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- Tasks: Manage and maintain stunning gardens while leading a passionate team.
- Company: Nicholsons, a leader in sustainable horticulture with a commitment to the environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and a chance to make a positive impact.
- Why this job: Combine your love for gardening with leadership and client interaction in a vibrant setting.
- Qualifications: Extensive horticultural experience and strong plant knowledge required.
- Other info: Join us in promoting sustainability and making a difference in garden management.
The predicted salary is between 33000 - 38000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and knowledgeable Head Gardener to manage and maintain large, established private and commercial gardens to the highest horticultural standards. This role combines hands-on horticultural work with team leadership, client liaison, and seasonal planning. You will be responsible for delivering excellent garden care, leading and developing team members where required, and ensuring all work reflects Nicholsons' quality, professionalism, and environmental values.
Key responsibilities:
- Independently manage large and complex gardens, delivering high-quality horticultural maintenance
- Lead, supervise, and support a team of gardeners, ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently and to company standards
- Plan and coordinate seasonal work programmes in collaboration with the Head of Garden Management
- Communicate professionally with clients, providing expert advice and maintaining strong working relationships
- Promote sustainable horticultural practices, supporting biodiversity, biosecurity, and ecological management
The ideal candidate will:
- Have extensive horticultural experience, including managing large or complex gardens
- Be organised, efficient and able to work independently
- Have a commercial understanding
- Demonstrate experience leading/mentoring others
- Offer strong plant knowledge with a horticultural qualification
- Have confidence working directly with clients
- Have a full, clean UK driving licence & is confident using trailers
Desirable:
- Relevant RHS qualification (e.g. RHS Level 2/3 or equivalent)
- Horticultural specialism
- Experience in high-end private estates or commercial gardens
- Relevant certifications e.g. PA1/PA6, chainsaw etc.
This position is a full-time role, Monday to Friday (40 hours per week) 7:30am – 4:30pm.
At Nicholsons, our commitment to delivering positive environmental change is woven into every aspect of our work, embodying our values of dedication, creativity, and passion for the planet.
Location: Bicester, Oxfordshire
Department: Garden Management
Employment Type: Full-Time
Minimum Experience: Experienced
Compensation: £33,000 - £38,000 DOE
Head Gardener in Bicester employer: Nicholsons
Contact Detail:
Nicholsons Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Gardener in Bicester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Nicholsons. Understand their values and how they promote sustainable horticultural practices. This will help you connect with them during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your hands-on experience! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've managed large gardens or led teams in the past. We want to hear about your successes and how you’ve tackled challenges.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be liaising with clients, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to communicate professionally. Maybe even role-play some scenarios with a friend to get comfortable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Gardener in Bicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Horticultural Skills: When writing your application, make sure to highlight your extensive horticultural experience. We want to see how you've managed large or complex gardens in the past, so don’t hold back on those details!
Lead with Confidence: Since this role involves team leadership, it’s important to showcase your experience in leading and mentoring others. Share examples of how you’ve supported your team and ensured work is completed to high standards.
Communicate Professionally: Remember, client liaison is key! Use your application to demonstrate your ability to communicate professionally and maintain strong working relationships. A little insight into your client interactions can go a long way.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important information about the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nicholsons
✨Know Your Horticulture
Brush up on your plant knowledge and horticultural practices. Be ready to discuss specific plants, their care, and how you would manage a large garden. This shows your expertise and passion for the role.
✨Show Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams in the past. Think about challenges you've faced and how you supported your team. This will demonstrate your ability to manage and mentor others effectively.
✨Client Communication is Key
Think about how you would communicate with clients. Prepare to share experiences where you provided expert advice or resolved issues. This will highlight your professionalism and client relationship skills.
✨Emphasise Sustainability
Familiarise yourself with sustainable horticultural practices. Be ready to discuss how you can promote biodiversity and ecological management in your work. This aligns with Nicholsons' values and shows you're a good fit.