We are seeking an experienced and skilled Head Gardener to lead our gardens in the Heart of Cornwall portfolio. The successful candidate will have a passion for horticulture and a proven track record of managing and caring for exceptional gardens.
The Head Gardener will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day maintenance and long-term planning of the gardens, as well as leading a team of gardeners and volunteers. They will work closely with the visitor experience team to champion our cause and engage visitors with the beauty and nature of our gardens.
The ideal candidate will have significant practical horticultural experience, supported by appropriate qualifications, and a strong understanding of conservation and historic landscape management. They will also have excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with staff, volunteers, and visitors.
The Head Gardener will be responsible for managing operational risk and compliance requirements, as well as developing and delivering interventions and programming to enhance visitor engagement and drive visitor growth.
They will also be part of the Property Leadership Team, holding accountability for day-to-day maintenance and long-term planning for the gardens. They will set and deliver their own operating and conservation budgets and be responsible for the safety and compliance within the garden.
The garden/office split is anticipated to be 60/40. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including a substantial pension scheme, free entry to National Trust places, and a rental deposit loan scheme.