Position Title: Garden Retail Shop Assistant

Position Description: As an integral part of the Garden Team, support the retail experience and development of Festina Lente’s tranquil gardens to their full potential in terms of the green areas being a resourceful support and medium for wellbeing and social inclusion.

Department Name: Gardens & Retail

Reporting to: Head of Horticulture & Garden Retail

Based at: The primary base for the position will be in our HQ at Old Connaught Avenue, Bray, Co Wicklow. As part of our strategic growth, we are relocating to Belfield House, Kilpedder, Co. Wicklow within a timeframe of 2 to 4 years.

Contract Type: Part-time Permanent, 19.5hr week, based on working week with the following alternating working time pattern:

Week 1- Thursday, Friday, Saturday

Week 2 - Friday, Saturday & Sunday

Position Goals: To ensure an exceptional level of customer experience as part of the Retail Shop Team

Key Duties and Responsibilities

As a member of the Retail Shop Team:

Retail Shop Management

• To take responsibility for the opening and closing of the garden shop and ensuring the security of the premises and stock.
• To operate the till and to ensure that all payments are made in compliance with the company policy,
• To ensure that stock is maintained in line with procedure, including to carry-out regular stock checks and ensuring physical stock on hand agrees with the computer records,
• Ensure the cleanliness of the shop and centre follows company policy and maintain a cleaning schedule (hoovering, disinfecting, cleaning of coffee machine etc),
• Ensure perishable items are stored in line with HSE requirements.
• Ensuring that garden seating / tables are washed down each morning, are cleaned during the day as vacated by customers and arranged in a welcoming manner,
• Support in the induction and training of volunteers,
• Reporting discrepancies and problems to the Head of Horticulture & Garden Retail,
• To be vigilant regarding security and report any security-related incidents immediately to the Head of Horticulture & Garden Retail.

Customer Experience

• To ensure that a high standard of service to customers is always delivered, including answering questions, giving advice and guidance on product selection where required,

Stock Care and Marketing

• To ensure the appropriate care and maintenance of plants including watering and feeding,
• To receive, check, log and store the delivery of stock where required,
• To develop marketing ideas and promote relevant stock which could include live demonstrations and interactive displays to promote unique merchandise,
• Assisting in the ongoing promotion of all Garden Events
• To maintain a high standard of display in the Garden Shop & Centre, and to merchandise in making best use of the space available.

Horticulture Programme & Event Management

• To support the Head of Horticulture & Garden Retail with organising events, including the profiling of seasonal goods/plants and creating seasonal display areas.
• To work alongside service members and the supported employment coordinator/keyworkers in facilitating work experience placements,
• To undertake any other reasonable duties which may be assigned by the Head of Horticulture & Garden Retail.

Stakeholder Engagement (internal and external)

• Building and maintaining excellent working relationships with colleagues, student, services members, suppliers, and customers of Festina Lente

Communication

• Communicating effectively with stakeholders (internally and externally), as well as visitors, volunteers and staff members across the business.

Health & Safety

• Complying with the Health & Safety requirements of the organisation and legislation.

Training & Development

• Attending all designated training workshops as it pertains to equipment use and horticulture skills development,
• Active participation in team and staff meetings.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills across a team setting,
• Strong intrapersonal skills including self-motivation, flexibility, problem solving and creativity,
• Experienced in inventory management and merchandising techniques,
• Customer-focused mindset with strong problem-solving abilities,
• Committed to fostering a culture of social inclusion across diverse teams.

Education and experience

• Proven experience in retail, preferably in a garden centre and nursery setting.
• Working knowledge of horticulture, plant care, and gardening practices.

Language: Fluent English

Work Authorisation: Ireland, required

Benefits of Employment:

Benefits Include:

• 22 days’ annual leave
• Access to professional training and continuous development programmes.
• Access to Educational Support
• Bike to work scheme
• On-site parking.