Head Gardener
* Near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
* Scenic work environment with breathtaking landscapes
* On-site parking
* Employee discount at the estate’s sister company
* Monday–Friday schedule (40 hours per week), with occasional weekend availability
This is an exceptional opportunity to lead the gardens of one of the Cotswolds’ most prestigious private estates. Renowned for its stunning parkland, ornamental gardens, and woodlands, this estate has been celebrated in numerous publications for its natural beauty and impeccable design.
We are seeking an experienced and passionate Head Gardener to oversee the estate’s horticultural maintenance and development. Working closely with a long-serving committed team, you will play a pivotal role in bringing the family’s vision to life while maintaining the highest standards of excellence.
Your Role as Head Gardener:
* Guide and mentor a small team of gardeners, fostering a culture of learning and collaboration.
* Oversee tasks such as bed management, hedge cutting, pruning, woodland care, lawn mowing, and other traditional horticultural practices.
* Collaborate with the family and garden designer on projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
* Uphold all health and safety regulations, promoting safe working practices across the team.
* Prepare gardens for key family events, manage annual budgets, and maintain meticulous expense records.
* Lead the creation of exciting new features, including a cutting garden and seasonal kitchen garden.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities:
* Conduct detailed bed work such as weeding, pruning, feeding, mulching, and deadheading.
* Maintain and enhance lawns, ponds, water features, and lakes to ensure vibrant ecosystems.
* Care for greenhouse and nursery plants, soil preparation, pest control, and irrigation systems.
* Oversee garden machinery use, maintenance, and storage.
* Ensure paths, garden structures, and water features are pristine and functional.
About You:
* Relevant horticultural certifications (ideally RHS Level 3 or equivalent).
* Proven success in a similar Head Gardener role, with strong leadership and team management skills.
* Expertise in plant care, hard landscaping, and machinery operation.
* Exceptional attention to detail, clear communication, and the ability to thrive under pressure.
* Physically fit and capable of meeting the demands of this hands-on role.
* Full, clean driving licence with experience driving 4×4 vehicles and towing trailers.
* A proactive, positive attitude with a genuine love for horticulture and environmental stewardship