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
* Competitive salary
* 31 days annual leave (including bank holidays)
* Life assurance (4x salary)
* Option to join enhanced group pension plan
* Sociable hours
* Full training and access to Online Learning Hub
* 20% employee discount
* 50% restaurant discount while on shift
* Free onsite parking
* Enhanced Employee Assistance Programme (for you and immediate family)
* Company Christmas gifts (eligibility applies)
* Free access to Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey, plus partner garden discounts nationally
Key responsibilities
* Drive sales, margin and profitability across the shop area
* Monitor budgets, stock and cost control
* Analyse sales data and customer trends
* Oversee daily shop operations and ensure safety and compliance
* Lead merchandising and maintain high presentation standards
* Ensure strong product availability and accurate pricing
* Deliver excellent customer service and resolve queries
* Lead, motivate and develop the shop team
* Manage rotas, staffing levels and recruitment
* Conduct appraisals, coaching and performance reviews
* Support HR processes and promote a positive working culture
* Ensure Health & Safety compliance and conduct risk assessments
* Act as Duty Manager and key holder when required
* Support seasonal and centre‑wide operational activity
Skills and experience
* Retail management experience in a commercial, customer‑facing environment
* Proven ability to drive sales and manage budgets
* Strong leadership and team‑development skills
* Confident in merchandising, stock control and operational decision‑making
Desirable
* Experience in garden centre or multi‑department retail
* Knowledge of visual merchandising and promotional planning
Personal attributes
* Inspiring leader with strong communication skills
* Commercially minded and analytical
* Calm, resilient and adaptable during peak trading
* High attention to detail and strong organisational skills
* Flexible to work weekends and Bank Holidays
* 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.
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