Head Gardener

Location: Private Estate, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois, Ireland
Reports to: Estate Manager
Salary: Competitive salary and benefits, based on experience
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

About the Role
We are seeking a passionate and experienced Head Gardener to lead the horticultural operations on a prestigious and historically significant private estate in Abbeyleix, Co. Laois. Situated on a thousand acres of parkland along the River Nore in County Laois, Abbeyleix House and Farm is a carefully preserved country estate with hundreds of years of history.

The property includes formal gardens, woodlands, walled gardens, lawns, herbaceous borders, kitchen gardens, and parkland, requiring a combination of skilled maintenance and thoughtful development.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a horticultural professional with leadership experience, strong plant knowledge, and a deep respect for both heritage and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the day-to-day care, restoration, and development of diverse garden areas across the estate.
• Lead, supervise, and motivate a team of gardeners, apprentices, and seasonal workers to maintain the highest horticultural standards across the estate.
• Plan and implement planting schemes, seasonal displays, and landscape improvements in line with the estate’s aesthetic and ecological values.
• Oversee the kitchen garden team, supplying seasonal produce to the household as required.
• Ensure all horticultural practices support biodiversity, soil health, and sustainable management.
• Monitor plant health, pests, and diseases; implement environmentally responsible control measures.
• Operate and maintain garden machinery and tools, ensuring safety protocols are followed.
• Manage garden budgets, maintain records, and source plants, tools, and materials.
• Work closely with the Estate Manager, household staff, and external contractors when necessary.
• Plan and allocate daily, weekly, and seasonal tasks, ensuring efficient use of time and resources.
• Provide on-the-job training and guidance to less experienced staff, fostering skill development and horticultural knowledge.
• Create a tailored training program for all gardening staff, from apprentices to experienced gardeners, based on their skill levels and the estate's needs.
• Monitor team performance, provide regular feedback, and ensure a positive and professional working environment.
• Conduct team meetings and liaise with the Estate Manager to align gardening work with broader estate operations and priorities.
• Ensure that all team members are trained in workplace safety protocols, including safe handling of tools, machinery, chemicals, and working in adverse weather conditions.
• Ensure all staff follow health and safety procedures, including the correct use of tools, machinery, and chemicals.
• Recruit additional seasonal or contract staff as needed, in consultation with the Estate Manager.
• Support estate events or public open days as appropriate.

Requirements:

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a senior gardening or head gardener role, ideally on a large private or historic estate.
• Experience managing a horticultural team
• Recognised horticultural qualification (e.g., Level 5+ or equivalent).
• Strong knowledge of Irish climate and planting conditions.
• Experience with heritage garden maintenance, formal and informal planting and
  productive growing.
• Experience of garden design would be a distinct advantage.
• Successful track record in leading, developing and motivating employees.
• Passion, energy and commitment with high personal integrity and a practical, pragmatic and hardworking presence with the flexibility required for the role.
• A strong and self-confident team player with a collaborative and facilitative leadership style.
• Excellent, effective and confident communication skills - face-to-face, on the phone and in writing with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ability to work on own initiative, innovatively and think outside the box to drive projects forward.
• An ability to prioritise objectives and meet deadlines.
• Strong IT skills, including Word, Excel, and CAD.
• PA1/PA6 Spraying Certification (or Irish equivalent).
• Chainsaw cert

This position now includes a robust and supportive benefits package to complement the already prestigious and fulfilling role:

• Pension Scheme – A structured retirement plan with employer contributions to help you secure your financial future.

• VHI Health Insurance – Provides comprehensive medical coverage, including hospital care, consultations, and access to 24/7 support services.

• Income Protection – Financial security in case of illness or injury that might interrupt your ability to work.

• Life Assurance – Term coverage offering peace of mind, ensuring your family is protected if needed.