Stoneware Manager

Company Information and Introduction:

Do you enjoy working outdoors and have a passion for high-quality stoneware? Our Stoneware Department is looking for an enthusiastic Manager to help oversee our diverse range of stoneware products.

We’re seeking someone who can manage both daily tasks and team dynamics! If you’re skilled at giving clear instructions, don’t mind hands-on work, and can represent your department in a fast-paced environment, you might be our next Stoneware Manager.

Your daily responsibilities will include managing and maintaining the department as a whole, ensuring efficient department operations, productivity, and quality. You will be expected to provide excellent customer service with product knowledge. You will also work closely with our Stoneware Buyer to assist with seasonal changes and product planning.

Longacres Garden Centre aims to be the destination of choice for garden enthusiasts, offering exceptional service and high-quality products at competitive prices. Established in 1979 as a family-run business, Longacres has grown to include six stores across the South East of England, employing over 700 staff in 2026. As a growing company, we provide ample opportunities for personal development and learning within a supportive, inclusive, and friendly team environment. We are deeply committed to our loyal customers, delivering high quality products while maintaining affordability. Guided by our core values - trust and integrity, family, teamwork, accountability, and retail excellence - we strive to continuously enhance the customer experience and foster lasting relationships.

Benefits

Free onsite parking

15% Staff discount (Increase to 20% after 5 years of service)

Training and development with opportunities to forge a career with us

Pension plan

Holiday entitlement of 28 days, including bank holidays

Store: Bagshot

Department: Stoneware Department (Aggregates, Paving, Garden Ornaments & Wood Products etc)

Contract: Full Time

Includes Weekends: Monday to Friday with a rota’d day off in the week and alternate weekends.

Hours: 40 hours per week

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

Manage staff within the department and delegate tasks as needed to ensure these are completed in an acceptable timescale.

Staff training.

Perform probation reviews, return to work interviews, and performance conversations.

Updating the team with information such as promotions, new products, displays and seasonal changes

Work with the buyer to assist with seasonal changes and product planning.

Oversee staff within the department and provide guidance as needed.

Plan and organise the two-weekly staff rota.

Help customers with their enquiries and ensuring a high standard of customer service is delivered within your team.

Merchandise products on the shop floor, inspiring and safe shopping experience ensuring that all the products are correctly priced, clearly marked and displayed safely.

Implement new ideas to promote products and increase sales.

General Housekeeping of the department.

Key Skills and Competencies:

Positive can-do attitude

Punctuality and reliability

Previous management experience

Previous experience working within a Garden Centre environment

Ability to work to deadlines efficiently and effectively

Experience working in a high-volume retail environment

Able to work as part of a team and also on your own initiative

Excellent customer service skills

You are willing to develop and learn

Fork lift experience