Seasonal Plant Manager- Wilton Garden Centre

Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, including alternate weekend working
Salary: Competitive, depending on experience

The Role

We are looking for an experienced and commercially driven Seasonal Plants Manager to lead our Seasonal Plants Department.

You will take full responsibility for the performance, presentation, and profitability of the department, ensuring it is visually inspiring, well-stocked, and consistently delivers an outstanding customer experience. This is a hands-on leadership role where you will combine operational management with strong commercial focus and team leadership.

You will play a key role in driving seasonal sales, maximising opportunities throughout the year, and ensuring the department reflects the highest standards of retail excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial & Sales Performance

• Take full ownership of sales, profitability, and performance of the Seasonal Plants Department
• Analyse sales reports and seasonal trends to identify growth opportunities
• Implement strategies to maximise revenue across peak and off-peak periods
• Manage stock levels to ensure optimal availability and minimal waste

Stock Management & Merchandising

• Oversee ordering of seasonal plant stock in line with demand and trends
• Ensure effective stock rotation to maintain quality and freshness
• Manage markdowns and reduce slow-moving stock effectively
• Lead the creation of high-impact, seasonal merchandising displays
• Ensure all POS materials are accurate, visible, and commercially effective

Customer Experience

• Deliver an exceptional level of customer service across the department
• Provide expert, knowledgeable advice on seasonal plants and gardening
• Ensure all team members are trained to deliver excellent customer interaction
• Support customers with product selection and carry-to-car service where required

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, motivate, and develop the Seasonal Plants team
• Organise daily workloads, rotas, and task allocation
• Carry out regular performance management and coaching
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and training of seasonal and permanent staff
• Foster a positive, engaged, and high-performing team culture

Operational Standards

• Maintain exceptional housekeeping, presentation, and visual standards
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and safety standards
• Use EPOS and reporting systems accurately for stock and sales management
• Conduct regular floor walks and implement action plans based on findings

Deputising & Wider Responsibilities

• Work closely with senior management and support wider garden centre initiatives
• Deputise for senior management when required
• Escalate operational issues appropriately and ensure timely resolution

About You

• Proven experience in horticultural retail or seasonal plant management
• Strong commercial awareness with a track record of delivering results
• Confident leader with experience managing and developing teams
• Passionate about plants, gardening, and seasonal retail excellence
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
• Flexible and willing to work alternate weekends and peak seasonal periods

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Staff discount
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Career progression opportunities within a growing retail group
• A dynamic, seasonal, and inspiring retail environment