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- Tasks: Lead a team to maintain and develop stunning gardens on a beautiful country estate.
- Company: Join a charming estate in West Sussex, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, rent-free accommodation, and covered bills.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting garden legacy project in a serene and artistic environment.
- Qualifications: Horticultural qualification and management experience required; creativity and attention to detail essential.
- Other info: Families and pets are welcome; enjoy a supportive and positive working atmosphere.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 46000 £ per year.
An exceptional opportunity has become available for an experienced Head Gardener to play a leading role managing and developing the gardens of a charming country estate in the High Weald area of outstanding natural beauty near Haywards Heath. Set within a secluded 300-acre private estate, this remarkable property offers a stunning tapestry of natural beauty, blending mature woodland, farmland, paddocks, and parkland.
At its heart lie 20 acres of meticulously maintained gardens that wrap elegantly around the main residence. These gardens include two well-established ornamental walled gardens, characterised by box and sage hedging, blossoming cherry trees, a pleached beech hedge, herbaceous borders, and a rose walkway to be transformed by the Head Gardener into a more productive market garden. The grounds also feature four glasshouses, including an impressive Victorian glasshouse currently under restoration.
A wide terrace runs along the southern and western elevations of the house, providing sweeping views across manicured lawns, including a croquet lawn. Beyond, the terrain gently cascades down towards a series of ornamental ponds and lakes, bordered by a traditional ha-ha that subtly delineates the formal gardens from the wider estate. The lawns are interspersed with trees, sculptural water features, and artistic installations, all contributing to the estate’s serene and timeless atmosphere.
The successful candidate will lead a team of four and work in a hands-on capacity to maintain and develop the gardens to an exceptional standard. In addition to overseeing daily operations, the Head Gardener will be involved in recruiting team members, fostering a positive and productive working environment, and managing external contractors, such as tree surgeons, when required.
This position would suit a proactive, and hands-on Head Gardener with a creative flare and an eye for design and detail. A horticultural qualification and/or experience working in a similar setting on a diverse private estate as well as management experience is required. Demonstrable experience in garden development, safe working practices, and garden machinery are essential.
The Head Gardener will be joining the Estate at an exciting time, as they will have the opportunity to play a key role in the development and implementation of a garden legacy project. A competitive salary is provided with onsite accommodation rent free and bills covered by the estate. Families are encouraged and the size of the property would be dependent on the candidate’s circumstances. Pets are welcome too.
SALARY: Circa £40,000 LOCATION: Near Haywards Heath, West Sussex
If this Head Gardener vacancy is of interest, please click ‘Apply for job’ below or contact Sara Yassin on 01233 733510 or email info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk.
To apply for these roles you will need a Candidate Registration. To find out where and how your personal data is used whilst using our work finding services please view our privacy policy. Thank you for the interest you have shown in this 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 application for this Head Gardener vacancy has been unsuccessful.
Head Gardener – West Sussex employer: ECG Limited
Contact Detail:
ECG Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Gardener – West Sussex
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific plants and garden styles mentioned in the job description. Understanding the ornamental walled gardens and the types of hedging and trees will show your passion and knowledge during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your management experience by preparing examples of how you've successfully led a team in previous roles. Be ready to discuss how you foster a positive working environment and manage external contractors effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the estate's history and its current projects, especially the garden legacy project mentioned. This will allow you to demonstrate your enthusiasm for contributing to their vision and your ability to innovate within the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your hands-on gardening skills and any relevant horticultural qualifications. Being able to articulate your practical experience with garden machinery and safe working practices will be crucial in showcasing your suitability for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Gardener – West Sussex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the specific responsibilities and requirements of the Head Gardener position. Highlight your relevant experience in garden management and development.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your horticultural qualifications, management experience, and any creative projects you've undertaken. Emphasise your hands-on experience and ability to lead a team effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for gardening and your vision for the estate's gardens. Mention specific elements from the job description that resonate with you and how you plan to contribute to the garden legacy project.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a role like this.
How to prepare for a job interview at ECG Limited
✨Showcase Your Horticultural Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss your horticultural qualifications and experiences in detail. Highlight specific plants, gardening techniques, and design principles that you have successfully implemented in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head Gardener, you'll be leading a team. Share examples of how you've managed teams in the past, focusing on how you fostered a positive working environment and handled recruitment or training.
✨Discuss Garden Development Ideas
Since this role involves transforming gardens, come equipped with creative ideas for the estate's gardens. Discuss potential projects or improvements you envision, showing your proactive approach and design flair.
✨Emphasise Safety and Machinery Experience
Make sure to mention your experience with garden machinery and safe working practices. This is crucial for maintaining a productive and safe environment, so be ready to provide examples of how you've ensured safety in previous positions.