Head Kitchen Gardener

Job Title:                     Head Kitchen Gardener

Location:                      Cranleigh, Surrey

Hours:                          5 days per week, but must be flexible

Accommodation:          Live Out

Salary:                          £30,000 p.a.

Responsible to:            Assistant Estate Manager & Principal

Responsible for:            Kitchen Garden Assistants

Summary

A rare and exciting role for an experienced Head Kitchen Gardener to be part of the estate team at a privately owned country estate in rural Surrey. The Head Kitchen Gardener will be responsible for the production of organic fruit, vegetables, herbs, and spices within the vine house, walled garden, orchard and polytunnel. They will also supervise 2 part time Kitchen Garden Assistants.

The Head Kitchen Gardener will report to and work closely with the Assistant Estate Manager and Principal to review current produce, suggest new ideas and explore ways to make the estate self-sufficient and utilise excess produce.

The role suits an experienced, hands on Kitchen Gardener who is self-motivated, confident, has the ability to come up with new ideas and work independently and with a team. Experience of organic growing is preferred but not essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Growing and care of organic produce for consumption by the Principal and Family
• Growing of soft, hard and exotic fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices, salad greens and micro greens
• Propagation of new produce
• Ensuring the organic status is maintained
• Operating the vine house environmental control system
• Suggesting ideas for new produce, growing techniques and overall improvements
• Exploring and suggesting ideas for utilising excess produce
• Sourcing good quality and fairly priced materials
• Production of a weekly report to be sent to the Assistant Estate Manager
• Regular meetings with the Assistant Estate Manager and Principal
• Selection and quality control of produce to be sent to and consumed by the Principal and Family
• Liaison with household and kitchen staff regarding availability and seasonality of produce
• Upkeep, ongoing maintenance, cleanliness and development of all growing areas
• Liaison with estate maintenance staff regarding equipment repairs and servicing, purchases and servicing of vine house environmental system
• Awareness of and compliance with Health & Safety requirements and legislation

The candidate must have a full driving license, the right to work in the UK and a current DBS check.