Head of Nursery Garden
£38,000 - £42,000 per annum plus annual performance bonus and fantastic benefits
40 hours per week over 5 days
As this role involves guest engagement, you are welcome to send us a video telling us why you'd like to join our team, to support your application. These can be added as a link to your CV or emailed to recruitment@thenewtinsomerset.com
A driving license is required for this role
www.thenewtinsomerset.com
Our Head of Nursery
We are seeking a dynamic and skilled Head of Nursery to oversee
and develop all aspects of our Nursery operations at Avalon Farm. As a key anchor, you will
support the seasonal needs of the Garden Team and project requirements across
the business by propagating and cultivating a diverse range of plant material.
You and your team will uphold the highest standards in all aspects of
horticulture and propagation, from strict plant hygiene practices to
implementing a comprehensive IPM system as well as maximising the use of available
facilities. This role requires a candidate with experience in public-facing
gardens and a strong background in propagation.
In addition, you will hold financial responsibility for managing
horticultural budgets, sourcing plants for retail, and supporting broader
business initiatives. You will also be responsible for
ensuring the safety of your team and maintain strict health and safety and
compliance records.
As a member of the Senior Horticulture Team, the Head of Nursery
will play a crucial role beyond managing the Nursery. This position involves
proactively identifying opportunities for upskilling the development across all
Horticultural departments, fostering clear and effective communication with key
stakeholders, and enhancing overall performance and effectiveness across the
board. You will also collaborate regularly with the Head Gardener, participate
in ad-hoc meetings, and deputise as needed.
The Head of Nursery should be confident in engaging with guests by
leading workshops, tours, and events, and working closely with apprentices to
foster an inclusive, educational environment. With Avalon Farm now open to the guests,
it’s essential that the Nursery and surrounding areas meet a high standard of
presentation, actively supporting both the guest experience and The Newt’s
mission.
Key Responsibilities
* Nursery Operations: Manage and
oversee daily operations of the Nursery, ensuring plant health, quality, and
alignment with the needs of the Estate.
* Collaboration: Act as a key
link between Nursery and Garden Teams, coordinating plant orders, schedules,
and sourcing as required by each department.
* Plant Collections: Curate,
develop, and expand significant plant collections, including the South African
collection and Hadspen raised plants. Collaborate with Babylonstoren and other
international institutions to advance the collection, ensuring compliance with
CITES and plant passport regulations.
* Propagation and Retail: Oversee
propagation, production, and retail selection, including unique Hadspen-raised
plants. Ensure retail offerings align with seasonal demand and Estate
aesthetics.
* Team Leadership: Lead and
develop a skilled team, providing training, motivation, and guidance to
maintain high standards of horticulture.
* Guest Engagement: Create and
lead workshops, tours, and events to engage guests, enhance their experience,
and promote the Nursery’s mission.
* Planning and Budgeting: Manage
planning, scheduling, and budgeting processes to support seasonal and long-term
objectives.
* Senior Team Participation: Actively participate in ad-hoc meetings with Horticultural
departments and contribute to cross-departmental initiatives. Demonstrate
leadership and professionalism as a Senior Team member.
What we can offer
* A
positive workplace environment with opportunities to develop both personally
and professionally.
* Stay in shape with
complimentary use of our gym and wellbeing classes
* Look
after your wellbeing with complimentary access to our Spa and swimming
pools and our exclusive benefit of 50% off Spa Treatments.
* Enjoy
shopping in both our shops on estate and online with 30% discount for
all our colleagues and free delivery for any online purchases.
* Discover exclusive
perks with our discounted hotel stays for staff, accompanied by a
fantastic 30% discount at our restaurants.
* Complimentary garden
membership for the Newt and our partner gardens including the Eden
Project, Kew Gardens and The Lost Gardens of Heligan
* Complimentary meal
whilst on shift, created using fresh produce from our estate
by our dedicated staff food chefs
* We value your hard work and recognise your achievements through our colleague
recognition programme “Newt Awards” with the opportunity to
achieve a variety of amazing rewards including a complimentary Hotel Stay.
* Support from
our Employee Assistance Programme for both yourself and your
family
* A
team that knows how to have fun with monthly team activities and
Estate-wide team events
* Access your earnings at anytime with Wagestream, with access to nationwide
brand discounts
* Up
to 30 days annual leave each year for our full-time team
What we're looking for
* Nursery and Horticultural Expertise: Extensive experience managing a high-standard nursery in a public
horticultural setting, with broad expertise in growing and propagating diverse range
of plants both undercover and outdoors, supported by relevant Horticultural
qualifications.
* Leadership and Team Management: Proven
ability to lead a team of up to 5, combining hands-on involvement with strong
leadership skills to motivate and engage team members, supported by excellent
communication and interpersonal abilities that foster a collaborative work
environment.
* Guest Engagement and Public Relations: Skilled in engaging with guests through tours, workshops, and
events, and confident in acting as an ambassador for The Newt, representing the
Nursery to external audiences and media.
* Organisational and Administrative Skills: Highly organised and detail-oriented, with strong IT skills for
efficient management and record-keeping, along with a full and clean UK driving
license.
* Additional Qualifications: PA1 & PA6
certification preferred.
Who are we - The Newt in Somerset
Nestled within an expanse of rolling fields and
steeped in ancient history, our luxury country estate stands as a haven of
refined elegance, inviting guests to explore acres of captivating gardens,
meandering pathways, and enriching exhibitions - accessible 364 days a year for
our members. Our hotel extends a warm welcome, offering a home-away-from-home
experience where impeccable service flourishes in an ambiance of unassuming
sophistication. Beyond the estate, the Newt's essence remains tangible, with
our Ecommerce teams delivering our finest products to homes, while media and
membership endeavours keep them informed of our latest developments. Behind the
scenes, a tapestry of talented teams - from Housekeeping to HR, Finance to
Farming - collaborates harmoniously, crafting an unforgettable journey of
growth, development, and innovation, where every contribution creates
unparalleled experiences.
INDOP