Head Gardener

Thyme is seeking a passionate and knowledgeable, hands-on gardener to lead a team of three (or more) gardeners. You will lead the maintenance and development of the gardens around the hotel and estate buildings, as well as the manor garden river banks and a small wild flower meadow. A key part of a wider estates team, you will report into the Estate owner and Estate Manager. The role excludes the productive gardens and farm, orchards and wider conservation meadowlands.

Set in 150 acres of farmland, Thyme is a family run destination: hotel, spa, cookery school, restaurants, farm and Historic listed Manor House, with established and evolving gardens. A destination for local regulars, London weekenders and international travellers, each day brings variety, vibrancy and excitement. The team strives for world class guest experience, celebrates the seasons and immerses guests in the love of the land. The people at Thyme are dynamic, passionate, considerate and collaborative, with a culture of learning and progression at their core.

Thyme has had a long standing partnership with the landscape designer, Bunny Guinness who continues to be involved with the gardens. The gardens at Thyme play a pivotal role in the guest experience, and there is potential for this role to develop into a Head Gardener position.

The role

You will oversee the maintenance and development of all gardens as described. A hands-on role, you will manage and inspire your team and work closely with them. All spaces will be maintained to a high standard, as agreed with the owner. You will be part of the planning and lead implementation of seasonal planting and landscaping projects. Year on year, you will have key responsibility to nurture the soil and existing planting, as well as developing the gardens.

As a hotel, there is an opportunity for front of house garden walks and talks with guests and to be involved in the creation of promotional material together with the social media team. The gardens are at the heart of Thyme and as such are often used for photo shoots, public events and general publicity. Strengths in this area would be welcome.

Sound horticultural knowledge is required with an emphasis on team leadership, a hard working hands-on ethos, and the ability to inspire and lead a happy team. Relevant certifications and qualifications in horticulture preferable. PA1 and PA6 certificates are required or if not currently held, training to achieve this would be supported.

28 days annual leave PA and all staff have an extra day off on their birthday. Healthy meals on duty, prepared by Thyme’s Chefs, and access to a comfy team room for breaks. Employee assistance & wellbeing programme. High quality, sustainably made, uniforms provided. Free staff parking on site. Team rates to stay at Thyme for £150 per night, with the ability to extend this to family. Discounts: 50% off food in both the Ox Barn and the Swan; The Cookery School (classes are £40 per person, for you & 1 guest); 50% off on Spa Treatments; 40% discount on Thyme’s Bertioli retail range. Annual staff Christmas Party with dinner, drinks, music & dancing.

Thyme is an equal opportunity employer and committed to being a successful, caring and welcoming place for all. The culture at Thyme is one where respect and understanding is fostered, and the diversity of people’s backgrounds and circumstances positively valued. The company works to ensure no applicant receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race, or is disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable.

Contract: Full-Time 40 hours