Location: Exeter, Devon
Salary: £40,000 - £45,000
This is an exciting opportunity to take on a Garden Centre Manager role at a well-established garden retail site in Exeter, with an initial turnover of circa £2 million and a team of around 20 colleagues.
The business is entering a new phase, transitioning from independent ownership into a more structured group operation. This is a genuine opportunity to step in, take ownership, and shape standards, performance, and team capability from the ground up.
What you'll be doing:
As Garden Centre Manager, you'll be responsible for the full operational and commercial performance of the site, setting the tone and standards for the entire team.
Your key responsibilities will include:
Full accountability for sales, KPIs, and overall site performance, with a focus on growing turnover from its £2m base
Leading, developing, and structuring a team of 20, identifying and addressing capability gaps as the business evolves
Taking a hands-on leadership approach on the shop floor, driving a strong retail culture and high standards
Embedding best-in-class retail practices, improving merchandising, stock control, and customer experience
Overseeing all day-to-day operations, including rotas, recruitment, and performance management
Supporting and overseeing the restaurant manager to ensure alignment across the wider site
Implementing structure and processes where needed, as the centre transitions from an independent model
Ensuring full compliance with health & safety and operational procedures
Playing a key role in building a cohesive, engaged team during a period of change
What they're looking for:
A strong retail manager with experience running a store or site of similar scale
Proven ability to lead and develop teams, particularly through periods of change or transformation
Commercially driven, with confidence managing KPIs and driving sales performance
A hands-on, visible leader who leads from the front
Experience within garden centres is highly desirable, but strong retail backgrounds (DIY, home improvement, discount retail, etc.) will be considered
Someone comfortable stepping into a business where structure is still being developed
Strong communication skills, with the ability to manage change sensitively and effectively
Why join?
Significant autonomy to shape the culture, standards, and commercial direction
A centre at a key transition point, part of and supported by a much larger group
Competitive salary package up to £45,000
A varied role combining retail leadership with light-touch hospitality oversightThis is an ideal role for an experienced retail manager looking to step into garden centre management, or an existing GCM seeking a site where they can truly make their mark.
Apply now
To apply, send your CV or get in touch for a confidential discussion
Salary description
£32000.00 - £45000.00 per year