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, discounts on food, spa treatments, and extra holiday on your birthday.
- Other info: Join a diverse team and enjoy excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Create unforgettable outdoor experiences in a tranquil countryside setting.
- 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.
- Plan, carry out and monitor plant and tree care programmes 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 bring 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.
- Chain saw 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, we’d love to hear from you! 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.
Compensation: Competitive salary
Head 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 in Hertfordshire. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we provide competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and various discounts on food, beverages, and spa services. Our inclusive work culture fosters creativity and growth, allowing you to lead a dedicated team while enhancing the beauty of our gardens, making every day at Sopwell House a rewarding experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Gardener
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow gardeners, join local gardening clubs, or connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your previous gardening projects, designs, and any unique plants you've cultivated. This visual evidence can really help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching Sopwell House and its gardens. Understand their style and values, and think about how your vision aligns with theirs. This will show you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨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
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Personalised Cover Letter:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor it specifically to the Head Gardener role at Sopwell House. Highlight your relevant experience and how your skills align with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Show Off Your Passion for Gardening:Let your love for gardening shine through in your application! Share any creative ideas you have for the gardens at Sopwell House and demonstrate your knowledge of plant care and landscaping techniques.
Keep It Professional but Friendly:While we want to see your personality, remember to maintain a professional tone throughout your CV and cover letter. Use clear language and avoid jargon, making it easy for us to understand your qualifications and enthusiasm.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This ensures that your application reaches us promptly and allows you to easily track your application status. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 expertise and passion for gardening, 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 motivated your team. This will demonstrate that you have the strong leadership capabilities they’re looking for.
✨Understand the Aesthetic
Familiarise yourself with Sopwell House's style and the overall aesthetic they aim to achieve in their gardens. Think about how you can contribute creatively to enhance the beauty and tranquillity of the grounds, and be ready to share your ideas during the interview.
✨Health and Safety Knowledge
Make sure you’re up to speed on Health and Safety legislation relevant to gardening. Be prepared to discuss how you would implement safety measures in the garden, especially when managing a team and liaising with contractors.
