At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to manage and maintain a vibrant kitchen garden.
- Company: Join THE PIG, a unique hospitality brand focused on sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy free stays, discounts, meals on duty, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Work in a fun environment with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team growing fresh produce for a seasonal menu.
- Qualifications: Experience in gardening; RHS Level 2 is a plus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 35000 £ per year.
Location: THE PIG-in the South Downs, Madehurst, BN18 0NLS
Salary: £35,000 per annum (OTE £38,504 per annum, including tronc).
Hours: 40 hours per week, over 5 days, including weekends.
At THE PIG it all starts in the kitchen garden - the team here are the original Home-Grown Heroes of everything we do. As Head Kitchen Gardener at THE PIG, you will be managing a small team, overseeing a productive upkeep and a beautiful presentation of the Kitchen Garden.
You will be instrumental in ensuring a diverse produce is able to be harvested 365 days a year, rain or shine. Having a strong interest in food and flavours will support you when working closely with the Head Chef and Group Head Kitchen Gardener to contribute to our seasonal 25 miles menu in the Restaurant.
Strong organisational skills are essential to develop an annual harvest plan, complete weekly tasks, and manage our greenhouse, fruit cage, polytunnel, and mushroom house. Our Kitchen Gardens are organically managed and apply creative pest and disease control methods to ensure quality produce.
You will be the face of our Kitchen Garden as our guests enjoy our grounds, delivering and arranging daily tours to demonstrate knowledge and passion for our freshly grown sustainable produce. We also are home to pigs, chickens, sheep, and quails, so some animal husbandry will be required.
It is desirable if you have your Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Level 2; however, with the right experience and passion, we can support you with further training.
We are dedicated to making THE PIG an inspiring, exciting, and fun place to work and in return for your hard work you can expect something a little different:
- Staff stays - free B&B.
- 35% discount on food, beverages & treatments.
- Meals on duty.
- Annual holiday increase (up to 33 days).
- Take home goods - cost price.
- Free access for you and your family to an on-demand GP, Physiotherapy, and counselling services through Help@Hand.
- A range of learning & development courses.
- Anniversary vouchers - dinner with wine for 2.
Home Grown Hotels is committed to encouraging equality, diversity, and inclusion. We are an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against candidates based on any of the protected characteristics set out in the Equalities Act 2010.
Head Kitchen Gardener - Arundel, West Sussex employer: leisurejobs
Giggling Squid is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises family values and a passion for Thai cuisine. With a strong focus on employee development through comprehensive training programmes, competitive salaries, and generous benefits like weekly pay and staff discounts, we ensure our team members feel valued and supported. Join us in Leamington Spa, where you can enjoy a fulfilling career in one of the UK's fastest-growing restaurant groups while embracing the warmth of our unique Thai heritage.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Kitchen Gardener - Arundel, West Sussex
✨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 leisurejobs.
✨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 leisurejobs.
✨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 leisurejobs; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Kitchen Gardener - Arundel, West Sussex
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 leisurejobs.
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 Kitchen Gardener - Arundel, West Sussex.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what leisurejobs 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 leisurejobs a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at leisurejobs
✨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 leisurejobs might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.