General Manager – Garden Centre, Farm Shop & Cafe

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced, commercially minded General Manager to take full operational leadership of the site. This is a senior, hands-on role with responsibility for standards, people, performance and customer experience, and a meaningful opportunity to help shape the next phase of the business.

What We Offer

• A senior leadership role within a growing, evolving business

• Genuine involvement in future site development and expansion

• Competitive salary based on experience

• Staff discount

• Free on-site parking

Key Responsibilities

As General Manager, you will have overall responsibility for the day-to-day performance of the garden centre, farm shop and café. You will lead the management team, set standards, drive consistency, and ensure the site operates efficiently, safely and profitably.

You will also work closely with the owners and senior stakeholders to support future development, site improvements and expansion plans.

This role suits someone who enjoys being visible on the shop floor, understands seasonal retail and hospitality, and can balance operational control with strategic thinking.

Key Responsibilities

• Full accountability for the daily operation of the garden centre, farm shop and café

• Leadership, development and performance management of the full site team

• Recruitment, rota planning, training and succession planning

• Oversight of horticultural, retail and hospitality standards across all departments

• Planning and delivery of seasonal layouts, displays and merchandising

• Stock control, ordering, availability and waste management

• Ensuring plants, products and food operations meet required quality standards

• Driving a consistently high level of customer service and product knowledge

• Health & safety compliance across retail, café and outdoor areas

• Budget awareness, cost control and commercial decision-making

• Supporting marketing and social media activities to promote products, offers, and events

• Working with senior management on layout changes, redevelopment and future growth

Person Profile

Proven experience as a Garden Centre Manager, General Manager, Assistant Manager or senior department lead

• Strong understanding of garden centre retail and seasonal trading cycles

• Experience overseeing multiple departments, ideally including hospitality

• A confident, credible people manager who leads from the front

• Commercially aware, organised and comfortable making decisions

• Practical, hands-on and able to adapt in a fast-moving retail environment

• Passion for horticulture, gardening and creating engaging retail spaces

• Formal horticultural qualifications are an advantage but not essential