Garden Centre Manager

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About

A career as a Garden Centre Manager

A Garden Centre Manager is responsible for all aspects of the day to day running of a garden centre. They lead a team of staff to help them make sure that every part of the centre offers customers a great retail experience. Garden Centres produce plants and grow flowers for sale to the public and in recent years, have branched out further into retail, selling tools, garden furniture and decorative items as well as protective clothing.

The Garden Centre Manager controls the centre’s budget and stock purchases and supervises its promotions with the aim of boosting sales. They also oversee staff training and performance.

Also known as: Horticulture Retail Manager

Skills/Knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of the technical aspects of horticulture

  • business management skills and commercial awareness

  • analytical thinking skills

  • to manage, recruit and train staff

  • the ability to sell products and services

  • excellent verbal communication and customer service skills

  • to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

  • understand the importance of, implement, and follow health and safety rules

  • have management experience and business skills such as working with budgets

  • be able to provide customer advice and guidance

You'll also need to take courses and gain certificates of competence to operate equipment and use machinery. Different Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) will be recommended for each work situation.

Salary

NB These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary depending on the employer and the skills and experience of the employee.

Some retail businesses offer managers bonus packages if the centre meets or exceeds sales targets.

£24,000
Typical salaries
range from
£40,000
Typical Hours

40-48 hours per week. This role will require evening, weekend and bank holiday working, and hours will vary depending on the season.

Day to Day
  • Prepare and update operational, business and marketing plans

  • Keep records, analyse costs, and manage budgets and accounts

  • Supervise and recruit staff

  • Develop new products and markets, and negotiate with suppliers

  • Design layouts and develop planting programmes

  • Manage pest, disease and weed control programmes

  • Make sure health and safety regulations and procedures are followed

  • Nurture plants by watering, weeding and pruning, and dealing with pests and diseases

Working Environment

You could spend time working outdoors at the centre overseeing and contributing to deliveries and movement of stock. You will also spend time in an office completing business-related tasks.

Training Available

Training is an essential part of any job, giving you the skills and knowledge you need to do your job safely and correctly. It also helps to strengthen your current skill set and prepares you for the next stage in your career.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships help you build the experience and skills that employers want to see. No matter what stage you’re at, they’ll help set you up for a bright future. There are lots of ways to get involved.

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