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- Tasks: Lead a passionate grounds team, managing gardens and enhancing community spaces.
- Company: Join Inspired Villages, dedicated to building vibrant communities for residents.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days leave, health cash plan, and discounts on retail and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive environment that values your unique talents.
- Qualifications: Experience in estate management and strong plant knowledge required.
- Other info: Work in a fantastic space with a gym and social areas.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Head Gardener – Leading the Landscapes of Widmore Park
We’re looking for an experienced and passionate Head Gardener to join us at Widmore Park, a brand-new village yet to open, taking ownership of all grounds and gardens. We’re driven by a clear purpose: to build real communities that enhance the lives of our residents every single day. If you’re seeking a career that means more and gives you more, there’s a place for you at Inspired Villages.
As Head Gardener, you’ll lead the grounds team, managing, maintaining, and elevating all outdoor spaces to the highest standard. You’ll work closely with the Village Manager, maintenance team, and wider business to ensure the first impression of the village is exceptional, supporting a welcoming, safe, and vibrant environment for residents, colleagues, and visitors.
At Inspired Villages, we create thriving communities where people can live independently, stay connected, and enjoy life to the fullest. By joining us, you’ll play a key role in shaping the landscapes of a brand-new village, leaving a lasting impact on both the environment and the lives of our residents.
The Role
- Leading and taking full responsibility for all aspects of grounds and garden management across the village
- Managing and mentoring the grounds team, prioritising and overseeing work requests from residents and colleagues
- Planning and managing team rotas to ensure consistent coverage and delivery of all grounds and landscaping duties
- Designing, cultivating, and maintaining lawns, flowerbeds, hedges, shrubs, borders, and hard landscaping, including drainage, pathways, and steps
- Implementing pest management and weed control strategies to maintain the highest standards of garden care
- Supporting residents with horticultural advice and queries, enhancing their enjoyment of the village environment
- Working closely with the wider maintenance and operational teams as part of the village opening, ensuring a seamless, high-quality launch
Key Requirements
- Proven experience managing the grounds and gardens of a large estate or comparable property
- Strong general plant knowledge, including horticulture, landscaping, and seasonal maintenance
- Competent in Health & Safety and COSHH regulations, with a focus on safe working practices
- Relevant horticultural qualifications desirable, such as Level 3 in Garden Design, Horticulture, or equivalent
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport easily with residents, colleagues, and contractors
The Benefits
- Health & Wellbeing: Bupa Health Cash Plan including Employee Assistance Program and Life Assurance at 4× your annual salary
- Generous Leave: 33 days annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays, pro-rated to your contracted hours, plus a holiday buying scheme to purchase up to 5 days.
- Special Time Off: Big birthdays off for milestone birthdays ending in a 0
- Pension: 5% matched contribution scheme
- Perks & Discounts: Retail discounts across a variety of outlets and access to SMART tech
- Learning & Development: Ongoing opportunities to grow your skills and career
- Wellbeing Resources: Access to a wellbeing hub, including discounts on wellbeing interventions
- Sustainable Travel: Cycle to Work scheme and Electric Car scheme
At Inspired Villages, we invite everyone, regardless of background, to join our thriving community. Here, you’ll be included, involved, and inspired to contribute your unique talents. We are committed to creating a culture of belonging, where uniqueness is celebrated and you’re inspired to be your best, every day.
More enjoyment. More satisfaction. More like one big family. If you’re looking for a career that means more and gives you more, hit that apply button!
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Head Gardener employer: Inspired Villages
Contact Detail:
Inspired Villages Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Gardener
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific gardening practices and plant species relevant to the area where Inspired Villages operates. This knowledge will not only help you stand out but also demonstrate your commitment to understanding the community's unique horticultural needs.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Inspired Villages, if possible. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which you can leverage during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous management experience in detail, especially how you've successfully led teams in a gardening or landscaping context. Highlighting your leadership skills will be crucial in showcasing your fit for the Head Gardener role.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your passion for community engagement by sharing examples of how you've interacted with residents or clients in past roles. This will show that you not only have the technical skills but also the interpersonal abilities needed to thrive in this position.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Gardener
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Head Gardener position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your previous experience managing grounds, particularly in large estates. Include specific examples of your gardening knowledge and any relevant qualifications.
Highlight Communication Skills: Since the role requires strong communication skills, provide examples of how you've successfully built rapport with residents or team members in past positions. This could be through teamwork, conflict resolution, or customer service.
Personalise Your Application: Make your application stand out by personalising it. Mention why you are passionate about gardening and how you align with Inspired Villages' mission to enhance community living. Show them you’re not just looking for a job, but a place where you can contribute meaningfully.
How to prepare for a job interview at Inspired Villages
✨Show Your Passion for Gardening
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for gardening during the interview. Share specific examples of your previous work, projects you've managed, and how your passion has driven your success in maintaining beautiful landscapes.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Since the role involves interacting with residents and colleagues, highlight your ability to communicate effectively. Prepare to discuss how you've built rapport in past roles and how you handle queries or concerns from others.
✨Highlight Your Management Experience
Be ready to talk about your experience managing a team, especially in a large estate setting. Discuss how you prioritise tasks, manage rotas, and ensure that all aspects of garden management are covered efficiently.
✨Knowledge of Health and Safety Regulations
Familiarise yourself with Health and Safety and COSHH regulations relevant to gardening. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in your work and how you keep your team safe while performing their duties.