Head of Flowering Gardens

About The Newt in Somerset

As custodians of The Newt in Somerset, we are busy restoring the historic buildings and landscape of the Estate. The gardens associated with Hadspen House, recently reopened to the public.  Our visitor attractions include garden tours, cider making, farm shop, café and estate walks.  Hadspen House and the historic farm buildings surrounding it are open as a new luxury hotel and spa. It is anticipated that the Estate will attract some 100,000 visitors per year and in time become one of the region’s most popular destinations.

Please also see www.thenewtinsomerset.com

Position Summary

We are seeking to augment our growing horticultural team with the appointment of a high calibre Flowering Gardens specialist to lead a team focused on developing and maintaining all flowering woody and herbaceous areas across the property.

In this very much ‘hands on’position you will lead the Ornamental and Grounds teams in creating and maintaining horticultural displays of the highest standards throughout our visitor gardens and the wider estate and will be responsible for the management of all ornamental disciplines.

Together with the Director of Horticulture you will develop a team structure with the required skills and expertise to deliver our short goals for the gardens. The team comprises of approx 10 people including skilled and trained horticulturalists, garden assistants and internship students.

The Head of Flowering Gardens will report to the Director of Horticulture and will work closely alongside other managers specialising in Productive Gardens, Nursery and Woodland Management to coordinate works and share resources.

Skills and Experience 

• An advanced horticultural qualification e.g. RHS level 3/Master Gardener.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience as a gardener, ideally in a visitor garden environment and first hand experience of managing a successful garden at the highest level.
• Experience and proven ability in the management of a team of up to 10 people.
• Broad-ranging horticultural expertise & evidence of appropriate academic qualifications.
• A thorough, precise and well organised individual.
• An eagerness to provide the highest level of visitor experience.
• The candidate will be a hands-on, hard-working, energetic person with excellent team working skills and the ability to communicate across all levels and adapting their style to meet individual needs.
• Act as an ambassador and expert to external audiences, the media & visitors.
• IT skills for implementing efficient management systems and records are essential.              Full and clean UK driving license.

Terms and Conditions

• Competitive remuneration package up to £40,000 p.a. to be discussed with short listed candidates.
• Professional membership and reasonable professional development and training costs covered.
• Work place pension scheme