Garden Centre Manager

TN United Kingdom; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Store Manager to lead a large-format Garden Centre in Cheltenham. This exciting role involves driving retail excellence, fostering a culture of customer satisfaction, and developing a high-performing team. You'll take charge of operational efficiency while ensuring a safe and engaging environment for customers and staff alike. With a focus on exceptional standards and community ties, this position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in a values-led business. Join a supportive culture that values your contributions and encourages professional growth.

Benefits

25% discount across most retail categories

50% discount in the restaurant

33 days holiday (including bank holidays)

Company pension & life cover

Access to healthcare schemes (post-probation)

Free on-site parking

Collaborative working culture

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing large-format retail stores.
• Strong IT skills and confidence with EPOS systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop department managers across multiple categories.
• Drive sales and manage shrinkage to achieve budgeted ratios.
• Create a culture of customer delight throughout the customer journey.

Skills

Retail Management

Customer Service Excellence

Team Leadership

Commercial Acumen

IT Skills

Tools

EPOS Systems

Job description

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Salary c£45,000 per annum dependant on experience

Are you a dynamic retail leader with a passion for exceptional customer service, operational excellence, and team development?

We're recruiting an experienced Store Manager to lead a large-format Garden Centre in Cheltenham -a destination store known for premium products, exceptional standards, and a loyal customer base.

As Store Manager, you'll report directly to the Executive Chairman and take full responsibility for delivering high standards across all departments-from gardening and plants to leisure, seasonal, food and hospitality. This is your chance to make a significant impact and lead a high-performing team within a values-led business.

What You'll Be Doing:

Retail Excellence & Commercial Success

• Lead and develop department managers across multiple categories including Gardening, Plants, Pets, Seasonal, and Leisure.
• Drive sales, manage shrinkage, and achieve budgeted wage-to-sales ratios.
• Oversee visual merchandising and seasonal changeovers in line with brand guidelines.
• Collaborate with HR and Buying teams to ensure the right resource and product mix is in place year-round.
• Maintain our position as a Garden Centre of Excellence through consistent performance and standards.

Customer Experience Leadership

• Create a culture of customer delight throughout the customer journey-from entrance to exit.
• Manage all customer service channels for the store, ensuring timely, GDPR-compliant responses with the right tone of voice.
• Oversee the Duty Manager rota to guarantee visible, responsive leadership on the shop floor.
• Partner with Events and Food teams to deliver an exceptional in-store experience.

People Development & Operational Efficiency

• Foster a culture of trust, progression, and coaching-contributing to a Great Place to Work.
• Support managers in growing specialist knowledge and advancing team members.
• Champion the use of EPOS and warehouse systems to improve stock accuracy and efficiency.
• Collaborate on markdown strategies to protect margin while maintaining brand presentation standards.

Health, Safety & Site Operations

• Ensure a safe working environment through rigorous safety protocols and contractor management.
• Oversee opening/closing procedures, fire drills, and emergency preparedness.
• Liaise with estates and facilities teams to maintain the site to the highest standards.

What We're Looking For:

• Proven experience managing a high-turnover, large-format retail store-ideally within a high-quality or premium environment.
• Commercially astute, with strong IT skills and confidence using EPOS systems.
• A motivational and empathetic leader who leads by example and supports team development.
• Excellent communicator who can influence and inspire across departments.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, family-owned business with strong community ties.

Working Hours:

This is a full-time, permanent role averaging 39.5 hours per week on a 2-week rota:

• Week 1: 4 weekdays + both weekend days off

What's in it for You?

• 25% discount across most retail categories; 50% discount in the restaurant
• 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
• Company pension & life cover
• Access to healthcare schemes (post-probation)
• Free on-site parking
• A fun, collaborative and supportive working culture