J Bowie

Experienced horticultural retail professional with over 20 years' experience in garden centre operations, merchandising, customer service and team supervision. Skilled in planning workloads, stock management, visual merchandising and building strong customer relationships. Equally comfortable working independently or as part of a team, with a proven ability to use initiative, solve problems and take responsibility for achieving results. Passionate about horticulture, nature and the outdoors.

Regional Merchandiser at Mims Enterprise Ltd (2023-11 – Present)

• Plan and manage weekly travel schedules across multiple garden centres and nurseries.
• Create cost-effective routes and accurate visit schedules to maximise efficiency.
• Unpack, display and merchandise heavy and fragile products to company standards.
• Develop attractive retail displays to promote sales and brand awareness.
• Build and maintain relationships with customers and store teams.
• Support existing accounts while identifying opportunities to recover lapsed accounts and develop new business.
• Complete daily reports, weekly planners and customer feedback documentation.
• Liaise regularly with colleagues and management to ensure excellent customer service and account support.

Supervisor & General Assistant at Cowell's Garden Centre (2004-09 – 2023-10)

• Progressed from General Assistant to Supervisor in recognition of performance and experience.
• Supervised a team of 3–5 staff, including induction, training and daily task allocation.
• Provided horticultural advice and customer support in person, by telephone and via email.
• Managed purchasing, stock deliveries, merchandising, storage and product assembly.
• Organised waste recycling processes and collection schedules.
• Carried out general site maintenance and operational duties.
• Held responsibility for site and premises security at opening and closing.
• Obtained and maintained Counterbalance Forklift Licence.

Voluntary Experience at Northumberland Wildlife Trust (2002-09 – 2004-09)

Assisted with conservation projects across wildlife reserves, including tree planting, scrub clearance, habitat management and environmental conservation.

City & Guilds Level 1 Practical Horticultural Skills in Horticulture – Newcastle College (2020 – 2020)

National Diploma in Countryside Management in Countryside Management – Kirkley Hall College (2002 – 2004)

BTEC Level 1 Countryside & Environmental Skills in Countryside & Environmental Skills – Kirkley Hall College (2001 – 2002)

GCSEs in General Education – Gosforth High School (1998 – 2001)