Assistant Centre Manager

Dean’s York Garden Centre are looking for an experienced and highly organised Assistant Centre Manager to work alongside the Centre Manager in leading our busy and successful garden centre.

This is a hands-on leadership role working 39.5 hours per week, including alternate weekends, and requires a confident people manager who can motivate teams, maintain high operational standards, and ensure that procedures are followed consistently across the business.

We are looking for someone who is highly organised, confident using computer systems, and able to provide day-to-day operational and administrative support to the Centre Manager. You will play a key role in creating a positive working environment, supporting colleagues to perform at their best, and ensuring issues are addressed promptly and effectively.

Key Responsibilities

As Assistant Centre Manager, you will be responsible for:

• Supporting the overall management and performance of the garden centre, and providing operational support across the site, including The Bothy restaurant.
•  Supporting the planning and administration of staff rotas to ensure appropriate staffing levels across the business.
• Using Microsoft Word, Outlook and other business systems to support communication, reporting and day-to-day administration.
• Leading, motivating and developing colleagues across the business.
• Coaching and supporting managers and supervisors to effectively lead their teams.
• Managing employee relations matters, including absence management, investigations and disciplinary procedures where required.
• Ensuring company policies and procedures are followed consistently and professionally.
• Identifying and addressing people and performance issues promptly before they escalate.
• Working closely with the Centre Manager to ensure the right people are in the right roles and that teams are trained, engaged and motivated.
• Planning and delivering effective communication across the business, including regular team meetings.
• Maintaining a safe, secure and well-presented site at all times.
• Promoting and overseeing health and safety compliance throughout the centre.
• Ensuring operational processes and attendance management procedures are delivered efficiently.
• Supporting merchandising standards and ensuring excellent presentation throughout the centre.
• Undertaking cash handling duties, including banking, reconciliations and cash management procedures.
• Providing management cover in the absence of the Centre Manager.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

The ideal candidate will have:

• Significant management experience within a retail, garden centre, hospitality or similar customer-focused environment.
• Proven experience of managing, motivating and developing teams.
• Experience handling absence management, investigations and employee relations matters.
• A strong understanding of employment procedures and the importance of consistent application.
• Good knowledge of health and safety requirements within a retail environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent IT skills, including strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook/email and other computer-based systems.
• business when required.
• Highly organised, with strong attention to detail and the ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks.
• Experience of rota planning, workforce organisation or resource scheduling would be advantageous.
• The confidence to make decisions and take appropriate action.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.
• The ability to remain resilient and effective when working under pressure.
• A flexible, hands-on approach and willingness to support multiple departments and adapt to the changing needs of the business.

Why Join Our GREAT Team?

🌿 A GREAT Place to Work 

Friendly, fun, and down-to-earth – we cultivate a positive team spirit every day.

⏰ Work-Life Balance 

All roles operate within daytime hours – so your evenings stay yours.

🛍️ Up to 33% Staff Discount 

Treat yourself to garden and home favourites (*varies by department/concession).

🚗 Free On-Site Parking

Arrive stress-free with plenty of parking.

🏆 GREAT Values & Recognition 

We live our values and celebrate yours with monthly awards and shout-outs.

🎉 Monthly Team Engagement Events 

From information sharing to free food – we love bringing the team together.

🌴 Enhanced Holiday Allowance 

More time off that grows with your length of service.

🌱 Grow Your Career 

We support your development with company-sponsored training.

💚 Well-being Support to Help You Thrive 

Employee Assistance Programme including 24/7 GP access, funeral concierge, and mental health support – we’re here when you need us.

💷 Pension Contributions 

Helping you plant the seeds for a secure future.

🪴 Supporting Causes That Matter to Our Team 

Through our Kindness Pot, we donate to charities and local causes close to our team’s hearts – planting seeds of kindness in the community.