We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Department Manager to lead our Giftware and Customer Services/Tills teams. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong retail leadership experience who thrives in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment and enjoys driving commercial performance while developing a high-performing team.
Who are Garsons?
Founded in 1871, today Garsons is an award-winning destination Garden Centre, Farm Shop and Restaurant with locations in Esher, Surrey and Titchfield, Hampshire. Garsons Esher is also home to one of the UK's largest pick-your-own farms.
We are proud of our reputation for exceptional customer service, quality products, and welcoming environments, made possible by our dedicated teams who share our values.
What does the role involve?
As Department Manager, you will take overall responsibility for the Giftware and Customer Services/Tills departments, ensuring high standards of retail execution, operational efficiency, and outstanding customer experience. Responsibilities will include:
- Leading, motivating, and developing your teams to achieve high performance and excellent service standards.
- Overseeing tills and customer service operations to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.
- Ensuring merchandising, displays and shop floor standards are maintained to the highest level.
- Managing stock through the use of our retail management system, including top-up ordering to maintain optimum stock levels.
- Supporting budget management and driving sales, margin, and profitability.
- Working closely with the centralised Buying team to ensure product ranges are commercially effective, appropriately stocked, and aligned with seasonal trends, promotions, and customer demand.
- Communicating clearly and positively with colleagues and management.
- Supporting your Line Manager in delivering department and site objectives.
What skills and experience do you need?
- Proven experience in a retail management or department management role.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop a team.
- Commercial awareness with a good understanding of sales, margins, and stock control.
- Excellent organisational and communication skills.
- Confidence in using IT and retail management systems.
- Ability to work on your own initiative and make effective decisions.
- A hands-on approach with a focus on delivering high standards.
Contract: This is a permanent, full-time role.
Hours: A fortnightly pattern, typically working 8.00am to 5.10pm or 9.00am to 6.10pm with a contracted day off each week, plus working alternate weekends.
Salary: From £32,844 to £38,076 per annum (depending on experience).
Package:
- 20% Employee discount (plus discount for designated household member)
- 28 days paid holiday increasing to 31 days with 2 years’ service (pro rata)
- Company bonus scheme
- Pension scheme
- Access to health and wellbeing support
- Service rewards awarded for 10 years’ and 25 years’ service
- Company events
- Discounted ‘Pick Your Own’ fruit and vegetables
- Uniform provided
- Free car parking on site
Note: We may close vacancies early in the event we receive a high volume of applications. Therefore, we recommend you apply early.
Pay: £32,844.00-£38,076.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
- Store discount
Work Location: In person
