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- Tasks: Lead the maintenance and development of a stunning private roof garden in Kensington.
- Company: Join a prestigious team dedicated to preserving a historic garden for UHNW clientele.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, company pension, and a Monday to Friday schedule.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic environment where your horticultural skills can shine and make an impact.
- Qualifications: Must have relevant horticultural qualifications and experience managing gardens for UHNW clients.
- Other info: This role requires a passion for gardening and the ability to work outdoors in all weather.
On behalf of our client, we are recruiting for a Head Gardener to maintain a complex and historic private roof garden in Kensington. Having recently undergone a significant refreshment of planting schemes and layout, the gardens will require a skilled, dynamic and knowledgeable professional Head Gardener, who is experienced working in a sensitive environment and for UHNW clientele.
The Head Gardener will be responsible for the continued meticulous maintenance and development of the gardens, taking ownership of any issues and ensuring to plan ahead - while working closely with RSL and the estate manager to present a garden worthy of its history.
Summary of responsibilities and duties:
- Deliver exceptional standards of maintenance and horticulture by developing and implementing a structured programme of work, reporting and remedying any issues and ensuring the landscape and gardens are maintained and presented to the highest level throughout the year.
- Liaise with RSL and Estate Management to manage and interpret the horticultural needs of each area through written plans and schedules for the various zones of the gardens.
- Liaising with security, housekeeping staff and other contractors.
- Manage your time to record and request orders for tools, plant and other necessary equipment and materials including seasonal planting and mulching.
- Ensure all garden equipment and tools are correctly used, maintained and kept in proper working order.
- Ensure the irrigation system is correctly maintained and kept in proper working order.
- Implement safety policies and procedures.
- Manage threats and risks from Pests & Diseases.
Required qualifications and skills:
- Relevant horticultural qualification, preferably Level 3 or above.
- Health and safety qualification, e.g. NEBOSH General, or relevant professional qualification.
- Experience managing sites and supervising teams for UHNW clientele, SSSTS/SMSTS etc.
- Advanced level of irrigation knowledge and spraying certificate PA1/PA6.
- Relevant safety harness training.
- Up-to-date working knowledge of methods, materials, tools and equipment used in garden maintenance operations.
- Sound knowledge of standard horticultural practices (planting, pruning, fertilising, etc), growth characteristics and identification of a wide variety of plants.
- Prior experience in a horticulture role for UHNW clients.
- Full clean EU or UK driving licence.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Excellent organisation and team management skills.
- Good time management – ability to prioritise tasks; punctuality; working efficiently and with a good idea of how long each task takes to complete.
- Problem solver - ability to identify and resolve issues with speed.
- Resilience – comfortable working in a fast-paced environment whilst maintaining a positive and flexible attitude with an ability to motivate others.
- People leadership and management – confidence to provide clear direction and inspire those around you, promptly and efficiently addressing personnel issues and training and development needs.
- Creative vision.
- Physical aptitude to working outdoors in all kinds of weather conditions.
- High levels of ethical conduct: honesty, trustworthiness, integrity.
Salary: £40-50k per annum, depending on experience.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits: Company pension
Schedule: Monday to Friday
Ability to commute/relocate: Kensington W10: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience: Horticulture: 3 years (required)
Head Gardener employer: PSN T/A Cosmopolitan Recruitment
Contact Detail:
PSN T/A Cosmopolitan Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Gardener
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the horticulture industry, especially those who have experience working with UHNW clients. Attend gardening events, workshops, or local horticultural societies to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise by volunteering for community gardening projects or offering your services to local estates. This hands-on experience can help you build a strong portfolio and demonstrate your skills in maintaining high-quality gardens.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of historic gardens and the unique challenges they present. Research best practices for maintaining such environments, as this knowledge will be invaluable during interviews and discussions with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences managing teams and projects, particularly in high-pressure situations. Highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to motivate others, as these qualities are essential for a Head Gardener role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Gardener
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant horticultural qualifications and experience, especially any work with UHNW clients. Emphasise your skills in garden maintenance, team management, and problem-solving.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your passion for horticulture and your understanding of the unique needs of a historic private garden. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage complex gardening projects.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your horticultural qualifications, health and safety certifications, and any other relevant training. This is crucial for demonstrating your expertise and suitability for the role.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, provide examples in your application of how you've effectively liaised with teams, clients, and contractors in previous positions.
How to prepare for a job interview at PSN T/A Cosmopolitan Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Horticultural Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss your relevant horticultural qualifications and experience in detail. Highlight specific projects you've worked on, especially those involving UHNW clients, and demonstrate your understanding of advanced horticultural practices.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Think of examples where you've successfully identified and resolved issues in a garden setting. This could include pest management or equipment maintenance. Be ready to explain your thought process and the steps you took to achieve a positive outcome.
✨Emphasise Team Management Experience
Since the role involves managing teams, share your experiences in leading and motivating staff. Discuss how you handle personnel issues and ensure effective communication within your team, as well as any training and development initiatives you've implemented.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to manage the unique challenges of a historic garden. Prepare to discuss how you would approach maintaining the garden's aesthetic while ensuring safety and compliance with regulations, particularly in a sensitive environment.
