Head Gardener in West London

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:

• Qualifications:

• 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.

Terms and package:

£40-50k per annum, depending on experience. The opportunity to work in a beautiful and unique setting with a varied job role. Complete package available at interview.

Interview process:

• Screening call with RSL HR department.
• Interview with RSL Management.
• Second interview on site with RSL and client.