Garden Centre Manager

MorePeople; Braintree; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading garden centre group in the UK is seeking an experienced Garden Centre Manager to oversee operations and lead a large team in delivering exceptional customer service. The ideal candidate has a strong background in retail management, excellent leadership skills, and a passion for operational excellence. This role offers competitive salary and benefits, alongside clear opportunities for career progression.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Company discount

Opportunities for career progression

Free onsite parking

Great company culture

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior retail management role, ideally in a large garden retail environment.
• Strong leadership skills to inspire and empower teams.
• Confident communicator with interpersonal skills to engage effectively.

Responsibilities

• Leading a large, diverse team to deliver first-class customer service.
• Overseeing operational areas including retail and stock management.
• Analysing sales data to identify growth opportunities.

Skills

Leadership skills

Operational awareness

Communication skills

Team building

Customer service focus

Job description

Position: Garden Centre Manager

Location: Essex
Salary: Competitive DOE

Are you an experienced retail leader with a passion for operational excellence and customer experience? This is a fantastic opportunity to join one of the UK's leading garden centre groups, taking responsibility for the day-to-day running and commercial success of a unique and high-performing site.

This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast-paced retail environment and enjoys leading large teams to deliver exceptional results.

You'll be joining a company that invests heavily in its people and facilities, offering excellent training and genuine opportunities for progression.

What you'll be doing:

As Garden Centre Operations Manager, you'll oversee the full retail operation of the centre - leading from the front to drive performance, service, and profitability.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading, motivating, and developing a large, diverse team to deliver first-class customer service.
• Overseeing all operational areas including retail, stock management, visual standards, and compliance.
• Working closely with department heads to ensure smooth daily operations and consistent execution of group standards.
• Analysing sales and performance data to identify opportunities for growth and improvement.
• Building strong relationships with suppliers, contractors, and stakeholders to support business success.
• Ensuring the highest standards of health & safety, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
• Driving a positive workplace culture that encourages teamwork, accountability, and development.

What they're looking for:

• Proven experience in a senior retail management role, ideally within a large multi-department store/big garden retail environment.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and empower teams.
• Excellent operational awareness and commercial understanding - you'll know how to balance customer experience with profitability.
• Confident communicator with great interpersonal skills, able to engage effectively with colleagues, customers, and suppliers.
• A hands‑on approach with a passion for retail standards, service delivery, and continuous improvement.

Perks & Benefits:

• Join a market-leading group with an exceptional reputation for quality and staff development.
• Take on a high-profile management role within a well-invested and growing centre.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Company discount
• Clear opportunities for career progression across the wider group.
• Free onsite parking and great company culture.

Apply now

This is an exciting opportunity to make your mark in a thriving and forward-thinking business. To apply, send your CV to (url removed) or call (phone number removed) for a confidential chat.