At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and maintain a stunning 25-acre garden on a historic estate.
- Company: Join Beaverbrook, a prestigious private estate in Surrey known for its beautiful landscapes.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, discounts, personal development support, and 28 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Perfect for nature lovers wanting to grow their skills in a vibrant, supportive environment.
- Qualifications: NVQ in Horticulture or similar; experience in garden maintenance and team management required.
- Other info: Staff accommodation available and a chance to earn bonuses through referrals.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 54000 £ per year.
An exciting vacancy has arisen for a driven and dynamic Head Gardener with garden maintenance experience keen to continue to develop their skills on a historic, 400 acre private estate in Surrey. The beautiful 25 acre garden is made up of herbaceous and mixed borders with a vast array of ornamental species including an Italian garden, kitchen garden, lawns, wildflower meadows and woodland areas.
Skills required:
- Experience in maintaining exclusive estate and all areas of garden maintenance.
- Training and supervising teams and individuals.
- Organisation and management skills.
- Planning and record keeping.
- Up to date knowledge of Health and Safety, Risk management, COSHH, SOP's, etc.
- Communicating and collaborating with other departments.
- Competent in use of related equipment and machinery.
- Kitchen Garden experience growing fruit and vegetables.
- Pest and Disease knowledge.
- Woodland Management experience (desirable).
Qualifications required:
- NVQ in Horticulture or similar.
- Plant knowledge RHS Foundation in Horticulture Level 1.
- Plant knowledge RHS level 2 or equivalent.
- PA1 and PA6 Spraying certificates (desirable).
- Chainsaw Certification (desirable).
Salary: Up to £45,000 per annum dependent upon skills and experience & Annual Member's Fund Bonus
Shift Pattern: This position consists of 40 hours per week. Working hours are Monday to Friday, 7am - 3.30pm, with some variation depending upon the season/inclement weather. You will work 1 in 8 weekends (4hrs each day) with a day off in the week, following the weekend.
Benefits: In addition to a competitive reward, we are committed to investing heavily in your development and helping you grow a long-term career with Beaverbrook. As a member of our team, you can expect to receive:
- Competitive salary
- Discounts on retail, gym memberships, cinema tickets and many more with Hospitality Rewards App
- Personal development support
- Wide range of recognised qualifications and development opportunities
- Discounted rates on Food & Beverage
- 28 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), rising by 1 day each year for 5 years
- Pension
- Life Insurance
- Sick Pay
- Long Service Awards
- Earn a thank you bonus through our recommend a friend scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Uniforms
- Free parking
- And other local benefits
Staff Accommodation Available
Contact Detail:
Beaverbrook Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Gardener - Leatherhead
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific plants and garden styles mentioned in the job description, such as herbaceous borders and Italian gardens. This knowledge will not only help you stand out during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the horticulture field, especially those who have experience in managing large estates. Attend local gardening events or workshops to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your health and safety knowledge, particularly regarding COSHH and risk management. Being able to discuss these topics confidently in an interview will show that you are proactive and responsible.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience in training and supervising teams. Think of specific examples where you've successfully managed a team or improved garden maintenance processes, as this will highlight your leadership skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Gardener - Leatherhead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your garden maintenance experience, especially in managing exclusive estates. Include specific examples of your skills in organisation, planning, and team supervision.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for horticulture and your relevant qualifications. Mention your experience with kitchen gardens, pest management, and any woodland management skills you possess.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your qualifications such as NVQ in Horticulture, RHS certifications, and any spraying or chainsaw certifications. This will demonstrate your commitment to professional development.
Showcase Communication Skills: In your application, emphasise your ability to communicate and collaborate with other departments. Provide examples of how you've successfully worked in teams or trained others in the past.
How to prepare for a job interview at Beaverbrook
✨Showcase Your Garden Maintenance Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in garden maintenance, especially in exclusive estates. Highlight specific projects you've worked on and the skills you developed, such as managing herbaceous borders or maintaining kitchen gardens.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head Gardener, you'll be expected to train and supervise teams. Share examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past, focusing on your organisation and management skills. This will show that you're ready for the responsibilities of the role.
✨Knowledge of Health and Safety Regulations
Familiarise yourself with relevant health and safety regulations, including COSHH and risk management. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance in your gardening practices, as this is crucial for maintaining a safe working environment.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Think of insightful questions to ask about the estate and its gardens. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you understand the expectations better. Consider asking about their approach to woodland management or pest control strategies.