Assistant Plant Area Manager

About the role

We are seeking an Assistant Plant Area Manager to support the Plant Manager in running a busy outdoor plant department for one of the UK's leading garden retailers. This hands‑on leadership position will involve coaching a team of 5‑8 colleagues while ensuring high horticultural and retail standards.

Key responsibilities

• Support the day‑to‑day operations of the outdoor plant department.
• Lead, coach and motivate a team of 5‑8 staff members.
• Maintain excellent plant quality, merchandising and retail presentation.
• Mentor team members and share horticultural expertise.
• Drive sales through exceptional customer service and commercial awareness.
• Collaborate closely with the Plant Manager to achieve department objectives.

Required profile

• Strong horticultural knowledge and practical experience.
• Previous supervisory or leadership experience in a garden centre or plant department.
• Passion for plants and a commitment to outstanding customer service.
• Commercially minded with the ability to coach and develop a team.
• Garden centre retail experience preferred, though strong horticultural candidates with leadership experience will be considered.

Required skills

• Plant identification and care.
• Horticultural practices and standards.
• Retail merchandising of plant products.

What we offer

• Funded RHS qualifications and ongoing professional development.
• Access to over 100 online learning modules covering horticulture, retail and leadership.
• Clear internal progression pathways and annual discretionary Christmas bonus.
• Generous staff discount, enhanced holiday entitlement and company pension.
• Employee wellbeing and recognition schemes, free parking and supportive management.