Head Gardener
Private estate and client of Tom Stuart-Smith
The New Forest
A very exciting opportunity has arisen for an exceptional Head Gardener to join us at an exciting time in the development of a beautiful garden program. We are looking for someone to take charge of our developing garden and estate under a design partnership with Tom Stuart-Smith. They must be able to create an outstanding working environment within their team and be part of a collaborative wider estate team.
The Head Gardener will be responsible for managing a team of six, that includes some highly experienced gardeners and some more junior staff.
The gardens include significant areas of perennial and shrub planting, bulbs, a beautifully reimagined walled garden with both ornamental and productive areas, pit and traditional glasshouses (automated), a restored Camelia House buzzing with exotic plants, woodland, wild-flower meadows and a lake. The gardens are set within the wider parkland and areas of ongoing and successful nature restoration. We produce enough vegetables to support the broader estate team.
Nature conservation and biodiversity sit at the heart of the owners values and guide what we do in the gardens and the broader estate. We are already seeing the return of rare birds, invertebrates, fungi and other species such as otters and pine martins who are back for the first time in decades or more.
We are looking for an experienced leader, with outstanding plant knowledge, who can inspire and support our wonderful team; an enthusiastic and knowledgeable candidate who can collaborate and work closely with the owners and design team in developing this exceptionally beautiful garden and estate.
This role provides an opportunity to work within a progressive team, within a vibrant and historic estate, with owners who have enormous passion for their garden, for nature, and who are always looking to create change and progress.
This position would suit an experienced Head Gardener who has outstanding plant knowledge, excellent attention to detail and experience of supervising a strong team. Proven management skills with the ability to inspire, develop and cultivate the team, as well as being a positive team player themselves. They must be able to prioritise, have excellent planning, organisation and impeccable communication skills. Additionally, a solid understanding of health and safety practices is required.
Salary / Package
We are looking for an outstanding candidate. The package will reflect the PGG guidelines circa £44,000 - £54,000 plus bonus.
This is a live in role, attractive accommodation with a private garden is provided.
To apply, please send your CV and a letter of application to our recruiter, Michael Walker by email nationalgardensspecialist@gmail.com
