Lifestyle Manager – The Millbrook Garden Company Gravesend

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Lifestyle Manager – The Millbrook Garden Company Gravesend.

Are you passionate about delivering exceptional customer experiences? Do you love leading teams, driving commercial success, and creating inspiring retail spaces? If so, we’d love to hear from you!

We’re looking for an enthusiastic, organised, and people-focused Lifestyle Manager at our Gravesend branch to join our team and help lead our lifestyle departments to success.

Working Days/Hours
Position Ref: GRASLFM

• Week 1: Monday 8 – 5, Wednesday 8 – 5, Thursday 8 – 5, Friday 8 – 5, Saturday 8 – 5, Sunday 8 – 4:30
• Week 2: Monday 8 – 5, Wednesday 8 – 5, Thursday 8 – 5, Friday 8 - 5

About the Role

As our Lifestyle Manager, you’ll play a key role in supporting the wider garden centre team to deliver the outstanding service Millbrook is known for. You’ll oversee the day-to-day running of our lifestyle departments—ensuring they look fantastic, operate smoothly, and meet company expectations.

This is a hands-on leadership position where you’ll guide, coach, and inspire your team, all while ensuring our commercial, operational, and customer service goals are achieved.

Your Day-to-Day Will Include:

People Management

• Recruiting, training, and developing team members
• Holding regular one-to-ones, appraisals, and performance reviews
• Creating staff rotas to ensure excellent department coverage
• Communicating clearly and consistently with the team
• Addressing performance issues promptly and professionally
• Promoting a positive, enjoyable, and collaborative working environment

Financial Management

• Achieving sales and profit margin targets
• Managing inventory and maintaining accurate stock levels
• Maximising commercial opportunities through strong planning and merchandising
• Monitoring wages-to-sales ratios to meet targets

Operational Management

• Overseeing daily operations in the lifestyle departments
• Maintaining excellent merchandising, health & safety, and compliance standards
• Ensuring stock is well-presented, high quality, and ordered appropriately
• Optimising sales per square metre through creative layout and display
• Supporting marketing initiatives, including The Millbrook Family programme
• Participating in the Duty Manager rota for opening and closing the centre (which would involve you being a key holder).

Customer Service

• Ensuring every customer receives outstanding service
• Handling queries and complaints with professionalism and empathy
• Inspiring and educating customers through knowledgeable, friendly interactions
• Delivering engaging and informative displays that enhance the shopping experience

Strategic Development

• Supporting the delivery of company business plans
• Working closely with the Centre Manager and leadership team
• Leading seasonal transitions and promotional activity
• Promoting sustainability and environmentally conscious solutions
• Taking part in projects that support wider business goals

What We’re Looking For

We’re searching for someone who is:

Positive

You bring energy, optimism, and a “can-do” attitude to each day.

Professional

You take pride in your work and lead by example, with excellent organisational and communication skills.

Proactive

Full of ideas and initiative, you’re always looking for ways to improve processes, displays, and customer experience.

People-Focused

You genuinely care about your team and your customers, creating a supportive and inspiring atmosphere.

Also Essential:

• Experience managing retail or similar customer-facing operations
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to coach and develop others
• Confidence in managing financial targets and operational standards
• A passion for great service and creating an exceptional experience

What You’ll Get in Return

• Sociable working hours and great work/life balance
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Competitive salary
• Generous employee discount
• Access to our Personal Pension Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Free on-site parking
• Uniform provided

Why Join Millbrook?

At Millbrook, we believe in growing smiles—for our customers and our colleagues. We’re committed to creating a positive, supportive, and professional working environment where everyone thrives.

By joining us, you’ll be part of a passionate team who care about inspiring customers, supporting each other, and making Millbrook the best it can be.

To Apply for this Role

Please complete our Application Form and upload your CV.

Closing Date: 5pm Sunday 8th February 2026
Correspondence: All communication will be via telephone and email—please include both on your application.
Support: If you require any adjustments during the application or interview process, we’re happy to help.

Appointment Process

• Telephone Interviews: ASAP upon receipt of application
• Individual Interviews: Tuesday 24th & Wednesday 25th February
• Lost at Sea Team ZOOM Exercise: 18^th / 19^th March
• Trial Shift: TBC
• Induction Date: Sunday 8th March
• Start Date: Following induction

Please note: To be successful, you must be available for all parts of the recruitment process.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a sufficient number of applications, so early submission is encouraged!