Head Gardener Job in Chester

Head Gardener Job in Chester

Chester Full-Time 42000 - 58000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Greycoat Lumleys

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and maintain stunning gardens on a prestigious estate while managing a team.
  • Company: Join a renowned estate on the North Wales/Cheshire border with a focus on innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days annual leave, and flexible working hours.
  • Other info: Opportunity for professional development and a dynamic work environment.
  • Why this job: Be part of exciting garden upgrades and showcase your creativity in horticulture.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in senior gardening roles and relevant horticultural qualifications required.

The predicted salary is between 42000 - 58000 £ per year.

Head Gardener Job – North Wales / Cheshire border - £50,000+ GPA

Overview

Exclusive to Greycoat Lumleys - Our client is looking for an experienced Head Gardener to take on a live out role near Chester. This prestigious 13-acre private estate on the North Wales/ Cheshire border features extensive formal and informal gardens, orchards, rose gardens, herbaceous borders, cut flower beds, topiary, lawns and a pond. The estate will shortly be embarking on extensive upgrades and development projects, making this a particularly exciting time to join. The role is ideally suited to a Head Gardener with flair, creativity, and enthusiasm, who can combine a respect for tradition with fresh ideas and innovation.

The Head Gardener will take full responsibility for the maintenance, development, and presentation of the estate’s gardens and grounds. The role is both hands-on and managerial, requiring horticultural expertise, leadership, and the ability to deliver projects to the highest standard. You will be overseeing an Assistant Gardener and working closely with the Estate Manager.

Key Responsibilities

  • Full care and maintenance of flowers, shrubs, bushes, trees, lawns, hedges, topiary, orchards, rose gardens.

  • Planting, transplanting, fertilising, pruning, spraying, weeding, watering, and managing pests and diseases.

  • Greenhouse management and propagation of flowers.

  • Implementing and maintaining detailed landscape and seasonal planting plans.

  • Overseeing irrigation systems and ensuring efficient water management.

  • General groundskeeping: mowing, trimming, raking, snow clearance, and upkeep of paths and driveways.

  • Maintenance of garden structures, equipment, and supplies; safe use of machinery including tractors and vehicles.

  • Keeping accurate expense records, budgets, and reconciliations.

  • Training, mentoring, and supervising the Assistant Gardener, ensuring high standards and professional development.

  • Supporting estate projects and upgrades, contributing ideas and creativity.

  • Ensuring all work is compliant with health & safety standards and environmental best practice.

  • Liaising closely with the Estate Manager and principals to deliver according to their vision.

Candidate Profile

  • Minimum 5 years’ experience in a senior gardening role, ideally on a private estate.

  • Relevant Horticultural qualifications.

  • PA1/PA6 spraying certificates and chainsaw licence desirable.

  • Excellent plant knowledge, including propagation, orchard/fruit care, and seasonal planning.

  • Leadership skills with proven ability to motivate and mentor staff.

  • Strong organisational, communication, and record-keeping skills.

  • Respectful, collaborative, and discreet in all dealings with principals and staff.

  • Enthusiastic, creative, and passionate about horticulture, with exceptional attention to detail.

  • Full, clean UK driving licence.

  • Enhanced DBS check required

Package

  • Competitive salary starting at £50,000 gross per annum

  • Live out role – no accommodation provided

  • 25 days’ annual leave + 8 bank holidays

  • Full-time role, 5 days per week (flexible schedule, with flexibility required when principals are in residence)

Candidates should apply with a CV to Laura Harrall laura@greycoatlumleys.co.uk

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Head Gardener Job in Chester employer: Greycoat Lumleys

Join a prestigious private estate on the North Wales/Cheshire border as a Head Gardener, where your creativity and horticultural expertise will flourish amidst extensive gardens and exciting development projects. With a competitive salary of £50,000+, 25 days of annual leave, and a supportive work culture that values collaboration and professional growth, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact while enjoying the beauty of a stunning estate. Embrace the chance to lead a dedicated team and contribute to the vision of the estate in a rewarding and dynamic environment.

Greycoat Lumleys

Contact Details:

Greycoat Lumleys Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Gardener Job in Chester

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 Greycoat Lumleys.

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 Greycoat Lumleys.

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 Greycoat Lumleys; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.

We think you need these skills to ace Head Gardener Job in Chester

Horticultural Expertise
Leadership Skills
Plant Knowledge
Greenhouse Management
Irrigation Systems Management
Project Management
Communication Skills

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 Greycoat Lumleys.

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 Head Gardener Job.

Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Greycoat Lumleys 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 Greycoat Lumleys a clear picture of your capabilities!

How to prepare for a job interview at Greycoat Lumleys

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 Greycoat Lumleys might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.