Customer Advisor
Customer Advisor
Job ref K451
An outstanding opportunity exists for a Customer Advisor to join a fast-paced online horticultural retailer. Our client has grown significantly over the last couple of years, employing over 30 staff, and supplying some of the country’s leading garden centres and nurseries. This Customer Advisor role offers the chance for progression and growth within its organisation. This is a fantastic opportunity for an enthusiastic horticultural sales assistant or supervisor that has strong customer service work experience to make their mark on this new and exciting vacancy.
Customers are at the heart of what our client does. Applicants will need to have a proven track record of providing excellent customer service, that are passionate about helping customers. The Customer Advisor position will also involve working closely with our clients’ suppliers, assisting the supply chain in a positive way, dealing with queries, orders and returns. The Customer Advisor role is a new role for our client, but it is an area of the organisation that is set to grow.
Job Brief
As the businesses Customer Advisor, you will deliver an exceptional service to customers. Supporting the growth of our client, no two days will be the same as you work across the business. The successful candidate will need to be able to,
-Working together with the team to assist in the build/development of a pioneering online customer excellence function
-Being the face of the company to their customers, garden centre and nursery partners, building strong relationships, responding to queries, supporting the growth of the business community, and creating positive memorable experiences to enhance their experience across different communication channels, such as phone, email, whatsapp as well as on-site chat
-Working with our carrier providers to ensure seamless delivery experiences for our customers.
Key Skills
As the Customer Advisor, you’ll need have the following experience;
-A proven track record in the gardening industry: you know this environment well in terms of the products & tips on how to care for a product.
-Experience of working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
-You have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
-A meticulous eye for detail and brilliant written and verbal communication skills
-A strong work ethic, a humble attitude and an entrepreneurial spirit
Package includes:
-Salary of up to Circa £27k per annum
Our client provides the ideal environment in which to develop and thrive. Whether you’re an accomplished Sales Assistant or a budding plant enthusiast looking for a role in horticulture, our client will provide you with all the support you need to advance a career to be proud of.
If this Customer Advisor vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Ruth Bolam on 01233 732767 or ruth@horticruitment.com.
To view more garden centre jobs, click Retail.
To apply for a position with horticruitment you will need to complete a candidate registration form, please see Candidate Registration.
If you would like more information regarding horticultural qualifications and colleges, see our Career advice.
You will need to be registered with horticruitment to find out where and how your personal data is used whilst using our work finding services please view our privacy policy.
Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Customer Advisor vacancy. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not possible to respond to every one. Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your application for this Customer Advisor vacancy will have been unsuccessful.
Plantarea Manager
Plantarea Manager required
Job Ref F825
Our client has a popular destination garden centre ideal for the keen gardener and those who enjoy a great day out. They are proud to offer a unique shopping experience with everything you need from a vast selection of top-quality plants, beautiful gifts, and everything you need for the home and garden with regular events and offers all year round. Due to an internal promotion they are currently seeking a Plantarea Manager to join the team who will support the General Manager in delivering excellent sales and service throughout their high volume fast turnaround outside plants department.
Job Description:
Duties and responsibilities would include the following:
Accountable for the operational excellence and financial performance of the department
Ensuring the highest standards of displays are maintained and that targets are achieved
Leading your team with a clear direction and a culture of coaching and mentoring
Accountable for providing great customer service with a keen eye for detail
Ensuring accurate stocking levels are maintained with excellent quality plants
Ensuring the smooth efficiency of all daily duties
Key Skills:
The appointed person will possess some form of horticultural qualification, excellent plant knowledge will be highly commercial and results driven, a positive and strong communicator and a skilled motivational manager who has excellent problem solving skills and can bring enthusiasm and passion to the job.
If this Plantarea Manager vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Ruth Bolam on 01233 732767 or ruth@horticruitment.com
To view more garden centre jobs, click Retail.
To apply for a position with horticruitment you will need to complete a candidate registration form, please see Candidate Registration.
If you would like more information regarding horticultural qualifications and colleges, see our Career advice.
You will need to be registered with horticruitment to find out where and how your personal data is used whilst using our work finding services please view our privacy policy.
Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Plantarea Manager vacancy. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not possible to respond to every one. Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your application for this Plantarea Manager vacancy will have been unsuccessful.
Planting Consultant
Planting Consultant required
Ref: J213
Our client is an award-winning design, build and maintenance company located near Reading with the added benefit of their own plant nursery. They have been transforming gardens for over 30 years.
Job Description:
The successful candidate will travel to appointments to offer an “at home planting and horticultural consultancy service” where you would meet with prospective clients, provide them with advice and planting recommendations for their requirements. Produce quotations, liaise with the clients, and the planting team and plant nursery.
You will be involved where required with any soft landscaping works within the business, including laying out plants to a design or from a list and will be involved in planting.
Key Skills:
- Excellent plant knowledge, with horticultural qualifications and a passion for plants.
- You should have all the characteristics of being an effective team player.
- Good computer skills, word, excel.
- Understanding Vector Works is beneficial but not essential.
- Work closely with the nursery department.
- Manage planting projects of differing size and involved managing staff.
- Driving licence essential.
Position and Benefits:
- Full time 7.30-4.30pm Monday- Friday
- Company car provided
- 28 days holiday
- Company pension scheme
If this Planting Consultant vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Sara Yassin on 01233 732767 or sara@horticruitment.com
To view more Landscape jobs, click Landscape.
To apply for a position with horticruitment you will need to complete a candidate registration form, please see Candidate Registration.
If you would like more information regarding horticultural qualifications and colleges, see our Career advice.
You will need to be registered with horticruitment to find out where and how your personal data is used whilst using our work finding services please view our privacy policy.
Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Planting Consultant vacancy. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not possible to respond to every one. Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your application for this Planting Consultant vacancy will have been unsuccessful.
Plantarea Manager
Plantarea Manager
Ref K058
Our client has a popular destination garden centre ideal for the keen gardener and those who enjoy a great day out. They are proud to offer a unique shopping experience with everything you need from a vast selection of top quality plants, beautiful gifts, and everything you need for the home and garden with regular events and offers all year round. Due to an internal promotion they are currently seeking a Plantarea Manager to join the team who will support the General Manager in delivering excellent sales and service throughout their high volume fast turnaround outside plants department.
Job Description:
Duties and responsibilities would include the following:
- Accountable for the operational excellence and financial performance of the department
- Ensuring the highest standards of displays are maintained and that targets are achieved
- Leading your team with a clear direction and a culture of coaching and mentoring
- Accountable for providing great customer service with a keen eye for detail
- Ensuring accurate stocking levels are maintained with excellent quality plants
- Ensuring the smooth efficiency of all daily duties
Key Skills:
The appointed person will possess some form of horticultural qualification, excellent plant knowledge will be highly commercial and results driven, a positive and strong communicator and a skilled motivational manager who has excellent problem solving skills and can bring enthusiasm and passion to the job.
If this Plantarea Manager vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Ruth Bolam on 01233 732767 or info@horticruitment.com
To view more garden centre jobs, click Retail.
To apply for a position with horticruitment you will need to complete a candidate registration form, please see Candidate Registration.
If you would like more information regarding horticultural qualifications and colleges, see our Career advice.
You will need to be registered with horticruitment to find out where and how your personal data is used whilst using our work finding services please view our privacy policy.
Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Plantarea Manager vacancy. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not possible to respond to every one. Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your application for this Plantarea Manager vacancy will have been unsuccessful.
Plantarea Assistant Manager
Plantarea Assistant Manager required
Ref Y217
A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a plantarea assistant manager to support the Department Manager with delivering outstanding service and merchandising standards at a Garden Centre near Reading.
The successful candidate will be part of a team ensuring high standards are achieved throughout the centre. He / She will be responsible for ordering and replenishing from supplier reserves to maintain seasonal stocking levels and where required, ordering from free stock to fulfil replenishment requirements. A good ordering routine is essential to allow for balanced deliveries throughout the week and to maximise on available reserved stock. The products will be displayed or merchandised as per guidelines instructed by the departmental manager The Promotional Calendar will be followed and supported to fully back promotional stock inputs to drive sales by product placement and good POS positioning. The departmental specialist with be responsible for the creation of purchase orders in a timely and thorough manner, highlighting any concerns to the Departmental Manager whilst ensuring all POS is positioned and created if required to highlight and support key selling lines and promotion.
The departmental specialist will adhere to health and safety requirements at all times. He / She will train, motivate and coach members of the department to perform to their best and provide an outstanding customer experience. They will share product knowledge and selling skills expertise with the team to optimise the team's capability to answer customer queries and to upsell as well as work hands on with team members and promote the importance and benefits of effective team working and demonstrating a positive leadership style with an enthusiastic, positive, committed and flexible attitude.
It is important to work collaboratively with other departments regarding cross-merchandising. helping to give customers ideas and link-selling. Working as a team to maximise sales and service within the department by delivering excellent standards of customer service at all times by listening, understanding and dealing with customer queries in a confident, professional, knowledgeable and friendly manner. As well as building and maintaining excellent working relationships with internal and external contacts.
This role would suit a hands-on leader with a passion for delivering a memorable customer service experience.
If this Plantarea Assistant Manager vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Sara Yassin on 01233 732767 or sara@horticruitment.com.
To view more garden centre jobs, click Retail.
To apply for a position with horticruitment you will need to complete a candidate registration form, please see Candidate Registration.
If you would like more information regarding horticultural qualifications and colleges, see our Career advice.
You will need to be registered with horticruitment to find out where and how your personal data is used whilst using our work finding services please view our privacy policy.
Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Plantarea Assistant Manager vacancy. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not possible to respond to every one. Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your application for this Plantarea Assistant Manager vacancy will have been unsuccessful.
People and Communications Manager
People and Communications Manager required
Ref J323
This is a fantastic opportunity for an HR professional with a strong focus on Human Resources & Payroll based in/near Reading.
The ideal candidate will have current /recent experience of working in a HR / pay roll role and handling a high-volume workload. You will be a hands-on individual with a passion for all things retail. You need to be highly organised with excellent communication and interpersonal skills as you will be the face and voice of the garden centre. ·
The People and Communications Manager will be naturally polite, helpful and have a friendly manner meaning that you will easily engage your internal customers and provide an exceptional level of service to the garden centre's employees.
Your role and responsibilities will include:
- Complete Rotas for front of house & kitchen, working closely with the restaurant management team as well as authorise holiday and sickness recording for the store ensuring adequate cover for all departments
- All HR administration including maintaining HR personnel files /employee records /training records
- Complete sickness records and communicate to store manager any concerns and take necessary action
- Advise & support store manager with investigations and disciplinary hearings
- Collate weekly timesheet information; match timesheet information to exception forms (e.g. holiday/sickness) and investigate anomalies using Planday
- Prepare and submit payroll to external accountants, including calculating SSP, and processing starter / leaver information
- Create and update job descriptions, HR policies I forms working with Citation
- Draft and place recruitment advertisements
- Assist with shortlisting, interviewing and selecting candidates for departmental Managers
- Conduct employee inductions for all department's new starters on site
- Issue contracts of employment and process reference requests for new starters
- Respond to speculative CVs/ applications, issuing relevant response
- Process data changes e.g. changes to contracted hours, job role creating documentation where appropriate
- Order staff uniform and name badges
- Arrange external training courses
- Administer staff discount cards
- Ensure that all deadlines are met (weekly, monthly, quarterly, annually)
- Compile and type ad-hoc HR/payroll related letters, memos and correspondence as required
- Keep up to elate with UI-C employment legislation, making changes to HR policies where appropriate working with Citation
- Other duties as required within the admin department
If this People and Communications Manager vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Sara Yassin on 01233 732767 or sara@horticruitment.com.
To view more garden centre jobs, click Retail.
To apply for a position with horticruitment you will need to complete a candidate registration form, please see Candidate Registration.
If you would like more information regarding horticultural qualifications and colleges, see our Career advice.
You will need to be registered with horticruitment to find out where and how your personal data is used whilst using our work finding services please view our privacy policy.
Thank you for the interest you have shown in this People and Communications Manager vacancy. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not possible to respond to every one. Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your application for this People and Communications Manager vacancy will have been unsuccessful.
Plantarea Assistant Manager
Ref - Y217
A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Plantarea Assistant Manager to support the Department Manager with delivering outstanding service and merchandising standards at a Garden Centre near Reading.
The successful candidate will be part of a team ensuring high standards are achieved throughout the centre. He / She will be responsible for ordering and replenishing from supplier reserves to maintain seasonal stocking levels and where required, ordering from free stock to fulfil replenishment requirements. A good ordering routine is essential to allow for balanced deliveries throughout the week and to maximise on available reserved stock. The products will be displayed or merchandised as per guidelines instructed by the departmental manager The Promotional Calendar will be followed and supported to fully back promotional stock inputs to drive sales by product placement and good POS positioning. The departmental specialist with be responsible for the creation of purchase orders in a timely and thorough manner, highlighting any concerns to the Departmental Manager whilst ensuring all POS is positioned and created if required to highlight and support key selling lines and promotion.
The departmental specialist will adhere to health and safety requirements at all times. He / She will train, motivate and coach members of the department to perform to their best and provide an outstanding customer experience. They will share product knowledge and selling skills expertise with the team to optimise the team's capability to answer customer queries and to upsell as well as work hands on with team members and promote the importance and benefits of effective team working and demonstrating a positive leadership style with an enthusiastic, positive, committed and flexible attitude.
It is important to work collaboratively with other departments regarding cross-merchandising. helping to give customers ideas and link-selling. Working as a team to maximise sales and service within the department by delivering excellent standards of customer service at all times by listening, understanding and dealing with customer queries in a confident, professional, knowledgeable and friendly manner. As well as building and maintaining excellent working relationships with internal and external contacts.
This role would suit a hands-on leader with a passion for delivering a memorable customer service experience.
If this Plantarea Assistant Manager / Departmental Specialist vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Sara Yassin on 01233 732767 or sara@horticruitment.com.
To view more garden centre jobs, click Retail.
To apply for a position with horticruitment you will need to complete a candidate registration form, please see Candidate Registration.
If you would like more information regarding horticultural qualifications and colleges, see our Career advice.
You will need to be registered with horticruitment to find out where and how your personal data is used whilst using our work finding services please view our privacy policy.
Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Plantarea Assistant Manager / Departmental Specialist vacancy. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not possible to respond to every one. Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your application for this Plantarea Assistant Manager / Departmental Specialist vacancy will have been unsuccessful.
Groundsperson - ADV277
RG4b (SCP 11-17) £21,166 – 23,836 pa
Title: Groundsperson
Hours: Full-time 37 hours, permanent
Ref: DEN0249
Location: Reading
Reading Borough Council’s Parks Team is responsible for the grounds maintenance of Reading’s parks and gardens, cemeteries, schools, Council Housing properties, and other open spaces. We currently have opportunities for grounds staff to join our busy in-house teams, undertaking general grounds maintenance in public areas and or tenants’ gardens to a high standard.
About the role
Applicants must hold the relevant certificates to operate a wide range of estate maintenance equipment and be able to demonstrate significant experience of grounds maintenance operations. Knowledge of health & safety relating to the post is essential and some basic knowledge of machinery maintenance is required.
About you
You should be:
- Self-motivated.
- Courteous with customers.
- A good team worker, physically fit, and willing to work outside in all weather conditions.
- Applicants must hold a current driving licence and will preferably hold a grounds maintenance qualification to NVQ Level 2.
Our offer
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
- Generous holiday entitlement – 24 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 32 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave.
- Maternity, adoption, parental and sick pay.
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities .
- Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading.
- Access to a range of training and learning opportunities to help you develop.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
- Employee Assistance Programme - round-the-clock access to free, impartial and completely confidential support and advice from trained therapists and legal experts.
- On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted, and a salary sacrifice scheme to help lower the cost of your nursery fees
- Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work.
- Cycle salary sacrifice scheme.
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax.
- Salary sacrifice scheme for Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs) to help you save for your retirement.
- 'Your Reading Passport' scheme - competitive rates for local gyms.
- Shopping vouchers and money off deals.
- Staff Club - organises events such as pub quizzes and theatre trips.
- Eye care - help towards an eye test and glasses, if you use a computer at work.
- Relocation scheme offering up to £8,000 towards the cost of relocating permanently to Reading (only for approved posts.
For further information on the Groundsperson vacancy, please contact Saoirse.carney@reading.gov.uk
Visit http://www.reading.gov.uk/jobsearch for more details on how to apply online for this Groundsperson vacancy. Alternatively, call the Recruitment Team on 0118 937 2757 quoting the job reference number and the job title of the post you are interested in.
Closing date: Friday 13 March 2020.
Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities. Please be aware that for the purposes of equal opportunities, we can only accept Reading Borough Council application forms.
Grounds Maintenance Supervisor - ADV274 - Please respond direct to the advertiser
Grounds Maintenance Supervisor required
RG5 (SCP 22-28) progression criteria SCP 26-28, £26,317 – £31,371 pa
Full-time, 37 hours per week, to include rostered weekend cover • Permanent
Ref: DEN0192
Join us here at Reading Borough Council, and you can look forward to a rewarding new role as part of a friendly and supportive team. We work together, helping each other to make lives better for people in our communities. If you’d like to be part of our growing future, we can offer excellent training and development, not to mention a range of great benefits. So be part of an organisation that will genuinely value you and your contribution to our success. Get in touch now.
Reading Borough Council’s Parks Team is responsible for the grounds maintenance of Reading’s parks and gardens, allotments, cemeteries, highways verges, Council Housing estates and other public land. The Council also has a growing portfolio of commercial clients. We are currently seeking a skilled and experienced supervisor to join the team that oversees commercial contracts as well as grounds maintenance of public areas in Reading.
The job involves managing the day-to-day operations of grounds maintenance staff, securing high quality work, ensuring the health and safety of the team and the public, dealing with customer enquiries, and liaising with suppliers and contractors. The role involves rostered one-in-four weekend working and reactive 24 hour emergency call out.
You will hold an NVQ Level 3 Amenity Horticulture or equivalent qualification. You will be able to demonstrate extensive experience of estate maintenance and a sound knowledge of horticulture. Your experience in managing staff and in dealing with the public will be valuable. Knowledge of health and safety relating to the post is essential.
You will be responsible for the administration associated with the role, and will need to be computer literate.
You should be self-motivated, courteous with customers, a good team worker and willing to work outside in all weather conditions. You should hold a current driving licence.
Benefits include membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme and opportunities for overtime. All PPE, equipment and necessary training are provided by the employer. Most work is local to Reading.
For further information, contact Andy Gillespie in the Parks Team on 0118 937 2724.
Internal Reading Borough Council employees must login via Employee Self Service to apply. If you have not yet been issued with your Employee Self Service account, or you have any queries, please email EmployeeSelfService@reading.gov.uk with details.
Visit http://www.reading.gov.uk/jobs for more details on how to apply online. Alternatively, call the Recruitment Team on 0118 937 2039 (24 hour answerphone) quoting the job reference number and the job title of the post you are interested in.
Closing date: Wednesday 12 December 2019
Interview date: Monday 16 December 2019
Contracts Manager - M307 - This position has now been filled
Our client is a leading Grounds Maintenance Company, which carries out work for commercial clients throughout the UK. They currently require a Contracts Manager to take responsibility of their grounds maintenance operation within the Oxford/Reading region.
Job Description:
You will be expected to generally operate from home, managing the day-to-day running of the service function within your district, supervising the work of 10 mobile and static site maintenance teams carrying out regular grounds maintenance on commercial sites throughout their region. Each team is equipped with their own van and equipment. The prime role is to ensure that service delivery to the client is to the highest standards and to ensure that financial targets are achieved through the proactive and safe management of staff and resources.
Your duties will include: -
- Regular site visits and meetings
- Control, motivate, and discipline members of your team
- Recruitment, training and development of team members
- Ensuring work is completed to required KPI’s and quality standards
- Full budgetary accountability for wages, consumables, hand tools and work wear etc
- Planning work schedules
- Responsible for the maintenance and safe use of company vehicles, equipment etc
- Health and safety issues in line with Company H&S manual
- Working with customer service department
- Assessment of new sites.
Must haves:
Applications are invited from existing Contract Managers who have worked within a similar environment and have good commercial and operational experience. It is important that you have excellent communication skills coupled with strong leadership qualities able to plan and delegate work effectively making the most economic use of resources.
A horticultural qualification and formal Health and Safety training such as IOSH or SMSTS are highly desirable.
If this Contracts Manager vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Mark Bolam on 01233 732767 or markbolam@horticruitment.com.
To view more Landscape jobs, click Landscape.
To apply for a position with horticruitment you will need to complete a candidate registration form, please see Candidate Registration.
If you would like more information regarding horticultural qualifications and colleges, see our Career advice.
You will need to be registered with horticruitment to find out where and how your personal data is used whilst using our work finding services please view our privacy policy.
Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Contracts Manager vacancy. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not possible to respond to every one. Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your application for this Contracts Manager vacancy will have been unsuccessful.