasonal sales patterns and customer behaviour in a retail environment.
Leadership & Team Development: Ability to manage a small team, lead from the front, and foster a collaborative working culture.
Customer Engagement: Passionate about plants and enthusiastic in sharing that knowledge with both customers and colleagues.
Industry Insight: Experience with top garden centre brands would be a significant advantage.
Perks & Benefits
Free on-site parking
Staff discount after probation
28 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays)
Workplace pension scheme
A collaborative and friendly working environment
What's Next?
To apply, please send your CV to
Or call (phone number removed) for a confidential chat about the role.
INDGC