Gardener jobs in Oadby

Rutland Garden Centre is an established family-owned garden centre, known for quality plants, and we are now seeking a passionate and knowledgeable Horticulture Manager to join us. We are committed to providing our community with a comprehensive range of healthy plants at fair price that will appeal to all levels of gardening experience. We would like to develop a horticulture team that takes pride in their working environment, understands the importance of plant care and who feel comfortable assisting, and advising, our customers.

Your Key Responsibilities:

• Plant Care & Maintenance: Ensure the health of all plants through effective watering, feeding and pest control.
• Stock Management: Oversee ordering to populate the centre with commercially appropriate levels of best quality seasonal plants. Carry out checks to maintain stock accuracy and put strategies in place to manage slow moving stock and reduce/prevent stock wastage.
• Customer Engagement: Create a centre built on consumer trust by listening to, and advising, customers on selecting and caring for appropriate plants or products based on their needs. Train, and encourage, your team to do the same.
• Sales & Performance: Work collaboratively with the management team to set, and achieve, sales targets, analyse trends, and manage department expenses efficiently. Communicate this information to the horticulture team so that everyone shares a common goal and vision.
• Team Leadership: Supervise, train, and support staff to keep high standards of customer service and plant care.
• Health & Safety: Conduct regular risk assessments to guarantee the safety of the team and all visitors to the site. Access training for yourself and your team to remain current in your/their knowledge.

Required Experience:

• Proven experience in horticulture and plant area management in a garden centre environment.
• Expert plant knowledge and, ideally, a qualification such as RHS Level 2/3 or equivalent.
• Expertise in visual merchandising, creating inspiring and engaging plant displays to maximise sales opportunities.
• Solid leadership experience and effective communication skills.
• A commitment to high standards and a respect for company assets.
• IT and analytical skills to manage stock, sales data, and reports.

The Offer

• A full-time, permanent position averaging 41.5 hours per week, (including breaks). We offer optional reduced working hours from November to February.
• A two-week rotating schedule working 10 out of 14 days including alternate weekends. We close over Christmas and Easter.
• Competitive benefits including free parking, staff discounts, and pension schemes.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £30,000.00-£35,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• On-site parking
• Store discount

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Oakham LE15 7QN: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

Experience:

• Plant Area: 5 years (required)
• Plant Area Manager: 2 years (preferred)
• Garden Centre/Retail: 5 years (required)

Work Location: In person