Head Gardener

A Private Estate is seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Head Gardener to lead the maintenance and ongoing development of our private gardens. Reporting to and working closely with the Landscaping Manager, the successful candidate will oversee a dedicated gardening team and coordinate with external contractors to maintain the estate to the highest standards.

The gardens comprise:

• Extensive formal and informal gardens

• A substantial herbaceous border

• Vegetable and kitchen gardens

• A mature tree-lined avenue

• Manicured lawns and established planting schemes

• Seasonal displays and ornamental features

This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled horticultural professional to take a leading role in the care and enhancement of our gardens.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the day-to-day maintenance of all garden areas to the highest standards.

• Maintain kitchen gardens, herbaceous borders, seasonal displays, hedging, topiary, lawns, and formal gardens.

• Propagate nursery stock, manage seed germination, and grow plants for annual displays and the vegetable garden.

• Undertake tree identification and assist with tree maintenance programmes.

• Develop annual garden work plans and seasonal schedules.

• Manage garden budgets in conjunction with the Landscaping Manager and General Manager.

• Supervise, motivate, and support the garden team, currently comprising four staff and expanding to eight during the summer season.

• Identify training and development needs and support staff progression.

• Assist with recruitment and retention of gardening personnel.

• Ensure all works are carried out safely and in accordance with Health & Safety procedures.

• Operate, maintain, and oversee garden machinery, tools, vehicles, and lifting equipment.

• Liaise effectively with contractors and suppliers.

Essential Requirements

• Proven experience in amenity horticulture and the management of high-quality private or public gardens.

• Demonstrated expertise in kitchen gardens, herbaceous planting, seasonal displays, hedging, topiary, and formal garden maintenance.

• Strong leadership, organisational, and team management skills.

• Excellent plant knowledge and practical horticultural skills.

• Strong understanding of Health & Safety requirements within horticultural operations.

Desirable Qualifications and Certifications

• QQI Level 6 Certificate in Horticulture (or equivalent UK qualification) as a minimum.

• Full driving licence.

• Manual Handling certification.