We’re looking for an experienced and motivated Garden Centre Manager to lead the day‑to‑day operation of our Hillier Garden Centre in Winchester, Hampshire, including its popular coffee shop. This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic leader who thrives in a customer‑focused environment, enjoys a varied and hands‑on role, and can seamlessly bring together retail and hospitality to deliver an exceptional experience for every visitor. This is a full‑time, permanent position, working an average of 37.5 hours per week, with alternate weekends off as part of the rota. We are offering a salary of circa £40,000 per annum, depending on experience, plus a car allowance. Key responsibilities include:

Overseeing all areas of the garden centre, including retail and coffee shop operations Ensuring strong coordination between retail and hospitality to maximise performance and profitability Managing stock levels, supply chains, merchandising, and promotional activity Delivering excellent customer service and maintaining high standards of presentation across all departments Organising seasonal events, promotions, and customer engagement activities Monitoring budgets, controlling costs, and driving commercial performance Leading and developing teams across retail and hospitality, including staffing, rotas, recruitment, and performance reviews Ensuring compliance with all health, safety, and food hygiene requirements Maintaining safe working practices and completing risk assessments Managing stock, monitoring wastage, and maximising margin potential Ensuring accurate till operations, cash handling, and banking procedures Acting as a key holder and taking part in the duty manager rota Working closely with HR on performance, conduct, and employee matters

Skills and experience:

Proven retail management experience, ideally within a garden centre or similar commercial environment Strong leadership skills with experience managing diverse teams Confidence in managing budgets, sales targets, and cost control Excellent communication and customer service skills Ability to multitask and manage competing priorities across retail and hospitality

Personal attributes:

Inspiring leadership style with the ability to motivate and support teams Calm, resilient, and composed in a fast‑paced environment High attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high standards Commercially minded with a focus on sales growth and customer engagement Flexible and adaptable, particularly during peak seasonal periods Passion for sustainability and environmentally friendly practices Strong problem‑solving skills and proactive decision‑making Willingness to work weekends and Bank Holidays

Additional requirement:

A basic DBS check is required for this role (funded by the Company)

Benefits include:

Salary of circa £40,000 salary per annum Car allowance 31 days’ annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays) Employee discount Group Personal Pension Scheme Life Assurance Private Healthcare Employee Assistance Programme with retail discounts Free parking Complimentary access to the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. Please note that we can only consider applicants who are already based in the UK and have the right to work. The closing date for applications is 15th April 2026, although we may close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of interest. #J-18808-Ljbffr