Pick Your Own Retail & Farm Events Manager
21 days ago
Esher
Garson Farm, Esher is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Pick Your Own Retail & Farm Events Manager, to lead and develop our award-winning Pick Your Own operation and our growing programme of farm-based events. This is an exciting opportunity to combine operational leadership with creative event planning, delivering exceptional experiences that delight our visitors throughout the year. Working alongside the Crop Production Manager, this role primarily leads the PYO Retail operations on the farm, in addition to managing farm-based events such as Garsons Maize Maze, Pumpkin Parade and more. Who are Garsons? Founded in 1871, today Garsons is an award-winning destination Garden Centre, Farm Shop and Restaurant with locations in Esher, Surrey and Titchfield, Hampshire. Garsons Esher is also home to one of the UK's largest pick-your-own farms, voted Best PYO of the Year 2025 by the Farm Retail Association. We're honoured to have won numerous awards for our outstanding customer service and quality products, which we couldn't achieve without our valued team. We've built our reputation on friendly, reliable service with a smile, and we're always keen to meet those who share our values. What does the role involve? You’ll be working outdoors in all weather, carrying out a variety of practical, hands-on tasks. As the PYO Retail & Farm Events Manager, you will take the lead in delivering an excellent Pick Your Own experience while developing and managing a variety of farm-based events. From seasonal activities and family days to educational experiences and community-focused events, you will ensure every visitor enjoys a memorable trip to Garsons. You will be responsible for the staffing of the PYO sales team, the coordination and operational management of both PYO and events, working closely with our wider teams to enhance our offering and drive continued growth. Responsibilities: • Overseeing the day-to-day management and presentation of the Pick Your Own site, signage, staff rotas, packaging, customer service & tills, • Building upon our existing farm-based events such as the Maze and Pumpkin Parade, • Ensuring all events meet safety, quality and customer-experience standards, • Managing and motivating the PYO and events teams, including seasonal recruitment., • Working with internal teams to promote events and visitor experiences., • Monitoring visitor feedback and driving continual improvement., • Sourcing and organising equipment, materials, signage and resources needed for events. What skills and experience do you need? • Strong background in visitor experience, events management or a similar customer-facing environment., • Excellent organisational skills with the ability to plan and deliver events., • Experience of leading teams in a busy, hands-on, outdoor setting., • A proactive, customer-focused mindset and a passion for creating memorable experiences., • A practical approach and confidence working across varied outdoor tasks. Contract: This is a full-time role, including weekend work during the summer season. Location: This role is based at Garsons Esher, Surrey. Salary: From £30,060 to £33,828 per annum (depending on experience). Package: • 20% Employee discount (plus discount for designated household member), • 28 days paid holiday increasing to 31 days with 2 years’ service (pro rata), • Company bonus scheme, • Pension scheme, • Access to health and wellbeing support, • Service rewards awarded for 10 years’ and 25 years’ service, • Company events, • Discounted ‘Pick Your Own’ fruit and vegetables, • Uniform provided, • Free car parking on site Note: We may close vacancies early in the event we receive a high volume of applications. Therefore, we recommend you apply early.
