Seasonal Bedding & Indoor Plant Manager (1-Year Fixed Term Contract)- Coton Orchard

Contract: Fixed Term Contract – 12 Months
Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, including alternate weekend working
Salary: Competitive, depending on experience

Please note: This role is initially being offered on a 12-month fixed-term contract. As part of the Blue Diamond Group, we are committed to developing talented individuals, and there may be opportunities for a permanent position at the end of the contract for the right candidate, subject to business needs.

Why Join Us?

Coton Orchard is proud to be part of the Blue Diamond Group, the UK's leading garden centre retailer, with centres located across the UK and Channel Islands.

We are passionate about creating exceptional shopping experiences and inspiring retail environments for our customers. Our Seasonal Bedding and Indoor Plant Department plays a key role in delivering a vibrant and engaging customer experience throughout the year.

At Blue Diamond, our success is built on the dedication, expertise, and enthusiasm of our teams. We are committed to investing in our people through training, development, and career progression opportunities, while providing a supportive and collaborative working environment.

The Role

We are looking for an experienced and commercially focused Plant Manager to lead our Seasonal Bedding and Indoor Plant Department on a 12-month fixed-term contract.

You will be responsible for the day-to-day management, performance, presentation, and profitability of the department, ensuring plants are maintained to the highest standards and customers receive exceptional service and expert advice.

This is a hands-on management role requiring strong horticultural knowledge, commercial awareness, and excellent leadership skills. You will work closely with the wider management team to drive sales, develop your team, and deliver an outstanding customer experience across both outdoor seasonal bedding and indoor plants.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial & Department Performance

• Take ownership of departmental sales, profitability, and performance.
• Monitor sales trends and identify opportunities to maximise revenue.
• Ensure stock levels are managed effectively to meet customer demand.
• Support the achievement of departmental targets and business objectives.
• Drive seasonal promotions and merchandising initiatives.

Plant Care & Stock Management

• Oversee the care, maintenance, and presentation of seasonal bedding and indoor plants.
• Manage stock ordering, replenishment, and rotation to maintain quality and availability.
• Monitor plant health and implement action plans where required.
• Minimise waste through effective stock management and markdown controls.
• Ensure deliveries are processed efficiently and accurately.

Visual Merchandising & Presentation

• Maintain high standards of merchandising and department presentation.
• Create attractive seasonal displays that inspire customers and drive sales.
• Ensure pricing, signage, and point-of-sale materials are accurate and professionally displayed.
• Lead seasonal changeovers and promotional activity within the department.

Customer Experience

• Deliver exceptional customer service and lead by example.
• Provide expert advice on plant care, gardening, and product selection.
• Ensure customers receive a welcoming and informative shopping experience.
• Support customers with larger purchases and carry-to-car assistance where required.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, motivate, and develop the Seasonal Bedding & Indoor Plant team.
• Organise daily workloads and allocate tasks effectively.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and training of new team members.
• Conduct regular coaching and performance reviews.
• Foster a positive, engaged, and high-performing team culture.

Operational Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and health and safety standards.
• Use EPOS and reporting systems accurately for stock and sales management.
• Conduct regular department checks and implement improvements where necessary.
• Report and resolve operational, maintenance, or safety concerns promptly.

About You

• Proven experience in horticultural retail, plant area management, or garden centre operations.
• Strong knowledge of seasonal bedding plants, indoor plants, and general horticulture.
• Previous experience leading and developing retail teams.
• Commercially aware with a track record of driving sales and achieving targets.
• Excellent organisational, communication, and customer service skills.
• Hands-on, proactive, and able to lead by example.
• Comfortable working both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Flexible and willing to work alternate weekends and peak seasonal periods.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary, depending on experience.
• Staff discount.
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
• Opportunities for career progression within the Blue Diamond Group.
• A dynamic, customer-focused, and inspiring retail environment.
• Supportive management team and opportunities to contribute to the continued success of the business.