At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate grounds team to manage and enhance our beautiful estate.
- Company: Join Inspired Villages, where we build vibrant communities that enrich lives daily.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days off, health perks, retail discounts, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a culture that values uniqueness and inspires you to thrive.
- Qualifications: Experience in estate management and strong plant knowledge are essential.
- Other info: Celebrate big birthdays off and access ongoing learning opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
We’re driven by our purpose to build real communities, which enhance the lives of our residents every single day. If you’re looking for a career which means more and gives you more, personally and professionally, there’s a place for you here at Inspired Villages. In partnership with Legal & General PLC and NatWest Pension Trustee Limited, with hugely ambitious (and very achievable) growth plans, we are seeking a Head Gardener to manage our expanding grounds team.
The role will suit a knowledgeable, confident, and personable Head Gardener who can communicate well with others while managing a large estate. You will be passionate about gardening, whilst developing the function and maintaining relationships with residents, guests and colleagues.
The Role:
- Taking responsibility for all aspects of grounds and garden management across the village
- Managing the team to support prioritising and undertaking of work requests raised by residents and colleagues
- Managing the grounds team rotas to ensure there is enough cover for all aspects of work associated with the team’s duties and responsibilities
- Cultivating the grassed areas, flower beds, hedges, shrubs and borders and hard landscaping areas including drainage clearance, pathways, and steps
- Managing garden pests and weed control
- Assisting residents with horticulture-based queries.
Key Requirements:
- Previous experience managing the grounds of a large estate
- Strong general plant knowledge
- Competent working to Health and Safety and COSHH regulations
- Qualified with a Level 3 in Garden Design, Horticulture (or equivalent) would be desired
- Great communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with ease.
The Benefits:
- Bupa Health Cashplan (including employee assistance program)
- Life Assurance at x4 your annual salary
- 33 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays, pro-rated to your contracted working hours)
- Holiday buying scheme (up to a week's extra leave)
- Big birthdays off (those ending in a 0)
- 5% matched pension scheme
- Retail discounts on a variety of outlets
- Access to SMART tech
- Ongoing learning and development opportunities
- Wellbeing hub and resources; including discounts related to wellbeing interventions
- Cycle to work scheme
- Electric car scheme
- Working in an incredible workspace, with a gym, social areas, and parking.
At Inspired Villages, we invite everyone, regardless of background, to join our thriving community. Here, you’ll be included, involved, and inspired to contribute your unique talents. We are committed to creating a culture of belonging, where uniqueness is celebrated and you’re inspired to be your best, every day.
More enjoyment. More satisfaction. More like one big family. If you’re looking for a career that means more and gives you more, hit that apply button!
Head Gardener employer: Inspired Villages
Contact Detail:
Inspired Villages Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Gardener
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific gardening practices and plant species relevant to the estate you’re applying for. Research Inspired Villages and their approach to community gardening, as this will help you demonstrate your passion and alignment with their values during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Inspired Villages if possible. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which you can leverage in your interactions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your leadership skills by thinking of examples where you've successfully managed a team or project in the past. Being able to articulate your management style and how you motivate others will be crucial in this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your communication skills by being personable and approachable in all interactions. Since the role involves building rapport with residents and colleagues, showing that you can connect with people will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Gardener
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Head Gardener position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the role.
Showcase Your Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your previous experience managing grounds, particularly in large estates. Include specific examples of your gardening knowledge and any successful projects you've led.
Highlight Communication Skills: Since the role requires strong communication skills, provide examples of how you've effectively built rapport with residents or team members in past roles. This could be through teamwork, conflict resolution, or community engagement.
Personalise Your Application: Make your application stand out by personalising it. Mention why you are passionate about gardening and how you resonate with Inspired Villages' mission to enhance the lives of residents. Show your enthusiasm for contributing to their community.
How to prepare for a job interview at Inspired Villages
✨Show Your Passion for Gardening
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for gardening during the interview. Share specific examples of your previous work, projects you've managed, and how your passion has driven your success in maintaining beautiful landscapes.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Since the role involves interacting with residents and managing a team, highlight your communication skills. Prepare to discuss how you've built rapport with others in past roles and how you handle queries or concerns from residents.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to plant knowledge, pest management, and health and safety regulations. Brush up on your technical knowledge and be ready to discuss how you would approach various gardening challenges.
✨Discuss Team Management Experience
As a Head Gardener, you'll be managing a team. Be prepared to talk about your experience in leading teams, scheduling work, and ensuring tasks are prioritised effectively. Share examples of how you've motivated and supported your team in the past.