Horticulture Manager

Dobbies Garden Centres; Forty Green; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Dobbies Garden Centres is seeking a Horticulture Manager to lead our flagship department. This role involves maximizing sales, providing expert gardening advice, and ensuring excellent team performance. Join our passionate team dedicated to creating a great customer experience in a vibrant garden centre environment.

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement

Uncapped store discounts

Financial wellbeing support through Wagestream

Confidential support from Retail Trust

Development opportunities via Dobbies Academy

Qualifications

• Expertise in horticulture and plant care.
• Experience in retail management and sales.
• Skilled in team leadership and training.

Responsibilities

• Oversee horticulture department operations to drive sales.
• Provide expert advice on gardening products and plant maintenance.
• Inspire and coach team to enhance customer experience.

Skills

Horticultural expertise

Retail management experience

Commercial awareness

Leadership

Adaptability

Job description

Our Horticulture Managers play an essential role in delivering customer experience across our stores - driving sales, promoting customer loyalty, providing excellent plant advice, and maintaining department standards, while working alongside the general manager to set a standard within our flagship department.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the horticulture department operations to maximise profitable sales and growth, creating a customer-focused environment.
• Provide expert advice and guidance on plant care, maintenance, and core gardening products.
• Inspire your team to deliver the best in-store experience by creating a positive customer journey.
• Collaborate with central support teams, maintaining excellent communication to enhance our business.
• Ensure compliance with health & safety regulations, caring for employee and customer welfare.
• As a senior management team member, undertake duty manager responsibilities, including key holder duties.

Who We Are Looking For

• Horticultural expertise with retail management experience.
• Commercial awareness, including understanding budgets, profitability, and driving sales.
• Ability to identify training needs and coach staff effectively to ensure a first-class customer experience and safe environment.
• Adaptability to changing priorities, workload, and regulations.
• Positive leadership to guide the team through each season with care and motivation.
• Demonstration of our values: teamwork, continuous improvement, positivity, passion for gardens, and customer focus.

What We Offer

• Generous annual leave entitlement with flexible holiday scheduling.
• Uncapped store discounts: 50% off in restaurants, 25% off in the Garden Centre, and 10% off in food halls.
• Access to Wagestream for financial wellbeing support, including early earnings access, savings, and advice.
• Support from Retail Trust: confidential support, virtual GP, free counseling, and retail rewards.
• Development opportunities through Dobbies Academy and eLearning platforms.
• A passionate, diverse, and committed team culture.

About Us

Founded in 1865 by James Dobbie, Dobbies is the only garden centre retailer with stores across every UK nation. We celebrate garden living year-round, showcasing our own and branded products, services, and concession partners. Many stores feature a restaurant or coffee shop, offering a relaxed environment for refreshments and meals. We host events, community activities, and support a national charity partner. We are dedicated to being a great place to work, encouraging colleagues to be their best and celebrate success together.