At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and nurture a passionate team to elevate our historic gardens.
- Company: Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, a prestigious estate in the Cotswolds.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity to work in stunning outdoor settings.
- Other info: Join us in preserving heritage while embracing modern horticultural excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on beautiful gardens while enjoying luxury hospitality.
- Qualifications: Experience in horticulture and team leadership is essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds English countryside, Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa is part of the prestigious Emblems Collection set within 500 acres of parkland. Our vision has always been to create a place where heritage, nature and refined hospitality come together to create a truly exceptional guest experience.
An exceptional opportunity has arisen at Lucknam Park for a Head of Gardens & Horticulture to lead and nurture our team of Gardeners. This exciting new opportunity demands a deep passion for horticulture and a relentless drive to elevate our historic gardens & grounds. As department head, you will oversee, improve, and preserve our stunning gardens, blending traditional estate heritage with modern horticultural excellence.
Main Responsibilities:- Lead the department within the management team as Head of Gardens & Horticulture
- Ensure guidance given on the control of equipment, grounds, gardens and estate
- To ensure effective communication within the Gardens team, and throughout the hotel
- Guide the team through training and development
- Good knowledge of Health and Safety policies, compliance and risk assessments
- You will be responsible for maintaining and improving the gardens, instructing the team and managing a variety of tasks, including but not limited to planting, propagating, weeding, pruning, deadheading, mowing, hedge cutting, mulching, scarifying, spraying, and strimming
- Competence in using and maintaining machinery/equipment
- Willingness to carry out any other reasonable work, as directed by senior management
- Experience of working as a Senior Gardener/Assistant Head Gardener would be an advantage
- Formal horticultural training (minimum of RHS level 3 or equivalent) and gardening experience (5 years minimum) are essential
- Ability to manage and lead a team of staff
- Enthusiasm and passion for horticulture, with an excellent work ethic and a keen eye for detail
- Exceptional plant and species knowledge, and knowledge of seasonal tasks in gardens is essential
- Excellent organisation and communication skills
- Qualifications in spraying and chainsaw would be advantageous
- To be physically fit and enjoy working outdoors in all weathers
We are offering a competitive salary for a full-time role, which may include evenings, weekends. You will report directly to the General Manager. If you are passionate about luxury hospitality and wish to contribute to the next chapter of one of Britain's most iconic country estates, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Head of Gardens & Horticulture in Chippenham employer: Lucknam Park Hotel
At Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a unique blend of heritage and modern hospitality in the stunning Cotswolds. Our team enjoys a supportive work culture that fosters personal and professional growth, alongside competitive benefits and opportunities to develop within the prestigious Emblems Collection. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values excellence and creates memorable experiences for our guests amidst breathtaking surroundings.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Gardens & Horticulture in Chippenham
✨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 Lucknam Park Hotel.
✨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 Lucknam Park Hotel.
✨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 Lucknam Park Hotel; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Gardens & Horticulture in Chippenham
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 Lucknam Park Hotel.
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 of Gardens & Horticulture.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Lucknam Park Hotel 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 Lucknam Park Hotel a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lucknam Park Hotel
✨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 Lucknam Park Hotel might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
