Head Gardener

Job Description

Head Gardener requiredAn excellent opportunity has arisen for a Head Gardener to play a key role in the ongoing maintenance and enhancement of a beautiful private estate in Gloucestershire. The role will involve day-to-day hands-on leadership and supervision of a team of skilledgardeners in all aspects of the horticulturally diverse garden. The successful candidate will need to work with the property owners to enhance and develop the garden on an ongoing basis. This role will suit a horticulturist with strong experience at seniorlevel within private service, strong time management skills, excellent horticultural knowledge and desire to take on a dynamic garden on a collaborative basis.The Head Gardener will oversee the small team of gardeners and be the principal point of contact to the property owner. Applicants must therefore be excellent communicators and be able to manage the team with diplomacy, whilst maintaining their respect.The property owners are genuinely enthusiastic and dedicated to their gardens and as such, this role will be varied and interesting with a high standard of horticulture required at all times. The garden is not open to the public.The intensely planted 9-acre formal garden has undergone major improvement works including a new design for the historic walled and wider garden areas by Tom Stuart-Smith, and the ongoing development of a productive garden and flower cutting area. Set withina stunning landscape, the garden includes the walled garden comprising productive and ornamental areas and a large, varied glasshouse. Around the house, there are beautifully planted compartmentalised spaces with perennials, shrubs, roses and wonderful views.Beyond the house a woodland garden leads to parkland.Applications are sought from experienced and knowledgeable private estate Senior/Head Gardeners who will have assumed responsibility of a large private garden and garden staff management previously.The successful candidate will be used to handling dynamic environments with some pressure at times, will be adept at problem solving and will enjoy rising to and managing challenges alongside a talented team. Suitable candidates will be confident and considerate,motivated, organised and professional hands-on gardeners who are able to inspire their team. The post holder will be socially confident with excellent communication skills and an ability and willingness to liaise with other property staff and engage positivelywith the owners and any consultants. Good organisational experience with a very good general understanding of all areas of gardening including of perennials, roses, flower cutting and edible production are necessary in addition to lawn care and the operationand basic maintenance of garden machinery. The Head Gardener must have a good general understanding of kitchen gardening. Applicants must be able to demonstrate an ability to attain consistently high standards of horticultural management and presentation withina private estate setting.A generous salary is offered for the ideal candidate in addition to a prestigious three-bedroom cottage close to the estate.SALARY: Circa £55,000 DOE + AccommodationLOCATION: GloucestershireJOB No: EC53694If this Head Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Sara Yassin.Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Head Gardener vacancy. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not possible to respond to every one. Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your applicationfor this Head Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.

Keyskills :
GardeningHorticulture