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Garden Centre Supervisor/Buyer

Employer
Confidential
Location
Worcestershire
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
18 May 2022

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Specialist Area
Buyer
Sector
Education
Contract Type
Permanent
Hours
Full Time
Protection of Children and Young Persons (The Children's Act 1989)

Any offers of appointment will be conditional and subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, a certificate of good conduct if applicable, plus receipt of satisfactory employment references, Occupational Health clearance, an understanding of safeguarding and qualifications verification. An Enhanced DBS check is required for this position as you will be working within 'Regulated Activity' within a specific place (i.e. the College).

This role is classed as working within Regulated Activity. It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. By applying for this position you agree to an Enhanced DBS check in line with DBS regulations.

Background to the Post

Pershore College Garden Centre is a commercial operation located within Pershore College, and is open 7 days a week to the general public and trade customers. Our customers expect a high standard in customer care and advice due to our horticultural background.

The Garden Centre Supervisor/Buyer will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of Pershore College Garden Centre with a strong focus on supervising retail sales under the supervision of the Garden Centre & Nurseries Manager (the manager). The post holder will be required to supervise, motivate and lead a small team of part time staff in garden centre operations. You will also monitor stock levels and assist the Garden Centre & Nurseries Manager in purchasing stock for retail and trade sales when required. This post is hands-on and requires excellent customer service skills, horticultural experience to be able to assist with customer enquiries, and an optimistic attitude towards the flexible nature of this role.

This role will require weekend working (on a rota set by the successful post holder), and lone-working.

Duties and Responsibilities

* To organise and carry out the day-to-day tasks of the Garden Centre in conjunction with the Garden Centre & Nurseries Manager.

* To perform retail and trade sales and demonstrate excellent customer service.

* To maintain plants for retail sales to a high standard. Weed control, irrigating and pruning where required.

* Ensure high standards of merchandising are met to optimise all sales opportunities, and refresh displays regularly to maintain interest.

* To conduct sales through the nursery stock management system, and maintain accurate stock records on this system relating to goods in/out.

* Attend regular meetings with the manager and the Nursery Supervisor/Grower to plan sales and production strategies.

* To implement production and sales strategies in the most efficient way possible.

* To supervise seasonal, part-time and student workers in the Garden Centre.

* Create job lists for seasonal and part-time workers to ensure efficient use of their time whilst working.

* Participate in the weekend working rota and ensure there is adequate cover to maintain 7 day-a-week opening.

* Liaise with customers and fulfil their requirements with an 'above-and-beyond' attitude.

* To monitor crop pest, disease and weed infestation and report to Nursery Supervisor/Garden Centre & Nurseries Manager.

* Ensure that tools and equipment are used and maintained in accordance with the Warwickshire College Health and Safety policies and keep operation and maintenance records.

* To review Risk Assessments relevant to the Garden Centre Unit and renewed as necessary.

* To drive the Nursery van if required/appropriate.

* Take part in Review and Development appraisals for staff and a structured CPD programme to meet developmental needs.

The list of duties is not exhaustive but outlines the main features of the post at appointment and may vary as the job evolves without affecting the nature of the duties or the responsibility level.

Health and Safety

To ensure a safe working environment for colleagues, students, and visitors in line with the HASAW Act and the College Health and Safety Policy.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults for whom you are responsible and whom you come into contact with.

Hours of Work

The post holder will be expected to work such hours as are necessary for the proper performance of their duties and responsibilities, normally 37 hours per week. Monday to Sunday, and includes weekend work on a rota.

Place of Work

The principal place of work will be the College's premises based at our Pershore Centre. However, the post holder may be required to work on either a temporary or an indefinite basis at any premises at which we may provide services.

Employee Benefits

When you join WCG we offer you a whole host of employee benefits, including:

The opportunity to apply for Hybrid working

Generous annual leave entitlement plus up to 4 free College Closure days a year

Comprehensive training programme

Leadership & Management training programme to develop our next generation of managers

Superb health and wellbeing support with

Employee Assistance Helpline offering free, confidential, 24 hours support and guidance

Free onsite gyms at most colleges

Discounted part time and professional courses

In the event you are poorly you will receive SSP

Cycle to work scheme

Childcare vouchers

Discounted hair & beauty treatments in our college salons

The opportunity to join NEST pension scheme

Free will writing service

Free car parking on site

Staff discounts in our Plant Centre at Pershore College

Person Specification

Ability to perform the tasks as described in the job description. If you have a disability you should not be discouraged from applying, since there are schemes available within the College which allow for the provision of special aids, premises to be adapted and other appropriate support provided. Ways in which these schemes might help in particular circumstances can be discussed with HR when making your application.

Essential Attainments:

* Hold a nationally recognised qualification in horticulture.

* Have good knowledge of the commercial horticultural industry.

* Previous demonstrable experience of working in a fast-paced retail environment with an ability to deliver exceptional customer service.

* To understand the Health and Safety Law and polices which are appropriate to your role.

Essential Skills & Knowledge:

* Flexible approach to working hours.

* Ability to consistently produce a high standard of work.

* Ability to effectively lead and supervise part time and seasonal staff.

* Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.

* Ability to work effectively within a team.

* Helpful, enthusiastic and optimistic approach to work.

* Ability to use a computer to record sales and maintain/input goods in/out using the nursery management software (training will be given on our specific software), email and basic word processing skills

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