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Outdoor Plants Manager- Stewarts Christchurch

Are you passionate about outdoor plants, confident in your knowledge, and ready to take the next step into a leadership role?

Look no further! We’re looking for an enthusiastic and knowledgeable Manager to lead our Outdoor Plants department at our Christchurch Garden Centre.

Exceptional horticultural knowledge is the most important requirement for this role. We are looking for someone who has a genuine passion for plants and can confidently recommend the right plants for our customers, offer practical advice on planting and aftercare, diagnose common plant problems, and inspire customers with attractive, commercially focused displays. Whilst this is a management position, we can provide coaching and support to develop management skills. Our priority is finding someone with outstanding plant knowledge who enjoys sharing their expertise with others.

About the Role:

Responsibilities:

  • Deliver exceptional customer service by engaging with customers, understanding their needs and confidently recommending suitable trees, shrubs, perennials, climbers, roses, bedding plants and seasonal plants.
  • Provide expert advice on plant selection, planting, pruning, watering, feeding, pest and disease management and ongoing plant care.
  • Create inspiring, well-merchandised displays that showcase seasonal colour, encourage customer confidence and maximise sales.
  • Ensure the Outdoor Plants department is visually outstanding, well-stocked, clean and easy to shop at all times.
  • Maintain excellent standards of plant quality through effective watering, feeding, deadheading, pruning, rotation and general plant husbandry.
  • Monitor plant health, identifying pests, diseases and nutritional issues promptly and taking appropriate action.
  • Work closely with the Buyers to ensure the department offers the right range of quality plants for the season, maintaining consistency in product, pricing and presentation.
  • Identify opportunities to increase sales through cross-merchandising, seasonal promotions and complementary products.
  • Manage stock levels, minimise wastage and ensure excellent stock rotation.
  • Organise and manage stocktakes, stock turn, markdowns and stock accuracy.
  • Plan and implement seasonal layout changes and merchandising plans to keep the department fresh and inspiring throughout the year.
  • Recruit, support and develop members of the Outdoor Plants team, creating a positive and knowledgeable working environment.
  • Coach colleagues by sharing horticultural knowledge and encouraging excellent customer service standards.
  • Manage the day-to-day operation of the department, ensuring resources are effectively deployed to meet customer demand.
  • Maintain fixtures, benches, irrigation systems, equipment and display materials to a high standard.
  • Authorise and process invoices efficiently.
  • Support the successful delivery of centre events, seasonal promotions and plant demonstrations where appropriate.
  • Ensure compliance with Health & Safety procedures and safe manual handling practices.
  • Act as Duty Manager and key holder for the business on a rota basis.

What You'll Need:

  • Extensive horticultural knowledge with the confidence to advise customers on a wide range of outdoor plants.
  • Previous experience working in a garden centre, nursery or similar horticultural environment.
  • A genuine passion for plants and delivering an exceptional customer experience.
  • The ability to create inspiring retail displays that encourage customers to buy and return.
  • Strong commercial awareness with an understanding of seasonal trends and opportunities to maximise sales.
  • A proactive approach to maintaining high standards of plant quality and presentation.
  • Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
  • Good organisational skills with the ability to prioritise a varied workload.
  • Experience leading or supervising a team would be advantageous, although support and coaching can be provided to develop management skills.
  • A flexible approach to working weekends, bank holidays and busy seasonal trading periods.

What It's Like Working at Stewarts:

  • A friendly supportive team.
  • A family-run business with strong values and heritage.
  • A varied and active role.
  • Opportunities to grow and develop.

Benefits:

  • Generous staff discount scheme (following probationary period).
  • Free on-site parking and uniform.
  • Additional day off to celebrate your birthday!

The Practical Details:

Contract Type: Permanent – Full time (40 hours per week including alternative weekends)

Location: Stewarts Christchurch Garden Centre, Lyndhurst Road, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 4SA

Reports to: Garden Centre Manager

Please Note: This is a physically active role involving regular heavy lifting.

How to Apply:

If you love plants and want to help customers feel confident and inspired in their gardens while growing your own career, we’d love to hear from you!

To apply, please send a copy of your CV and a covering letter to:

HR Department, D Stewart & Son Ltd, 8 Christchurch Business Park, Radar Way, Christchurch BH23 4FL

Or e-mail: [email protected]

Please Note: CVs that do not have an accompanying cover letter will not be considered.