Careers at Polhill Garden Centre

Join our family-run business and grow your career in a friendly, supportive environment.

Apply now by emailing jobs@polhillcentre.co.uk

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Our Mission

At Polhill Garden Centre, we’re more than just a place to shop. We’re a close-knit, family-run business that’s been part of the community since 1964. We offer a variety of career opportunities across retail, hospitality, horticulture, and customer service, with a focus on teamwork, personal growth, and making every visitor’s experience exceptional.

Whether you’re looking for your first job or your next career step, you’ll find a welcoming environment, ongoing training, and the chance to work in one of Kent’s most loved destinations.

Staff Discount

Generous discount across the garden centre and restaurant.

Perkbox Membership

Access hundreds of discounts, wellbeing tools, and rewards through Perkbox.

Training & Development

Ongoing learning opportunities to help you grow.

Friendly Team Culture

Join a supportive, welcoming environment.

Current Vacancies

Sales Assistant | Pet Department | Full-time | Permanent

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a full-time Sales Assistant to join our Pets Department, which stocks everything from pet food and treats to toys and accessories. If you’re friendly, animal-loving, and ready to be part of a supportive team, we’d love to hear from you!

Days and hours of work

This is a 4 weekday, plus alternate weekend role. The working hours are:

Monday to Saturday: 8:45 AM – 5:45 PM

Sunday: 9:45 AM – 5:00 PM

Responsibilities

  • Provide helpful and knowledgeable customer service to all visitors.
  • Advise and assist customers on a wide range of pet products, including food, toys, grooming items, and accessories.
  • Share product knowledge and promote suitable items based on the needs of pets and their owners.
  • Ensure the pets department is fully stocked, tidy, clean, and attractively merchandised.
  • Unpack deliveries and display products in an organised and engaging way.
  • Maintain a strong awareness of animal welfare standards in all handling of stock.
  • Respond efficiently to customer queries and concerns with a professional and caring approach.
  • Support the wider department with general housekeeping and team tasks as required.
  • Follow health, safety, and hygiene procedures at all times.

The ideal candidate will have

  • A genuine interest in animals and their care.
  • Previous retail experience.
  • Confidence in talking to customers and recommending products.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • A hands-on, positive, and proactive approach to tasks.
  • Attention to detail and a willingness to learn.
  • Flexibility to work as part of a team and adapt to the needs of the business.
  • The ability to listen well and follow instructions carefully.

Restaurant Assistants | Novell's Restaurant | Multiple Positions

We are currently looking for friendly and enthusiastic candidates to fill a number of Restaurant Assistant positions in our busy and vibrant Restaurant, Novells.

Days and hours of work: Full and part time hours are available, including both weekdays and weekends.

POSITION 1: Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun – 11:00am to 3:00pm

POSITION 2: Tue, Thu – 10:00am to 3:30pmWed, Sun – 10:00am to 4:00pm

POSITION 3: Sat – 9:00am to 5:30pm

POSITION 4: Fri – 10:00am to 4:00pmSat – 9:00am to 4:30pm

POSITION 5: Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun – 9:00am to 5.30pm

POSITION 6: Tue, Fri – 9:00am to 5.30pm

POSITION 7: Sat – 11:00am to 5.30pm

All non-weekend roles are expected to work some regular weekends to provide cover.Some flexibility on days and hours is available. Please state in your application which position(s) you would prefer to work.

Roles include (some or more of the following):

  • Barista
  • Running food and drink orders
  • Clearing tables
  • Taking customer orders
  • Greeting customers at the door
  • Wash-up

Responsibilities:

  • Assisting in the cleaning and tidying of the Restaurant
  • Assisting other roles in front-of-house
  • Maintaining the highest levels of personal hygiene and appearance
  • Following the law in respect of food hygiene and health and safety

The ideal candidate will possess:

  • An interest in a catering environment, with some experience preferred (although not required)
  • Plenty of energy
  • The ability to provide outstanding customer service
  • Flexibility, positivity and adaptability as a team player
  • The ability to follow instructions

What we offer:

  • Generous staff discounts of up to 25% off products in store
  • Perkbox flexible benefits
  • Free on-site parking
  • Pension scheme
  • Employee Assistance Programme

Baker & Coffee Bar Assistant | The Coffee Corner | Part-time | Permanent

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a part time Baker & Coffee Bar Assistant to join our busy and vibrant Coffee Corner. 

Days and hours of work 8.45am to 5.45pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays

Responsibilities

  • Preparing and serving hot food, sandwiches, pastries, cakes, and scones.
  • Baking cakes and sweet and savoury treats from scratch, following recipes and ensuring consistent quality.
  • Taking customer orders.
  • Ensuring the section is kept clean, safe, and hygienic.
  • Maintaining the highest standards of personal hygiene and appearance.
  • Complying with food hygiene and health & safety legislation at all times.

The ideal candidate will possess

  • Passion for baking and serving great coffee.
  • Possess plenty of energy.
  • Provide outstanding customer service.
  • Flexible, positive and adaptable team player.
  • Ability to listen and follow instructions.