Horticultural Supervisor

Our client is a London-based charity and social enterprise that utilises horticultural activities to support and enhance local communities in London. Our activities comprise:

1. Commercial Gardening Services: for commercial clients, property developers and local authorities in London. Income generated through our commercial activities is ploughed back into supporting our charitable work.

2. Community Gardening: They has created community growing spaces across West London

We have three main objectives:

• To create and maintain enjoyable & sustainable green space for the local community to improve the wellbeing of members
• To give opportunity to learn, train & work to young people and local residents and ultimately help them into sustained employment or education
• To generate appreciation and engagement in green space and its preservation to improve the physical environment and social cohesion of local communities

 Job Description:

A great opportunity to use your skills and experience in gardening, landscaping and growing to help increase the clients offer to both commercial and community clients. Within this oversee efficient operation of their garden maintenance and landscaping services on a commercial and community level as well as expand the service by seeking out new business and opportunities. This role is for a motivated, energetic person focused on achieving set targets with the ability to think creatively and inspire others.

Contract Deliverables

The main roles of the job:

• Carry out maintenance tasks and upkeep of a wide range of green areas and growing spaces, including the use of powered, non-powered tools & equipment, the application of pesticides / herbicides in line with good operational practice
• Liaise with clients and provide excellent customer service
• Produce competitive estimates and quotations for landscape and garden maintenance work
• Look for all opportunities to expand the client portfolio and upsell within existing contracts
• Maintain accurate records
• Set an excellent example, supervise and deliver on-the-job coaching for Apprentice gardeners and work experience trainees to develop their horticultural skills and knowledge
• Review and provide feedback on the performance of staff, work experience, trainees and apprentices.
• Attend team and supervision meetings as requested
• Ensure that all vehicles, machinery, tools and equipment are kept clean, safe, safe, secure and in a serviceable condition at all times
• Provide tool box talks to the relevant personnel
• Be responsible for the maintenance of personal health and safety and development of best practice, as well as that of our clients and fellow staff, as required by law
• Work as part of the team and carry out cover for other staff as and when required
• Undertake any other duties and training that may reasonably be required.

As this post involved working with children, young people and vulnerable adults appointment will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosures and Barring Service check

Personal Specification

Essential

• A passion for gardening and plants, and strong knowledge of both
• A horticultural qualification at Level 3 or above and or equivalent industry experience
• Proven experience of landscaping and horticultural work with a sound knowledge of horticultural procedures and processes
• The ability to carry out a full range of horticultural operations to a high standard across domestic and commercial sites
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety and contractual processes and requirements
• Trustworthy, dependable, motivated, a good time keeper and respect company standards of appearance
• Ensure excellent customer service standards are maintained along with courteous and proactive communication with clients and stakeholders
• Collaborate with Stakeholders to identify contract needs and objectives
• Monitor performance of both projects and staff, report to senior staff and make recommendations for improvements
• Able to provide feedback to staff on site to ensure mistakes are rectified or diverted
• Able to accurately interpret planting plans and design instructions
• Full clean UK driving licence
• Ability to work effectively as part of the team and on your own
• Supervisory and management skills and experience with an ability to supervise and coach inexperienced team member
• Willingness to work flexibly hrs outside of standard hrs as required to get the job done as agreed in advance.
• The ability to produce and maintain accurate & legible records in accordance with company requirements
• Competent in relevant IT and willing to learn and use applicable software

Desirable

• Experience of growing food crops and nursery production ornamentals
• Experience in completing hard landscaping and garden construction
• Experience of working with community projects, volunteer groups or vulnerable people
• CSCS (supervisor level) & SSSTs qualified
• An ability to produce, read and accurately interpret planting plans and garden design instructions
• Level 3 Award in Education and Training
• PA1 & PA6 qualification
• CS30/31 chainsaw qualifications