Job Description

Job Title:

Garden Centre Operations Manager

Reports to:

Director Team

Responsible for:

Overall daily operation of the Garden Centre, including all retail and catering departments.

Location:

Pyle Garden Centre

Main Purpose of Role

To lead the day-to-day running of Pyle Garden Centre, ensuring all areas of the business operate efficiently and profitably. The Garden Centre Manager will plan, direct and control operations to maximise sales, manage costs and deliver consistently high standards of customer service. This role requires strong leadership, commercial awareness and the ability to drive performance through effective team management and clear operational direction.

Core Responsibilities

Leadership & People Management

Motivate, inspire and develop department managers and team members, creating a culture of collaboration, accountability and pride in performance. Provide strong direction and decision-making across all departments including horticulture, indoor retail, catering, and garden sundries. Ensure clear communication between directors, management and staff, promoting transparency and engagement. Conduct regular team meetings, performance reviews and training sessions. Lead by example, ensuring staff are performing in line with company policy Identify training and development needs across teams and ensure progression opportunities are maximised and staff are given the opportunity to work independently.

Commercial & Financial Management

Take full responsibility for achieving sales, profit and cost targets across all areas of the Garden Centre. Analyse sales reports, monitor margins and stock levels and implement strategies to drive growth. Demonstrate financial acumen, ensuring efficient use of resources and accurate forecasting. Work collaboratively with management, department leads and the Buying Team to deliver effective ranging, promotions and merchandising. Identify new commercial opportunities and seasonal trends to maximise profitability and footfall.

Customer Experience

Maintain the highest standards of customer care and service delivery throughout the Centre at all times. Build and maintain customer relationships, encouraging repeat visits and long-term loyalty. Champion a customer-first culture, ensuring all decisions reflect a focus on service excellence. Actively review customer feedback and satisfaction, implementing improvements where necessary. Lead by example on the shop floor, ensuring customers receive professional and friendly assistance at every interaction.

Operational Excellence

Ensure all operational processes run smoothly and efficiently across departments. Oversee merchandising standards, product presentation and seasonal displays to ensure alignment with company standards. Maintain compliance with health and safety, fire and food hygiene regulations across all trading areas. Develop and maintain high operational standards through effective scheduling, stock control and maintenance of facilities. Support the Senior Leadership Team with strategic planning, budgeting and reporting.

Planning & Organisation

Effectively plan and organise the work of the management team, demonstrating the ability to delegate, prioritise and adapt under pressure. Oversee rotas, ensuring appropriate staffing levels across the business to meet customer and seasonal demand. Coordinate operational priorities, promotional activity and key trading periods. Maintain a strong presence on the shop floor, ensuring standards are upheld and operational issues are addressed promptly.

Person Specification

Essential Skills & Attributes

Proven track record in retail or garden centre management. Strong leadership and communication skills. Excellent commercial understanding and experience managing budgets, sales and margins. Confident decision-maker with a proactive and problem-solving approach. Skilled in motivating and developing teams to achieve results. High standard of personal presentation and professionalism. Competent in IT systems and reporting including Microsoft 365 & EPOS systems Strong understanding of health and safety and operational compliance.

Desirable but not Essential

Experience in horticultural retail, garden centre management or destination retail environment. Knowledge of catering operations within a retail setting.

Hours & Remuneration

This is a full-time position, averaging a minimum of 40 hours per week, including alternate weekends and extended hours during peak trading periods.

Salary:

40,000 - 50,000 per annum, depending on experience.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 40,000.00-50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Discounted or free food Employee discount On-site parking Store discount
Experience:

Retail Management: 3 years (required)
Work Location: In person