At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform gardens across 5 hotels, ensuring beauty and sustainability.
- Company: Hand Picked Hotels, committed to excellence and natural beauty.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel expenses, generous holidays, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team and enjoy a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on stunning landscapes while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in luxury horticulture, team leadership, and sustainability practices.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
About the Role
As we continue to embark on our transformation journey at Hand Picked Hotel, we are currently seeking an experienced Regional Garden Manager to support with the ongoing transformation of our gardens within our hotels. This role will oversee 5 hotels located in the South and will involve weekly travel. The Regional Gardens Manager is a strategic leadership role responsible for overseeing the horticultural standards, aesthetic vision, and operational efficiency of 5 gardens within Hand Picked Hotels, located in the South of the UK. The primary purpose of this position is to ensure that all landscapes under their jurisdiction are maintained to a premier standard while balancing environmental sustainability with budgetary requirements. This role acts as the bridge between high‑level organizational goals and on‑ground execution. You will lead a diverse team of horticulturalists and contractors, fostering a culture of excellence, safety, and continuous improvement. By harmonizing plant health, visitor experience, and resource management, the Regional Gardens Manager ensures that every site reflects the organization’s brand and commitment to natural beauty.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement long-term horticultural management plans for all sites within the region to ensure year-round visual appeal and plant health.
- Recruit, train, and mentor Head Gardeners and their teams, conducting regular performance reviews and fostering professional development.
- Produce and oversee the regional horticultural budget, including the procurement of equipment, plants, and materials, while ensuring cost-effective operations.
- Conduct regular site audits to ensure maintenance tasks—such as pruning, turf management, and irrigation—meet established organizational standards.
- Implement "green" gardening practices, including integrated pest management (IPM), water conservation strategies, and the promotion of biodiversity.
- Lead large-scale landscaping projects, from designs and plant selection provided by the Design team to contractor supervision and final installation.
- Ensure all regional operations comply with health and safety regulations, maintaining up-to-date risk assessments for equipment use and chemical handling.
- Collaborate with site managers and community partners to coordinate garden events, educational programs, or volunteer initiatives.
- Ensure the management of the regional fleet of machinery and specialized tools, coordinating repairs and scheduling shared resources between locations.
About you
- Experience overseeing end-to-end garden landscape construction or restoration, including contractor management and timeline adherence within a commercial luxury horticulture environment including knowledge of historical gardens.
- Proven ability to lead remote or multi-site teams, providing clear direction while fostering a culture of autonomy and professional pride.
- Deep expertise in plant knowledge and physiology, soil science, and arboriculture, with the ability to diagnose complex pests and diseases across diverse microclimates.
- Proficiency in managing large-scale operational budgets, CAPEX projects, and identifying cost-saving opportunities without compromising garden quality.
- Skilled in the operation and oversight of irrigation systems and garden machinery.
- Be a sustainability expert with a strong understanding of organic gardening techniques, carbon-neutral maintenance practices, and biodiversity enhancement.
- It is essential you have excellent verbal and written skills for presenting reports, negotiating with vendors, or leading public tours and educational talks.
- Comprehensive knowledge of COSHH, PUWER, and LOLER and other H&S regulations, ensuring a rigorous safety culture across all regional sites.
- The ability to make rapid, informed decisions in response to environmental shifts, mechanical failures, or staffing challenges.
- Proficiency in using Microsoft Office and other packages for tracking, reporting and presenting.
Company Benefits
- A competitive salary package, travel expenses paid, overnight accommodation and meals provided when away on business.
- Company pension scheme with employer contribution.
- Employee Assistance Program to support you with whatever life throws at you.
- Company Sickness Scheme Benefit.
- 28 days holidays per year with bank holidays, increasing to 33 days per year including bank holidays with length of service.
- Forward career progression, with access to our in-house and external training programs, including apprenticeships and other recognised hospitality industry courses which are all supported by our learning and development team.
- Annual loyalty awards (like afternoon teas and overnight stays).
- Online retail discount platform offering thousands of savings with high street retailers and restaurants as well as a health and well-being platform.
- Opportunity to make lifelong friendships and be part of a team that celebrates diversity and inclusion.
Regional Garden Manager employer: Hand Picked Hotels Ltd
Contact Detail:
Hand Picked Hotels Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Regional Garden Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the horticulture and hospitality sectors. Attend industry events or local meet-ups to chat with potential employers and showcase your passion for garden management.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your previous projects, including before-and-after photos of gardens you've transformed. This visual evidence can really make you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses. Focus on how your experience aligns with the role's requirements, especially around sustainability and team leadership.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at Hand Picked Hotels and contributing to our garden transformation journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Regional Garden Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Horticulture: When writing your application, let your love for gardening and horticulture shine through. Share specific experiences that highlight your expertise in plant care and landscape management, as this will resonate with us at Hand Picked Hotels.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the key responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with our vision for transforming our gardens across the hotels.
Highlight Leadership Experience: Since this role involves leading a diverse team, be sure to showcase your leadership skills. Include examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, fostering a culture of excellence and safety, which is crucial for us.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This ensures that your application gets to the right people quickly and allows us to review your credentials efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hand Picked Hotels Ltd
✨Know Your Gardens
Before the interview, dive deep into the horticultural standards and practices that Hand Picked Hotels values. Familiarise yourself with their gardens and any recent projects they've undertaken. This will not only show your genuine interest but also allow you to discuss how your experience aligns with their vision.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a Regional Garden Manager, you'll be leading teams across multiple sites. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed remote teams in the past. Highlight your ability to foster a culture of excellence and safety, as well as how you've mentored others in their professional development.
✨Budget Savvy
Be ready to discuss your experience with managing large-scale operational budgets. Think of specific instances where you identified cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality. This will demonstrate your strategic thinking and financial acumen, which are crucial for this role.
✨Sustainability Matters
Hand Picked Hotels is keen on environmental sustainability. Brush up on your knowledge of organic gardening techniques and biodiversity enhancement. Be prepared to share your thoughts on how you can implement 'green' practices in their gardens, showcasing your commitment to sustainable horticulture.