Horticulture Manager

Dobbies Garden Centres; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent garden center retailer in Milton Keynes is seeking a Horticulture Manager to oversee department operations, driving sales and promoting customer loyalty. Responsibilities include providing plant advice, ensuring compliance with health and safety, and team motivation. The ideal candidate will have strong horticultural expertise, retail management experience, and a passion for customer service. This role offers generous leave, significant store discounts, and opportunities for personal development.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

50% off in restaurants

25% off in the Garden Centre

Access to financial wellbeing support

Development opportunities via eLearning

Qualifications

• Proven expertise in horticulture and ability to lead a retail team effectively.
• Strong understanding of budgets and driving profitability.
• Ability to coach and develop staff tailored to their training needs.

Responsibilities

• Oversee horticulture department operations and maximize sales.
• Provide expert plant care advice and motivate the team.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

Skills

Horticultural expertise

Retail management experience

Commercial awareness

Positive leadership

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. They work alongside the general manager to set a high standard within our flagship department.

Responsibilities

1. Oversee the horticulture department operations to maximize profitable sales and growth, creating a customer-focused environment.
2. Provide expert advice on plant care, maintenance, and gardening products.
3. Motivate your team to deliver an exceptional in-store experience, ensuring a positive customer journey.
4. Collaborate with central support teams, maintaining effective communication to enhance our business.
5. Ensure compliance with health & safety regulations, prioritizing employee and customer welfare.
6. As part of the senior management team, fulfill duty manager responsibilities, including key holder duties.

Who We Are Looking For

1. Horticultural expertise with retail management experience.
2. Commercial awareness, including understanding budgets and driving profitability.
3. Ability to identify training needs and effectively coach and develop staff.
4. Adaptability to changing priorities, workloads, and regulations.
5. Positive leadership to manage change and motivate the team through seasonal cycles.
6. Demonstrate our core values: teamwork, continuous improvement, positivity, passion for gardens, and customer focus.

What We Offer

1. Generous annual leave with flexible holiday options.
2. Uncapped store discounts: 50% off in our restaurants, 25% off in the Garden Centre, and 10% off in food halls.
3. Access to Wagestream for financial wellbeing support, including early earnings and savings tools.
4. Confidential support through Retail Trust, including virtual GP, counselling, and retail rewards.
5. Development opportunities via Dobbies Academy, our eLearning platform.
6. A vibrant, passionate, and diverse team committed to excellence and community engagement.

About Us

Founded in 1865 by James Dobbie, Dobbies is the only garden centre retailer with stores across every UK nation. We celebrate gardening and plant living year-round, offering a range of products, concessions, and services. Many stores feature cafes or restaurants, creating welcoming spaces for customers. We also host events and support charitable initiatives. We are dedicated to being a great place to work, fostering a culture of growth, celebration, and teamwork.