At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to manage and design stunning gardens at a luxury hotel.
- Company: Sopwell House, a beautiful family-owned Georgian country house hotel.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, staff discounts, 28 days holiday, and special birthday leave.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and create unforgettable outdoor experiences for guests.
- Qualifications: 5 years of gardening experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Your country home from home nestled in 12 acres of Hertfordshire countryside; Sopwell House is a luxury family-owned Georgian country house hotel. We are now looking for a dedicated and knowledgeable Head Gardener to take stewardship of our outdoor spaces, continuing to cultivate beauty and excellence across our gardens, which play a central role in creating an unforgettable experience for our guests.
As Head Gardener, you will be responsible for the overall management, design, and upkeep of all external landscaped areas at Sopwell House. You will lead a small team and work closely with the management to maintain the aesthetic appeal and horticultural integrity of our grounds, ensuring they reflect the luxury and tranquillity of our hotel.
Your role in our family:
- Be highly motivated, well organised and have excellent practical skills with the ability to propagate plants from seeds and cuttings.
- Work closely with the owners on the long-term development of the garden and possess excellent plant knowledge.
- Plan, carry out and monitor plant and tree care programs including design, landscaping, propagation, planting, irrigation, weeding, grass cutting, trimming and general garden, pathways, car park and facilities maintenance.
- Manage all garden project activities to ensure they are carried out on schedule and within allocated budgets, employing the assistance of external labour/organisations where necessary.
- Be responsible for the management of a team of two Gardeners and occasionally liaise with contractors.
- Help with the constant development and improvement of the hotel's 12 acres of grounds.
- Mowing & strimming, hedge trimming and planting, watering, weeding and maintaining beds and borders.
What would make you the perfect fit?
- The ideal candidate will have creative ideas, strong leadership capabilities, and maintain the hotel gardens and grounds to the highest possible condition.
- Sound knowledge of Health and Safety legislation.
- Previous experience in a similar role required (5 years Gardens experience).
- NVQ Level 2, Pa1, Pa6 desirable but not essential.
- Chainsaw license preferable.
The best bit:
- Discounted Food and Beverage and accommodation.
- Staff Events including annual award night.
- 28 days holiday, plus an extra day off on your birthday.
- 30% discount on spa treatments and spa days.
- 10% discount on spa products.
- 'Introduce a Friend' bonus when you recommend someone to join our team.
- Staff meals provided on duty.
- Hotel discounts through our Pride of Britain affiliation.
If this sounds like your dream job, we would love to hear from you!
How to Apply:
If you are a dedicated hospitality professional ready to take on this exciting challenge, please submit your CV and cover letter, explaining why you are the perfect fit for this role. If you do not hear from us within 14 days, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Sopwell House is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members. All applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK.
Gardener employer: Sopwell House
Sopwell House is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in a stunning 12-acre Georgian country house hotel set in the picturesque Hertfordshire countryside. With a strong emphasis on employee well-being, we provide competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and various discounts on food, beverages, and spa treatments, fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that encourages personal and professional growth. Join our dedicated team and play a vital role in enhancing the beauty of our grounds while enjoying a fulfilling career in hospitality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Sopwell House. Understand their values, mission, and what makes their gardens special. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Bring along a portfolio of your previous gardening projects or any creative designs you've worked on. Visuals can really make an impression and give the interviewers a taste of what you can bring to their beautiful grounds.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about teamwork! Since you'll be leading a small team, think of examples where you've successfully managed or collaborated with others. Highlight your leadership style and how you motivate your team to achieve great results.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows professionalism and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Gardener
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Personalised Cover Letter:When applying, make sure to tailor your cover letter specifically for the Head Gardener role at Sopwell House. Highlight your relevant experience and how your skills align with their vision for the gardens.
Show Off Your Plant Knowledge:In your CV, don’t just list your previous roles; showcase your plant knowledge and any specific horticultural skills you have. Mention any experience with propagation, landscaping, or managing teams to really stand out.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your CV and cover letter clear and to the point. Use bullet points for easy reading and ensure you highlight your achievements in previous gardening roles. We want to see what makes you the perfect fit!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity at Sopwell House!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sopwell House
✨Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific plants, their care requirements, and how you would approach propagating them. This shows your passion and expertise in horticulture, which is crucial for the Head Gardener role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in previous roles. Discuss how you managed projects, delegated tasks, and ensured that everything was completed on time and within budget. This will demonstrate your capability to lead the small team at Sopwell House.
✨Understand the Vision
Familiarise yourself with Sopwell House and its gardens. Think about how you can contribute to the long-term development of the outdoor spaces. Being able to articulate your vision for the gardens during the interview will show that you're aligned with the hotel's goals.
✨Health and Safety Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss your understanding of health and safety legislation as it pertains to gardening. Highlight any relevant experience you have in maintaining safe working conditions, as this is essential for managing a team and ensuring everyone's well-being.
