Job Description
This job is part of our sustainability series: > See more sustainable job ideas > Find out more about sustainable careers
A Garden Centre Manager would be responsible for all aspects of the day to day running of the garden centre. They would oversee the care and maintenance of plants, shrubs and trees, make sure the centre is displayed correctly with tools, garden furniture and other products. Manage, recruit and train staff, handle budgets and accounts and manage and implement safety procedures.
Entry Requirements
You can get into this job through:
College
You could work towards this role by doing a college course in a relevant subject Horticulture.
You can also complete Royal Horticultural Society qualifications.
You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course.
The following local colleges offer courses in Horticulture:
Or your local 6th form may offer a relevant course.
Apprenticeship
You can work towards this role by starting with a horticulture supervisor advanced apprenticeship.
There are no set entry requirements but it may help you to get in if you have 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship.
Click here to search for an apprenticeship.
University
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:
- horticulture and management
- commercial horticulture
- horticulture and plant science
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
Click here to search for a suitable course.
Work
You could work your way up to management by starting out as a horticultural worker and gaining experience and qualifications. Knowledge of related areas like farming, forestry, retailing or marketing could be valuable, and you can also gain experience through:
- work placements
- RHS voluntary internships
- community gardening schemes and projects
Management Development Services Ltd (MDS Ltd) offer graduate traineeships in the fresh food, produce and arable industries.
Other Routes
Some larger companies have graduate management trainee schemes for the fresh food, produce and arable industries.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a horticultural manager from The Royal Horticultural Society and Grow Careers.
Career Path and Progression
You could move to a senior management position or set up your own nursery or garden centre.
You could complete The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Master of Horticulture qualification, if you have the RHS Level 3 Diploma or equivalent and at least 4 years of experience.
Related careers you may be interested in:
- Agricultural contractor
- Farmer
- Florist
- Gardener
- Horticultural therapist
Required Skills
- A thorough knowledge of horticulture
- business management skills
- analytical thinking skills
- the ability to motivate and manage staff
- customer service skills
Salary Range
£18,000 to £40,000
