Garden Centre Manager

Store Manager - Garden Centre (Cheltenham)

Cheltenham | Full-time | Permanent | Retail Leadership Opportunity

Salary c£45,000 per annum dependant on experience

Are you a dynamic retail leader with a passion for exceptional customer service, operational excellence, and team development?

We're recruiting an experienced Store Manager to lead a large-format Garden Centre in Cheltenham—a destination store known for premium products, exceptional standards, and a loyal customer base.

As Store Manager, you'll report directly to the Executive Chairman and take full responsibility for delivering high standards across all departments—from gardening and plants to leisure, seasonal, food and hospitality.

This is your chance to make a significant impact and lead a high-performing team within a values-led business.

What You'll Be Doing:

Retail Excellence & Commercial Success

• Lead and develop department managers across multiple categories including Gardening, Plants, Pets, Seasonal, and Leisure.


• Drive sales, manage shrinkage, and achieve budgeted wage-to-sales ratios.


• Oversee visual merchandising and seasonal changeovers in line with brand guidelines.


• Collaborate with HR and Buying teams to ensure the right resource and product mix is in place year-round.


• Maintain our position as a Garden Centre of Excellence through consistent performance and standards.

Customer Experience Leadership

• Create a culture of customer delight throughout the customer journey—from entrance to exit.


• Manage all customer service channels for the store, ensuring timely, GDPR-compliant responses with the right tone of voice.


• Oversee the Duty Manager rota to guarantee visible, responsive leadership on the shop floor.


• Partner with Events and Food teams to deliver an exceptional in-store experience.

People Development & Operational Efficiency

• Foster a culture of trust, progression, and coaching—contributing to a Great Place to Work.


• Support managers in growing specialist knowledge and advancing team members.


• Champion the use of EPOS and warehouse systems to improve stock accuracy and efficiency.


• Collaborate on markdown strategies to protect margin while maintaining brand presentation standards.

Health, Safety & Site Operations

• Ensure a safe working environment through rigorous safety protocols and contractor management.


• Oversee opening/closing procedures, fire drills, and emergency preparedness.


• Liaise with estates and facilities teams to maintain the site to the highest standards.

What We're Looking For:

• Proven experience managing a high-turnover, large-format retail store—ideally within a high-quality or premium environment.


• Commercially astute, with strong IT skills and confidence using EPOS systems.


• A motivational and empathetic leader who leads by example and supports team development.


• Excellent communicator who can influence and inspire across departments.


• Comfortable working in a dynamic, family-owned business with strong community ties.

Working Hours:

This is a full-time, permanent role averaging 39.5 hours per week on a 2-week rota:

• Week 1: 4 weekdays + both weekend days off


• Week 2: 4 weekdays + both weekend days worked

What's in it for You?

• Competitive salary


• 25% discount across most retail categories; 50% discount in the restaurant


• 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)


• Company pension & life cover


• Access to healthcare schemes (post-probation)


• Free on-site parking


• A fun, collaborative and supportive working culture

By applying for this role, you are consenting for C2 Recruitment to hold and process your data in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulations.

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