At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and maintain beautiful gardens while ensuring top-notch estate security.
- Company: Stunning estate offering a unique live-in opportunity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and a chance to lead a dedicated team.
- Other info: Flexible hours with occasional evening/weekend events.
- Why this job: Take ownership of a breathtaking environment and enhance guest experiences year-round.
- Qualifications: Strong gardening knowledge, staff management experience, and attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
NOTE: THIS IS A LIVE-IN POSITION BASED IN KINROSS
We are looking for an experienced and hands-on Head of Gardens & Security to take pride in maintaining and presenting our beautiful Estate to the highest standards. This is a key role for someone who loves working outdoors, enjoys leading a team, and can balance practical gardening expertise with responsibility for Estate security.
What You’ll Do
- Lead the maintenance and presentation of all gardens, grounds and external areas
- Delivery and manage an annual programme of garden and grounds maintenance
- Oversee lawns, hedges, borders, trees, water features, pathways and seasonal displays
- Maintain gardening equipment, tools and machinery to high standards
- Manage the gardens budget and liaise with external contractors
- Support Estate events, guest stays and seasonal demands (including gritting and snow clearance)
- Oversee Estate security, including keyholding, alarm response, perimeter checks and contractor liaison
- Manage and develop the Gardens Team, including rotas, training and performance reviews
- Ensure full compliance with Health & Safety and safe working practices across all grounds activities
What We’re Looking For
- Strong horticultural knowledge and hands-on gardening / grounds experience
- Experience managing staff and coordinating workloads
- Confidence overseeing security procedures and responding to callouts
- Excellent organisation, attention to detail and pride in presentation
- Ability to work flexibly, including occasional evenings/weekends for events
- A proactive, reliable and safety-focused approach
Why Join Us
This is a fantastic opportunity to take ownership of a stunning Estate environment, lead a dedicated team, and play a key role in ensuring our grounds and guest experience are exceptional year-round.
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICANTS: 24th April 2026
INTERVIEWS: WC 4th May 2026
Head of Gardens & Security in Kinross employer: Kinross House Estate
Join our team as the Head of Gardens & Security and immerse yourself in a vibrant work culture that values teamwork, creativity, and excellence. Located in the picturesque Kinross, this live-in position offers you the unique opportunity to lead a dedicated team while enjoying the beauty of nature every day. With a focus on employee growth and development, we provide training and support to help you thrive in your role, making this an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Gardens & Security in Kinross
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the estate before your interview! Take a stroll around the grounds, check out the gardens, and even chat with current staff if you can. This shows us you're genuinely interested and gives you some great talking points during your interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to showcase your hands-on experience. We want to hear about your past gardening projects and how you've managed teams. Think of specific examples that highlight your skills in horticulture and security management.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to demonstrate your organisational skills! We love candidates who can juggle multiple tasks. Be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully managed budgets, schedules, and team performance in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re tech-savvy and serious about joining our team at the estate.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Gardens & Security in Kinross
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Gardening:When writing your application, let us see your love for gardening shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your hands-on expertise and how you’ve maintained beautiful outdoor spaces.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:We want to know about your experience managing teams! Include examples of how you've led a group, coordinated workloads, and supported staff development. This will show us you're ready to take charge of our Gardens Team.
Be Detail-Oriented:Attention to detail is key in this role. Make sure your application is well-organised and free from errors. Use clear headings and bullet points to make it easy for us to read and understand your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kinross House Estate
✨Know Your Gardens
Make sure you brush up on your horticultural knowledge before the interview. Familiarise yourself with different plants, gardening techniques, and maintenance practices. Being able to discuss specific examples of your experience will show that you're not just a hands-on gardener but also someone who understands the theory behind it.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a team, be prepared to talk about your leadership style. Think of examples where you've successfully led a team, handled conflicts, or improved team performance. Highlighting your ability to motivate and develop others will set you apart.
✨Security Savvy
This position requires overseeing security procedures, so be ready to discuss your experience in this area. Talk about any previous roles where you managed security protocols or responded to emergencies. Showing that you can handle security responsibilities will demonstrate your reliability and proactive approach.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect some practical questions related to gardening and security. They might ask how you would handle specific scenarios, like dealing with a pest problem or responding to an alarm. Think through these situations beforehand and prepare your responses to showcase your problem-solving skills.