Careers at Tates
We are always on the lookout for talented, driven and dedicated people to join our team.
Jobs at South Downs Nurseries | Jobs at Old Barn Garden Centre | Jobs at Mayberry Garden Centre | Jobs at Paradise Park Garden Centre
South Downs Nurseries
South Downs Nurseries and Garden Centre, based in Hassocks, is our largest centre. From our nurseries here, we grow many of the plants we sell in our garden centres. Our plant area is one of the largest in Sussex and is supported by a dedicated team of plant experts. Here you will find a large choice of indoor and outdoor living and gift ranges to inspire you. The Malvern Show Village showcases the most comprehensive range of quality garden buildings available in the UK.
Santa’s Elves – Seasonal Part Time
Description:
We’re looking for enthusiastic individuals to join our team as Christmas Elves.
As an Elf, you’ll be responsible for delivering an unforgettable experience to every visitor. This includes greeting families, assisting Father Christmas, and maintaining the magical atmosphere of the grotto. You’ll need to stay in character at all times, ensuring the magic of Christmas is preserved.
Key Responsibilities:
- Greet and help guide families to meet Father Christmas
- Help children choose presents and maintain the grotto’s magical appearance
- Stay in character as an Elf at all times and deliver exceptional customer service
- Ensure the toy area is well-stocked for the next day
Prerequisites
The ideal candidates will have:
- An enthusiasm for Christmas and character work
- High energy, friendliness, and team spirit
- Strong customer service skills
- Flexibility with hours and responsibilities
Duration
Various shifts available – week days.
Further Details: Thank you for taking the time to complete an application form online. We will contact you if you are shortlisted for an interview.
Coffee Shop Assistant – Full Time
Description:
We are looking for a Coffee Shop Assistant to work in our busy coffee shop & restaurant. This varied role includes serving customers, preparing hot drinks, clearing tables, serving food to tables as well as some kitchen cover as required.
Prerequisites
Previous experience in a catering role is preferred, but not essential as full training will be provided.
Duration
Full time with alternate weekend working rota.
Further Details: Thank you for taking the time to complete an application form online. We will contact you if you are shortlisted for an interview.
Coffee Shop Assistant – Part Time
Description:
We are looking for a Coffee Shop Assistant to work in our busy coffee shop & restaurant. This varied role includes serving customers, preparing hot drinks, clearing tables, serving food to tables as well as some kitchen cover as required.
Prerequisites
Previous experience in a catering role is preferred, but not essential as full training will be provided.
Duration
Saturdays or Sundays.
Further Details: Thank you for taking the time to complete an application form online. We will contact you if you are shortlisted for an interview.
Seasonal Coffee Shop Assistant – Part Time
Description:
We are looking for coffee shop assistants to join our team on a seasonal basis at weekends, until the end of December. Saturday and/or Sunday shifts available. This role includes clearing tables, helping with the washing up and running food to tables.
Prerequisites
Full training will be provided for this role.
Duration
Weekend shifts.
Further Details: Thank you for taking the time to complete an application form online. We will contact you if you are shortlisted for an interview.
Garden Centre Assistant – Gift & Home – Part Time
Description:
We are looking for someone to join our Gift & Home team, working every Monday and Tuesday, plus every other weekend.
Prerequisites
Previous experience in a similar retail environment is preferred for this role.
Duration
Part time with alternate weekend working rota.
Further Details: Thank you for taking the time to complete an application form online. We will contact you if you are shortlisted for an interview.
Cleaner – Part Time
Description:
We are looking for a part time cleaner to join our team, to work 1 day a week plus alternate weekends, covering the days off of our existing cleaner.
This role involves cleaning allocated areas to the highest possible standard. Daily duties include cleaning customer & staff toilets, emptying litter bins, collecting litter, sweeping and cleaning areas around the premises both inside and out, floor cleaning, window cleaning and also cleaning and dusting shelves and products.
Prerequisites
Previous cleaning experience is preferred for this role.
A good attention to detail is essential, as well as the ability to work independently while following a jobs list.
Duration
Part time with alternate weekend working rota.
Further Details: Thank you for taking the time to complete an application form online. We will contact you if you are shortlisted for an interview.
Old Barn Garden Centre
Old Barn Garden Centre and Nursery became part of the Tate family business in 2018 and has since been completely redeveloped into a destination garden centre with a 200 seater restaurant and coffee shop. Our Garden and Lifestyle shop provides inspiration for your home and garden and sources many unusual items to create an individual style and elegance. Because we grow our own plants, you will always find friendly knowledgeable staff on hand to help at our extensive nursery. You will also find a wide range of garden buildings, hot tubs and conservatories from our specialist concession partners.
Santa – Seasonal Part Time
Description:
As the star of our Christmas experience, you’ll play a key role in creating magical memories. You’ll meet and greet families, hear children’s Christmas wishes, and help make their festive dreams come true. A commitment to staying in character and embodying the magic of Father Christmas is essential.
Key Responsibilities:
- Meet and interact with children and families, bringing the magic of Christmas to life
- Listen to children’s Christmas wishes with warmth and care
- Maintain the traditional Father Christmas story, always staying in character
- Work alongside our team of elves to ensure a seamless and magical experience
- Create a welcoming, joyful, and festive atmosphere for all visitors
Prerequisites
The ideal candidates will have:
- A jolly, kind, and warm-hearted personality
- Strong communication skills and experience in customer service or performance
- The ability to stay in character as Father Christmas at all times
- Enthusiasm for Christmas and bringing joy to others
- Flexibility with working hours throughout the festive season
Duration
Weekends and weekday shifts from 23rd November.
Further Details: Thank you for taking the time to complete an application form online. We will contact you if you are shortlisted for an interview.
Santa’s Elves – Seasonal Part Time
Description
We’re looking for enthusiastic individuals to join our team as Christmas Elves.
As an Elf, you’ll be responsible for delivering an unforgettable experience to every visitor. This includes greeting families, assisting Father Christmas, and maintaining the magical atmosphere of the grotto. You’ll need to stay in character at all times, ensuring the magic of Christmas is preserved.
Key Responsibilities:
- Greet and help guide families to meet Father Christmas
- Help children choose presents and maintain the grotto’s magical appearance
- Stay in character as an Elf at all times and deliver exceptional customer service
- Ensure the toy area is well-stocked for the next day
Prerequisites
The ideal candidates will have:
- An enthusiasm for Christmas and character work
- High energy, friendliness, and team spirit
- Strong customer service skills
- Flexibility with hours and responsibilities
Duration
Various shifts available – weekends and week days.
Further Details:
Thank you for taking the time to complete an application form online. We will contact you if you are shortlisted for an interview.
Plant Area Manager – Full Time
Description:
We are seeking a Plant Area Manager with expert horticultural knowledge and management experience. You will be responsible for overseeing our retail plants business at Old Barn Garden Centre, Horsham and managing your team to maintain excellent standards and customer service.
You will be working closely with our group buyer for stock planning and communicating with our own wholesale nursery and other growers to acquire stock and maximise sales and profit.
You will need to show excellent commercial awareness and understanding of profitability from driving retail sales while controlling stock levels and other costs.
You will be managing, coaching and training at all levels to ensure your team are maintaining the highest quality plants for sale and delivering a first-class customer service.
Tates Garden Centres are a long established family run business in Sussex with a friendly and enjoyable working environment.
Prerequisites
To be successful in this role, you will need:
- Expert horticultural knowledge
- Excellent computer skills
- Customer service skills
- People management experience
- Excellent communication skills
- High standards of merchandising and displays
- Meticulous attention to detail
Duration
Full time with alternate weekend working rota.
Further Details: Thank you for taking the time to complete an application form online. We will contact you if you are shortlisted for an interview.
Kitchen Assistant – Full Time
Description:
We are looking for a Kitchen Assistant to work in our busy kitchen at Old Barn Garden Centre in Dial Post. Daytime hours – no evenings or split shifts.
In this role you will be required to:
- Help with the daily operation in the kitchen preparing food in line with our branded menu
- Have good knowledge of food safety legislation
- Work well within a team to produce meals to the highest standards, whilst reaching our target service times from kitchen to table
Prerequisites
Previous experience working in the catering industry is essential for this role.
Duration
Full and Part Time shifts available
Further Details: Thank you for taking the time to complete an application form online. We will contact you if you are shortlisted for an interview.
Coffee Shop Assistant – Part Time
Description:
We are looking for a Coffee Shop Assistant to work in our busy coffee shop & restaurant. This varied role includes serving customers, preparing hot drinks, clearing tables, serving food to tables as well as some kitchen cover as required.
Prerequisites
Previous experience in a catering role is preferred, but not essential as full training will be provided.
Duration
Full and Part Time shifts available
Further Details: Thank you for taking the time to complete an application form online. We will contact you if you are shortlisted for an interview.
Mayberry Garden Centre
As a city-based garden centre, Mayberry Garden Centre offers an excellent range of our most popular gardening and plant products, alongside unique gift and lifestyle ranges. Here, you will also find a selection of our best-selling garden buildings on display.
Plant Area Manager – Full Time
Description:
We are seeking a Plant Area Manager with expert horticultural knowledge and management experience. You will be responsible for overseeing our retail plants business at Mayberry Garden Centre, Portslade and managing your team to maintain excellent standards and customer service.
You will be working closely with our group buyer for stock planning and communicating with our own wholesale nursery and other growers to acquire stock and maximise sales and profit.
You will need to show excellent commercial awareness and understanding of profitability from driving retail sales while controlling stock levels and other costs.
You will be managing, coaching and training at all levels to ensure your team are maintaining the highest quality plants for sale and delivering a first-class customer service.
Tates Garden Centres are a long established family run business in Sussex with a friendly and enjoyable working environment.
Prerequisites
To be successful in this role, you will need:
- Expert horticultural knowledge
- Excellent computer skills
- Customer service skills
- People management experience
- Excellent communication skills
- High standards of merchandising and displays
- Meticulous attention to detail
Duration
Full time with alternate weekend working rota.
Further Details: Thank you for taking the time to complete an application form online. We will contact you if you are shortlisted for an interview.
Kitchen Assistant – Part Time
Description:
We are looking for a Kitchen Assistant to work in our busy coffee shop alternate weekends 10.30am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday.
Prerequisites
No previous experience necessary as full training will be given.
Duration
Full time with alternate weekend working rota.
Further Details: Thank you for taking the time to complete an application form online. We will contact you if you are shortlisted for an interview.
Coffee Shop Supervisor – Full Time
Description
You are responsible for the smooth operation of all ‘back of house’ and kitchen activities. You are also responsible for assisting the Coffee Shop Manager with the day to day operation of the coffee shop and covering for the manager’s duties in their absence.
Key Responsibilities:
- Production of meals to the highest standards within the target service times from kitchen to table
- Process management of washup & table service
- Food management and hygiene controls to 5* food Standards Agency Rating standard at all times
- Ensuring that all compliance matters are strictly applied at all times
- Ensuring the highest standard of safety and food hygiene including all equipment under your control
- Ensuring all records are up to date and accurate including wastage, temperature checks and cleaning schedules. Taking immediate remedial action when required
- Ensuring correct stock rotation, labelling and dating of stock
- Ensuring all staff under your control adhere to the Company procedures and policies. Ensuring that all staff are trained in the ‘safe methods’ from the SFBB Diary and all staff follow the safe methods at all times. Diary completion daily including recording of problems and changes
- Ensuring allergen sheets are complete and up to date and are correctly filed and food allergen labelling is in accordance with current legislation
- Maintain an up to date database file of supplier provenance and other claims (gluten free, free range etc.). Ensure that no food item is detailed on any POS without a valid certificate of provenance
- Management control and monitoring of booking in procedures onto Company systems. Rectification of negative stock
- Management and control of wastage and accurate completion of wastage reports
- Purchase of goods from approved suppliers
- Stocktaking
Labour Management:
- Organisation and control of day to day labour
- Staff presentation and uniform compliance
- Ensuring that staff are happy and motivated. Referring any issues to line manager
- Staff training
- Take all necessary measures to minimise the risks involved when employing young persons
- Taking adequate steps to prevent accidents arising from lone, out of hours or remote working
Prerequisites
You will be a team player, with knowledge of managing and motivating people, and an in-depth working knowledge of how a restaurant functions. Previous experience working in this industry is essential for this role
Duration
Full Time
Further Details:
Thank you for taking the time to complete an application form online. We will contact you if you are shortlisted for an interview
Paradise Park Garden Centre
Paradise Park Garden Centre, based in Newhaven, opened its doors to the public in 1989. At Paradise Park, you will discover a large plant area and a knowledgeable team of friendly staff who are able to help you find everything you need for your home and garden. Alongside the large garden centre, you will find some of the finest gardens in Sussex, with several small lakes, waterfalls, fountains and plant houses.
Weekend Kitchen Assistant – Part Time
Description:
We are looking for a Kitchen Assistant to work in our busy kitchen at Paradise Park in Newhaven. Daytime hours – no evenings or split shifts.
In this role you will be required to:
- Help with the daily operation in the kitchen preparing food in line with our branded menu
- Have good knowledge of food safety legislation
- Work well within a team to produce meals to the highest standards, whilst reaching our target service times from kitchen to table
Prerequisites
Previous experience working in the catering industry is essential for this role.
Duration
Saturday & Sunday 8am – 4pm
Further Details: Thank you for taking the time to complete an application form online. We will contact you if you are shortlisted for an interview.
