Head Gardener in Arundel

About the role

Arundel Castle is a restored medieval castle located in Arundel, West Sussex, England. The gardens and landscape (some 38 acres) have been extensively remodelled and enhanced in recent decades, forming an important part of the visitor experience each year between April and October when the Castle is open, starting each season with the famous Tulip Festival. The gardens include the Earl’s Garden, formal gardens, Cut Flower Garden, Vine & Greenhouses, Tropical Garden, quirky Stumperies, Rose Garden, White Garden, Herbaceous Borders, Organic Kitchen Garden, Wildflower Garden, Water Gardens together with lawns, landscape, castle entrances/driveways and the Private Garden.

The Head Gardener Martin Duncan retires this summer, and we seek a successor who will lead a core team of eight including a Deputy, plus junior and seasonal gardeners and volunteers. The team are settled, committed and hard working. Reporting to the Castle Manager, there is also regular dialogue with Their Graces the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk and the Castle Trustees including attendance at Trustees’ meetings. The role requires liaison with the Finance Manager, Head of Maintenance, and the wider castle team.

Key Responsibilities

• To lead all garden operations including all seasonal planting and long term planning, design, maintenance and landscape maintenance to a consistently high horticultural standard at all times.
• To ensure that the gardens deliver the best possible visitor experience by season.
• To lead and manage the entire gardens team.
• To liaise with the wider Castle teams (including Estate Forestry Team) and to manage external contractors.
• To submit regular reports to the Arundel Castle Trustees.
• To be an ambassador for the gardens, including hosting walks and talks.
• Lead all plant procurement, propagation, and sustainable garden practices to exemplary standards including managing garden maintenance schedules, machinery and tools.
• To comply with H&S and environmental regulations (including actively participating as a member of the H&S Committee).

Qualifications & Experience

• First-hand knowledge of managing a garden of this complexity and scale including excellent plant knowledge.
• A hands-on leader, leading “by example” and capable of setting the culture for the gardens.
• Naturally energetic, action orientated with a “can do” attitude.
• A proven eye for detail.
• The ability quickly to grasp the dynamics of the gardens and wider grounds and to prioritise and deliver current and future opportunities.
• Proven and tested horticultural expertise and appropriate qualifications.
• Team manager and motivator.
• A proven ability to work in a cooperative manner.
• Confident in their own ability.
• Able to manage both operational and project budgets including an ability to provide indicative cost estimates.
• Familiarity with and ability to operate all types of garden machinery and equipment and be able to instruct others on its safe use, maintenance and care.
• An ability to communicate positively and effectively with the various audiences and stakeholders relevant to the gardens and wider grounds.
• Proven project management skills.
• Appropriate IT literacy (including basic Microsoft Office functions).

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• A three bedroom house within the Castle grounds.
• Opportunity to lead and work within one of the country’s greatest gardens.

How to apply: All enquiries and applications (CV and covering letter) should be directed to Tim Bowie at Loddon Consulting LLP. Email tim@loddonconsulting.co.uk Telephone 07920 516292