Simpsons Garden Centre - Retail Manager
Location: Inverness
Salary: £30,000.00 - £33.000.00 per annum depending on experience.
Contract Type: Full-Time Permanent. Rotational weekend shifts.
Hours: 42.5 hours weekly
We’re looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Garden Centre Retail Manager to lead our retail team, deliver excellent customer service, and drive commercial success in our dynamic and welcoming store. This is a hands-on role ideal for someone passionate about retail and committed to creating a high-quality shopping experience.
Key Responsibilities:
Customer Service & Sales
- Customer Experience: Lead by example in greeting and assisting customers, ensuring the team consistently offers a warm, helpful, and knowledgeable service.
- Till Operations: Oversee till operations, ensuring all team members are fully trained and transactions are handled with accuracy and speed.
- Returns & Refunds: Support the till team and oversee customer returns, exchanges and complaints professionally to ensure a positive outcome for both the customer and the business.
- Product Knowledge: Ensure all staff are informed and confident when advising customers on products, features and recommendations.
Stock Management & Visual Merchandising
- Stock Handling: Manage deliveries, ensure accurate unpacking and distribution of new stock, and monitor storage procedures and warehouse disciplines.
- Inventory Control: Maintain optimal stock levels on the shop floor through regular checks and collaboration with inventory control systems.
- Visual Merchandising: Ensure products are well-presented, displays are eye-catching, and store layout promotes customer engagement and maximises sales.
- Pricing and Signage: Oversee accurate pricing and clear product signage in line with promotional and seasonal changes.
Security & Store Standards
- Loss Prevention: Promote and uphold store security policies. Support the team in recognising and appropriately handling shoplifting or suspicious activity.
- Store Environment: Maintain a clean, tidy and organised retail environment including customer areas and staff areas.
- Event Support: Assist in planning and executing in-store events and promotions to enhance the customer experience and boost footfall.
Team & Operations Management
- Duty Management: Participate in the store duty rota, taking full responsibility for the smooth running of the garden centre during designated shifts.
- Team Leadership: Supervise and support the retail team, managing rotas, delegating responsibilities, providing coaching, and addressing performance where needed.
- Staffing Levels: Ensure adequate staffing to meet trading patterns and customer needs.
- Training & Development: Foster a culture of continuous learning, ensuring all team members receive relevant training and support.
Operational Efficiency & Health & Safety
- Opening & Closing: Oversee daily routines, including morning preparation and end-of-day procedures.
- Health & Safety Compliance: Ensure the store operates safely at all times, taking responsibility for the wellbeing of staff, customers, and contractors.
Procurement & Supplier Management
- Buying Strategy: Support the development and execution of retail purchasing plans, sourcing stock that meets customer demand and aligns with brand standards. This may require occasional travel to attend buying trips and trade shows.
- Supplier Relations: Build and maintain supplier relationships to ensure reliable stock supply, favourable terms, and timely deliveries.
- Negotiation: Work with the senior team to negotiate contracts and pricing to support profit margins.
- Quality Assurance: Monitor product quality and liaise with suppliers to resolve issues promptly.
Budgeting & Reporting
- Financial Oversight: Assist with retail budgeting and cost control by tracking expenses and managing spending within defined budgets.
- Reporting: Use data and KPIs to monitor retail performance and share insights to help shape future decisions.
What We’re Looking For:
- Proven experience in a retail management role
- Strong leadership and team management skills
- Excellent customer service ethos
- Commercially aware with a good understanding of visual merchandising and retail trends
- Confident handling stock, budgets, and supplier communications
- Organised, proactive, and hands-on in approach
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills
Why Join Us?
You'll be part of a supportive, forward-thinking team in a fast-paced retail environment where your contribution is valued, and your development is encouraged. We offer competitive pay, staff discounts, and the chance to make a real impact in a customer-focused business. We are a daytime business, so late night working is rarely required.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £30,000.00-£33,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Referral programme
Experience:
- Retail Management: 2 years (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
