Head Gardener in Gloucester

Location: Thyme, The Cotswolds

Employment Type: Full-Time 40 hours

Thyme is a historic English country estate nestled in the rolling Cotswolds hills. Comprising of a globally acclaimed hotel, spa and restaurants adjoined to a Historic listed Manor House all with established and evolving gardens. We have had a long standing partnership with Bunny Guinness who continues to be involved with the gardens. In addition, there is a 150 acre farm with productive vegetable and flower gardens featured on gardeners world, orchards and conservation status meadowlands.

Position Overview

We are seeking a passionate and knowledgeable, hands-on gardener to lead a team of three or more gardeners. You will be a key part of a wider estates team and report into the Estate owner and Estate Manager. Our gardens play a pivotal role in the guest experience at Thyme. The Head Gardener's position is responsible for maintaining and enhancing the hotel's gardens to meet a standard of excellence. This role requires a deep knowledge of horticulture, creative expression, with exceptional plant care and knowledge. The role is as a Head Gardener to 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. It excludes the productive gardens and farm, orchards and wider conservation meadowlands.

Salary negotiable

Key Responsibilities

• Be part of the planning and lead implementation of seasonal planting and creative landscaping projects.
• Key responsibility to nurture the soil and existing planting as well as evolving the gardens, developing them year on year.
• Oversee the maintenance and development of all gardens as above.
• Manage and inspire your team, working closely with them; this is a hands-on role.
• Ensure maintenance of all spaces is of a high standard as agreed with the owner.
• 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 our 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. An applicant who has strengths in this area would be welcome.

Qualifications

An open mind will be kept as to the qualifications required for this role. 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.

About Thyme

Set in 150 acres of farmland, Thyme is a family ran destination: we have a hotel, a spa, a cookery school, restaurants and a farm, we grow our vegetables, fruit herbs, and we have nature at our heart. A destination for local regulars, London weekenders and international travellers alike, each day brings variety, vibrancy and excitement. We are a team that consistently strives for world class guest experience, to celebrate the seasons and immerse guests in our love of the land. Our people are dynamic, passionate, considerate and collaborative, with a culture of learning and progression at our heart.

Why Choose Thyme:

• A Flourishing Team: Our team is vibrant, professional and collaborative. With our company values at our heart, the team work together to deliver true hospitality excellence.
• A Connection to the Land: Throughout Thyme, there is plenty of open space and gardens to wander. Our work environments are light and airy, always maintaining a connection to the outside.
• Professional Development: Personal and professional development is at the heart of our people strategy, with training and leadership programmes as well as development plans for all the team.
• Competitive Remuneration: We offer excellent pay and benefits. Our service charge is substantial, and every penny goes to our hard-working team each month.

Benefits for the Team

• Exceptionally generous Service Charge bonuses paid monthly.
• 28 days annual leave PA + All staff to have an extra day off on their birthday.
• Healthy delicious meals on duty prepared by our own Chefs, and a comfy team room to enjoy on breaks.
• Employee assistance wellbeing programme.
• High quality, sustainably made, and stylish 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.
• 50% off food in both the Ox Barn and the Swan.
• Cookery School discount - All classes are £40 per person, available for you plus 1 guest.
• 50% discount on Spa Treatments.
• 40% discount on our retail range Bertioli.
• Annual staff Christmas Party with dinner, drinks, music dancing.
• A personalised approach to investment in your professional development.
• Beautiful Location with plenty of space to walk and relax during break times.

Our Culture

A welcoming, caring, positive and supportive culture, defined by inclusivity, accountability, and recognition. Effective communication, listening and a commitment to health and wellbeing serve as the bedrock of our culture.

Our Values

• Considerate - Being thoughtful and Considerate in our actions and their impact on people and the planet.
• Consistency - Delivering Consistency of performance and stability through collaboration and communication.
• Integrity - Always displaying total Integrity, creating an environment where respect, honesty, and trust thrive.
• Pride - Having Pride in who we are and what we do, and the sophisticated style with which we do it.
• Aspiring - Aspiring to achieve excellence, applauding ambition, and rewarding resilience.

Thyme is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to being a successful, caring and welcoming place for all. We are committed to a culture where respect and understanding is fostered, and the diversity of people's backgrounds and circumstances will be positively valued. We will ensure that 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.