Head Gardener

Inspired Villages; Bedford, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Head Gardener to lead an expanding grounds team. This role offers the opportunity to manage a beautiful estate while cultivating strong relationships with residents and colleagues. You'll be responsible for all aspects of garden management, ensuring the grounds are well-maintained and vibrant. With a focus on community and personal development, this position promises a fulfilling career where your gardening expertise will shine. Join a workplace that values inclusion, wellbeing, and professional growth.

Benefits

Bupa Health Cashplan

Life Assurance

33 days annual leave

Holiday buying scheme

Big birthdays off

5% matched pension scheme

Retail discounts

Access to SMART tech

Ongoing learning opportunities

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Experience managing grounds of a large estate is essential.
• Strong plant knowledge and communication skills are crucial.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of grounds and garden management.
• Support team in prioritizing work requests from residents.

Skills

Grounds management

Plant knowledge

Health and Safety regulations

Communication skills

Education

Level 3 in Garden Design

Horticulture qualification

Job description

We’re driven by our purpose to build real communities, which enhance the lives of our residents every single day. If you’re looking for a career which means more and gives you more, personally and professionally, there’s a place for you here at Inspired Villages.

In partnership with Legal & General PLC and NatWest Pension Trustee Limited, with hugely ambitious (and very achievable) growth plans, we are seeking a Head Gardener to manage our expanding grounds team.

The role will suit a knowledgeable, confident, and personable Head Gardener who can communicate well with others while managing a large estate. You will be passionate about gardening, whilst developing the function and maintaining relationships with residents, guests and colleagues.

The Role:

• Taking responsibility for all aspects of grounds and garden management across the village
• Managing the team to support prioritising and undertaking of work requests raised by residents and colleagues
• Managing the grounds team rotas to ensure there is enough cover for all aspects of work associated with the team’s duties and responsibilities
• Cultivating the grassed areas, flower beds, hedges, shrubs and borders and hard landscaping areas including drainage clearance, pathways, and steps
• Managing garden pests and weed control
• Assisting residents with horticulture-based queries.

Key Requirements:

• Previous experience managing the grounds of a large estate
• Strong general plant knowledge
• Competent working to Health and Safety and COSHH regulations
• Qualified with a Level 3 in Garden Design, Horticulture (or equivalent) would be desired
• Great communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with ease.

The Benefits:

• Bupa Health Cashplan (including employee assistance program)
• Life Assurance at x4 your annual salary
• 33 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays, pro-rated to your contracted working hours)
• Holiday buying scheme (up to a week's extra leave)
• Big birthdays off (those ending in a 0)
• 5% matched pension scheme
• Retail discounts on a variety of outlets
• Access to SMART tech
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities
• Wellbeing hub and resources; including discounts related to wellbeing interventions
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric car scheme
• Working in an incredible workspace, with a gym, social areas, and parking.

At Inspired Villages, we invite everyone, regardless of background, to join our thriving community. Here, you'll be included, involved, and inspired to contribute your unique talents. We are committed to creating a culture of belonging, where uniqueness is celebrated and you’re inspired to be your best, every day.

More enjoyment. More satisfaction. More like one big family. If you’re looking for a career that means more and gives you more, hit that apply button!