HORTICULTURAL BUYER
Our client is Sussex-based garden centres known for quality plants and excellent customer service. With four busy centres and two nurseries, they are expanding there team to meet growing demand and further strengthen our plant offering.
Job Summary:
As they continue to expand, they seeking an experienced, commercially focused Plant Buyer to join the team. This is a great opportunity to help shape plant ranges across our growing group of garden centres, working closely with both in-house nurseries and trusted suppliers.
Key Responsibilities:
* Develop and implement a robust plant buying strategy aligned with the company’s seasonal and commercial objectives
* Work in close partnership with our two in-house nurseries to plan growing schedules, forecast demand, and maximise home-grown supply
* Source additional high-quality plants from a range of trusted UK and European suppliers to complement nursery output
* Negotiate supplier terms, pricing, and availability to ensure best value and continuity of supply
* Monitor and manage stock levels, order schedules, and product allocations across multiple garden centre sites
* Build strong relationships with external suppliers and internal teams, including the nursery managers and garden centre staff
* Oversee quality control processes for all plant deliveries, ensuring they meet agreed standards and customer expectations
* Financial analysis using excel, tableau, WinRetail and other software analytics to optimise the margins, profit and plant range.
* Coordinate with marketing and retail teams to plan seasonal promotions and new product launches
* Focus on achieving KPIs with an emphasis on sales, margins and wastage
Person Specification:
Essential:
* Proven experience as a plant buyer or associated horticultural role
* Strong knowledge of ornamental, garden, and seasonal plants, with an understanding of growing cycles
* Commercial acumen and experience managing budgets, margins, and stock
* Confident negotiator with excellent relationship-building skills
* Comfortable working across nursery production and retail buying
* Analytical mindset, with the ability to interpret data and forecast trends EXCEL
* Highly organised and self-motivated with good communication skills
* Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel regularly
Desirable:
* Formal horticultural qualification
* Experience working with or within plant nurseries
* Familiarity with EPOS and stock control systems
What We Offer:
* Competitive salary
* Assistance with relocation and/or accommodation (if required)
* Generous staff discount across all centres
* Supportive and collaborative team environment
* Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
* The chance to influence the plant strategy for a respected and growing family business
This would suit either a Horticultural Buyer or Plant Manager with Buying expertise looking to expand there experience