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Head Gardener

Employer
Longleat
Location
Warminster, Wiltshire
Salary
Between £35,000 and £40,000
Closing date
24 Mar 2023

For over 50 years we have been one of the UK’s most loved attractions. With over 1 million guests in 2019, we are passionate about providing immersive experiences that bring family and friends together to create memories that will last a lifetime.

We’re an organisation driven by our core cultural values, which are to engage and inspire, put people first, take accountability, continuously improve and to act with integrity. We believe everyone who works at Longleat can subscribe to these values, and that they truly set us apart as a place to work.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Head Gardener to join our team and inspire a team of gardeners to develop and deliver a clear and coherent vision for the garden’s future direction. You will strive to exceed expectations in relation to standards of conservation, presentation, and engagement.

 

The formal gardens are one of the main attractions at Longleat and feature herbaceous borders, a yew tree hedge maze and various large water features. The estate also boasts a lake and expansive lawns, along with areas ready for preservation and reopening to the public.

 

What will this role entail?

Reporting to the Director of Estate, Property and Maintenance, as Head Gardener, you’ll be responsible for both strategic and operational matters relating to Gardens across the Longleat Estate parkland and related properties within the boundary.

 

Key duties will include:

  • Overall responsibility for maintaining the gardens
  • Effective supervision, leadership, development, and training of all gardening staff
  • Ensuring SOPs and health and safety requirements are adhered to by all staff
  • Assisting with garden visitor enquiries and promoting a high standard of customer service amongst the gardening team
  • Management of payroll budget and oversee effective staff rostering
  • Ensuring equipment and vehicles are tested, licensed, and serviced
  • Reporting regularly to the directors with financial and operational information

 

What will I need to be considered for this vacancy?

  • NVQ level 3, RHS level 3, degree level or equivalent
  • A passion for and great understanding of plants and horticulture
  • Able to adapt to, manage and deliver change through the gardens team effectively
  • Confident IT skills, particularly with the Microsoft Suite and learning new systems
  • Be commercially astute, able to manage budgets and always looking for ways to maximise opportunities
  • Strong leadership qualities with a friendly and approachable nature
  • Superb communication and influencing skills

 

What will I receive in return?

As a Head Gardener you will receive a salary of between £35,000 to £40,000 in addition to a range of attractive benefits that include;

  • 29 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays
  • Complimentary tickets to Longleat and Cheddar Gorge and Caves,
  • 18 per annum pro rata. 50% off Annual passes for your Friends and Family,
  • free entry for yourself.
  • Discounts on food and beverages and retail merchandise 20% off VIP Experiences,
  • 10% off Accommodation.
  • Company Pension
  • Life assurance cover.
  • Perks at work and much more!

You’ll be employed on a permanent 39 hour contract working 5 days out of 7, including weekends, evening and bank holidays as required. Start time and finish times varying in accordance with opening times.

 

Location: Longleat (Warminster, Wiltshire)

All applications to be submitted online, and strictly no agency calls or agency CV submissions.

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if enough suitable applicants are received.

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