At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and enhance a historic estate, ensuring top-notch maintenance and beautiful gardens.
- Company: Join Goodenough College at The Burn, a stunning mansion with a rich history.
- Benefits: Enjoy a £35,000 salary, 25 days leave, pension contributions, and on-site accommodation.
- Other info: Opportunity to engage with volunteers and develop your horticultural expertise.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by preserving a unique estate while working in a beautiful environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in property maintenance and gardening, plus strong organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 42000 £ per year.
Seeking an experienced Property and Estates Manager to be responsible for maintenance tasks and enhancement of a historic estate. Responsibilities include managing property upkeep, ensuring compliance, coordinating contractors, and overseeing the cultivation of gardens and grounds. This role involves a blend of practical management, horticultural expertise, and a commitment to preserving the estate's unique character.
Location: The Burn, Glenesk Brechin Angus DD9 7YP, Scotland
Salary: £35,000 per annum
Hours of work: Full time, 40 hours a week
Contract: Permanent
The Burn is a 20-bedroomed Mansion House, Listed Grade B belonging to Goodenough College. The estate consists of a beautiful woodland oasis, with the spectacular North Esk river running through a natural landscape. Although it operates mainly as an academic retreat for mostly international and Scottish university post-graduates, it is also hired out for private, family celebrations and offered as holiday accommodation.
The Burn seeks a Property and Estates Manager in a multi-faceted role to be responsible for overseeing the maintenance and enhancement of the estate, ensuring that both the historic mansion and its surrounding gardens and grounds are presented to the highest standards. Playing a crucial role in maintaining and improving the estate, your responsibilities encompass a range of tasks, including the practical maintenance of the Burn, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, and coordinating specialist contractors for major works. You will also oversee the upkeep of the gardens and grounds, implementing a production-focused approach that emphasises the cultivation of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and cut flowers. This aligns with the original ethos of this historic family home, which now opens its doors to a diverse range of guests, from post-graduate students to those seeking unforgettable family celebrations. You will also engage and supervise a growing base of volunteers in various gardening tasks.
The successful candidate will possess a strong practical background in maintenance works, with experience in using gardening tools, ride-on mowers, and strimmers. Excellent organisational and management skills are essential, as you will be responsible for planning, organising, and supervising contractors for both the built and natural environments. Proficiency in basic computer skills is also required.
This post comes with a salary of £35,000 per annum, 25 days annual leave, additional days at Christmas (which may be taken then or another time as agreed), Medicash, pension contribution and the provision of on-site accommodation.
To apply, please submit your CV and covering letter, stating your reasons for applying and how you meet the essential criteria in the job description and person specification, to Zakiyah Kihl at jobs@goodenough.ac.uk. The deadline for applications is: 12 December 2025. Applicants should contact the Bursar for further information. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the role and the working environment, candidates are strongly encouraged to arrange a visit to the estate where there is also the opportunity to see the accommodation offered as part of the role. Interviews for shortlisted candidates will take place at the Burn. Applicants must be able to provide current evidence of the right to work in the UK. You should also hold a valid UK driving license; for transporting equipment across the estate and to access local shops and facilities.
Property and Estates Manager in Brechin employer: Goodenough College
Goodenough College is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its staff and the educational experience of its Members. With competitive benefits such as a salary of £44,000 per annum, 25 days of annual leave plus additional time off during Christmas, and opportunities for professional growth within a picturesque London setting, employees can thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to a meaningful cause in the education sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Property and Estates Manager in Brechin
✨Get Hands-On at Local Events
Hit up local horticulture fairs, plant shows, and farmer’s markets. These gatherings are a goldmine for networking and usually attract employers looking for passionate candidates. Chat with the vendors and fellow enthusiasts; you never know who might know about a full-time opening at a place like Goodenough College.
✨Join Gardening Clubs and Online Communities
Become part of local gardening clubs or online forums where like-minded folks share tips and job leads. These communities can often clue you in on upcoming vacancies. Remember, people in these groups often work in the industry and can help us get our foot in the door at places like Goodenough College.
✨Show Off Your Green Thumb
Consider creating a public portfolio showcasing your gardening projects, designs, or any unique plants you've cultivated. A well-documented journey through your horticulture experiences can make you stand out when chasing full-time roles. It’s basically your way of shouting, 'Look at what I can do!' to potential employers.
✨Apply Early and Often!
The horticulture field can be competitive, especially for full-time roles. Keep an eye on seasonal hiring trends and don’t hesitate to apply as soon as positions open up. Check out our website regularly for openings at Goodenough College; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Property and Estates Manager in Brechin
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:In horticulture, it's all about showcasing your hands-on experience. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant gardening, landscaping, or plant care roles you've held. Also, don’t forget to mention any specific skills like plant identification or pest management that make you a great fit for the position at Goodenough College.
Include Certifications and Training:If you've got any horticulture-related certifications, such as in organic gardening or landscape design, be sure to include them. This will set you apart from other applicants and show that you’re committed to expanding your knowledge in the field, which is crucial for a full-time role like Property and Estates Manager.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Goodenough College is looking for. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on or challenges you've overcome in previous horticultural roles to demonstrate your suitability for the full-time position.
Be Ready to Talk Numbers:When applying for a full-time role in horticulture, it's helpful to quantify your achievements. Did you increase crop yields or reduce waste in a previous job? Highlight these metrics in your CV to give hiring managers at Goodenough College a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Goodenough College
✨Get to Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge! Be prepared to discuss specific species, their growth requirements, and potential pests. Remember, the role involves practical horticultural skills – so don’t be shy about sharing your hands-on experience with various plants and gardening techniques.
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
If you've worked on garden designs, landscaping projects, or community gardens, bring along a portfolio showcasing your work. Visuals speak a thousand words, and this will help us see your creativity and practical skills in action. Plus, don’t forget to have a few stories about challenges you faced and how you overcame them!
✨Be Ready for a Plant Quiz
Prepare for some technical questions related to horticulture! We may ask you about soil types, plant propagation methods, or pest management strategies. This helps us assess your depth of knowledge and problem-solving skills – so don’t skip the revision!
✨Passion for Sustainability
Horticulture often revolves around sustainability practices, so be ready to discuss any experience you have with eco-friendly gardening methods or sustainable designs. This role at Goodenough College might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
