Head Grower

Near Banbury * £38,000 to £42,000 * Monday to Friday * Private Medical * 20 days holiday + bank holidays * Pension We’re delighted to be working with a private family estate in North Oxfordshire to recruit an experienced Head Grower, responsible for the care and cultivation of the estate’s cutting gardens. This is a wonderful opportunity for a talented and hands-on grower to take ownership of a flourishing and thoughtfully managed flower garden. With a focus on seasonal beauty, soil health, and biodiversity, the cutting gardens are run according to organic and regenerative principles, providing a steady supply of flowers for use across the estate. The Head Grower will work closely with the estate’s horticultural team to plan and deliver a productive and ever-evolving garden, from propagation through to picking. Responsibilities * Manage the day-to-day care and maintenance of the estate’s cutting gardens, including propagation, planting, pruning, staking, weeding, deadheading and harvesting * Develop seasonal and annual planting plans to ensure consistent flowering throughout the season * Monitor crop performance and reflect on what’s working well in both garden and vase * Maintain excellent standards across the garden, including glasshouse and polytunnel areas * Work in line with organic, no-dig or low-intervention methods, including rotational planting and composting * Monitor plant health and adjust growing methods to suit seasonal changes and weather conditions * Ensure soil health, sustainability, and long-term productivity remain central to the garden’s development * Take a proactive role in maintaining tools, equipment, and infrastructure * Keep clear records of planting plans, propagation, and seasonal observations * Collaborate closely with the wider estate garden team to ensure a cohesive and consistent approach Skills and attributes required * A passionate and experienced grower, with at least 3 years working in a productive garden * Strong knowledge of cut flowers, seasonal planning, and species-specific care * Confident with propagation, including greenhouse and polytunnel management * A creative and visual approach to planting, with an eye for quality and detail * A good understanding of organic and regenerative growing principles * Highly organised, responsible, and self-motivated * Able to work outdoors in all weathers, with a practical and positive attitude * Excellent communication and planning skills * A full UK manual driving licence Desirable * Familiarity with no-dig or minimum-till systems * Experience with composting, green manures, and soil-building practices * Previous experience working on a private estate or with ornamental and productive gardens side by side