Assistant Horticultural Manager

Assistant Horticultural Manager | Cheltenham

Salary: £13.50 per hour, Flexible dependent on experience
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, 5-day rota including some weekend working

Are you a knowledgeable horticultural retailer or horticulturalist looking for the next step in your career? We're working with a highly regarded, horticulture-led garden centre that is looking for an Assistant Plant Area Manager to support the running of its busy and well-established plant department.

About the business

This is a premium destination garden centre with a strong reputation for quality plants, excellent retail standards, and outstanding customer service. The site attracts a loyal customer base and experiences high footfall throughout the year, particularly during peak gardening seasons. Horticulture sits firmly at the heart of the business, and the plant department is a key part of its success.

About the role

You'll work closely with their experienced Plant Area Manager, acting as their second-in-command and supporting the day-to-day operation of the department. This is a hands-on role that combines plant expertise, team supervision, merchandising, and customer service.

The successful candidate will be confident stepping up in the Plant Area Manager's absence, supervising the team, supporting stock management and ordering when required, and helping maintain exceptional retail standards across the department.

Key responsibilities

• Supporting the Plant Area Manager with the daily running of the plant department
• Leading and motivating a team of up to 8 staff, including seasonal colleagues
• Delivering outstanding customer service and expert plant advice
• Maintaining high standards of merchandising and plant presentation
• Assisting with stock control, deliveries, and stock movement
• Taking responsibility for the department in the Plant Area Manager's absence
• Carrying out keyholder duties as required

The ideal candidate

• Previous experience within a garden centre plant area in a supervisory role is desirable
• Strong horticultural knowledge, with the ability to identify and advise on a broad range of plant species
• RHS Level 2 or equivalent horticultural qualification is highly desirable
• A hands-on approach and willingness to support with the physical aspects of the role
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• A passion for horticulture

Benefits

• Discretionary bonus scheme
• Annual salary review
• Income protection
• Life assurance (2x salary)
• Enhanced employer pension contribution
• Generous staff discounts across retail, food, and concessions
• Excellent staff events and family-friendly benefits

If this sounds like an opportunity you'd like to hear more about, please contact Elleanna at (url removed) for a confidential conversation.