Garden Centre Operations Assistant (GCOA) – Beckworth Emporium

We are looking for an experienced Garden Centre Operations Assistant (GCOA) to join the team at Beckworth Emporium, part of Blue Diamond Garden Centres.

This is a key operational role focused on stock integrity, process control, and profit protection, playing a vital part in driving a strong commercial culture and reducing the profit gap caused by shrinkage, wastage, discounting, and stock inaccuracies.

About Us

Blue Diamond Garden Centres is one of the UK’s leading garden centre groups, known for creating inspiring retail destinations that combine high-quality plants, homeware, food, and lifestyle products.

Beckworth Emporium is a flagship destination within the group, offering a premium retail experience alongside a strong focus on operational excellence, customer service, and commercial performance. We pride ourselves on maintaining exceptionally high standards across every area of the business, from stock presentation and availability through to disciplined stock control and profitability.

We are passionate about developing our teams, encouraging accountability, and building a culture where everyone understands the importance of stock accuracy, attention to detail, and strong retail fundamentals.

Role Overview

The GCOA is responsible for ensuring exceptional stock management standards across all departments. You will work closely with Department Managers, Goods In, and Till teams to ensure stock is accurately received, recorded, controlled, and maintained in line with company processes.

This role requires a strong background in stock control, retail operations, garden centre management, or stock auditing, with a hands-on approach to driving compliance and improving performance.

Key Responsibilities

Stock Integrity & Profit Protection

• Actively reduce shrinkage, wastage, and uncontrolled discounting across all departments
• Maintain accurate stock files and ensure stock adjustments are correctly processed with appropriate reason codes
• Analyse key stock reports (negative stock, margin reports, stock movement, markdowns, sales analysis, etc.) to identify issues and drive corrective action
• Support and coach Department Managers in using stock reporting tools effectively
• Ensure ordering processes are data-led to prevent overstocking, aged stock, and unnecessary markdowns
• Oversee aged stock plans and ensure markdown strategies are correctly implemented and followed
• Promote correct stock handling across all teams to minimise damage and loss

Audits, Compliance & Processes

• Ensure full adherence to Blue Diamond stock management procedures and audit standards
• Carry out regular audits using company audit systems and implement corrective actions
• Identify and resolve process failures contributing to stock loss and profit gap
• Support teams in understanding and resolving audit findings
• Assist in rolling out and embedding new operational processes

Training & Team Development

• Deliver training on EPOS systems, stock control tools, and reporting systems
• Ensure colleagues understand stock processes and can accurately interpret stock data
• Provide onboarding and refresher training to maintain high standards
• Maintain accurate training records and ensure correct system access for staff

Stocktakes & Shrinkage Control

• Oversee stocktake preparation, execution, and review of results
• Ensure shrinkage is fully investigated and action plans are implemented by Department Managers
• Audit stocktake submissions for accuracy before submission to Profit Protection
• Support teams in improving stock accuracy and reducing variances year-round

Till Operations & Discount Control

• Monitor till activity including refunds, voids, price changes, and discounting trends
• Ensure compliance with company till procedures and prevent unauthorised discounting
• Review till reports with senior team members and identify areas of concern impacting profit

Goods In & Warehouse Control

• Ensure accurate goods receipting and full compliance with company procedures
• Oversee credit request processes, ensuring accuracy, documentation, and timely submission
• Monitor outstanding supplier credits and ensure proactive chasing to recover losses
• Ensure proof of returns and supporting documentation is correctly filed and maintained

Communication & Leadership

• Work closely with Department Managers, Goods In, and Till Supervisors
• Conduct regular walk-rounds and structured 1-2-1 meetings to monitor compliance and performance
• Escalate issues impacting stock integrity or compliance promptly
• Act as a strong role model in driving operational discipline and best practice

Candidate Requirements

• Strong background in stock control, retail operations, garden centre management, or inventory roles
• Experience with stock systems, stocktakes, and reporting analysis
• Confident interpreting data and translating it into operational improvements
• Strong attention to detail and process discipline
• Ability to train, coach, and influence teams effectively
• Proven experience reducing shrinkage, wastage, or stock loss highly desirable

What’s in it for you

• A key operational role within a leading UK garden centre group
• The opportunity to directly influence profitability, stock accuracy, and operational performance
• A varied, hands-on role with real responsibility across multiple departments
• The chance to work within a high-standard, commercially focused retail environment
• Ongoing training and development opportunities within Blue Diamond Garden Centres
• Supportive leadership team with clear processes and structure
• Competitive salary, dependent on experience
• Opportunity to make a visible impact on systems, processes, and business performance