Head Gardener

Audley Villages; Hungerford; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-life balance

Competitive salary

Company pension

28 days holiday

Discount portal access

Healthcare plan

Job summary

Audley Villages seeks a Head Gardener to lead our grounds team across one of our village sites. You will oversee planting, lawn care and water features, ensuring the grounds present a welcoming, premium environment for owners and guests.

The role requires hands-on leadership, a strong track record in landscaping, and a proactive approach to seasonal tasks and maintenance. A driving licence is essential, with a focus on quality and service.

Qualifications

• Must have experience in landscaping or gardening.
• Experience managing people and teams.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Must hold a current, valid driving licence (Essential).

Responsibilities

• Lead the gardening team to maintain the grounds and gardens.
• Water and feed borders, tubs and shrubs regularly to keep plants healthy.
• Mow lawns and edge beds on a regular cycle (Mar–Nov monthly; winter schedule as advised).
• Keep ponds, water features, paths, drives and forecourts weed-free and clean.
• Trim hedges and pruning of roses and shrubs.
• Maintain a garden log book and ensure high presentation standards.
• Report faulty equipment to the supervisor and comply with safety rules.
• Participate in events/open days and stock takes as required.

Skills

Team management

Communication skills

Organised approach

Driving licence

Job description

We develop and run villages with the wow factor that enhance the lives of our owners, their family and their friends. Through our three brands, Audley Villages, Elysian Residences and Mayfield Villages we offer stylish apartments and houses complete with the best facilities from bistros and bars, to health clubs and swimming pools. And, of course, exceptional service throughout. What's more, through our dedicated care teams we provide owners as well as customers out in the local community with the support they need to remain independent. It's retirement, but not as the UK has known it.

First impressions count, the simple but beautifully presented lawns and landscapes set the scene in our villages. We are just as passionate about nurturing and growing our people as you will be about creating exceptional, scene setting, award winning gardens.

As our Head Gardener you’ll take responsibility for maintaining the landscapes, planting flower beds and the general upkeep of the grounds and gardens. You will ensure that everything is maintained in a good representational order at all times and keeping things “just so” for our owners.

Main Duties:

• Manage the gardening team, to support with the upkeep of our grounds.
• To water and feed all border plants, tubs and shrubs on a regular basis to ensure healthy and vigorous plants.
• To cut lawn and bed edges at least every 8 days during the months of March to November and at least four times during the winter months.
• To keep all ponds, water features, paths, patios, drives and forecourts and roads etc. weed free and clean. All areas to be regularly swept /tidied.
• To trim hedges and shrubs as required.
• To rake up leaves in the winter period.
• To prune and thin plants roses, shrubs and small trees mainly in the winter period.
• To maintain a garden log book.
• To maintain a high standard of presentation.
• To report any faulty or damaged equipment or machinery to the person in charge.
• To participate in any theme events/open days for owners.
• To participate in stock taking as required.
• To use the correct equipment/appliances/tools as instructed by the manufacturers.
• To maintain at all times a professional relationship with owners and/or their next of kin/representative and to maintain this relationship within professional boundaries.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Must hold a current, valid driving licence (Essential)
• Experience of working in the landscaping or gardening sector.
• Experience of managing people
• A ‘can do’ attitude and an organised approach that ensures things get done.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Self-motivated and driven by standards and results.
• Eager to learn and develop.
• Hands on and flexible approach to daily duties and shift patterns.
• Warm, professional and empathetic.

In Return You Will Receive:

• Work life balance
• Competitive salary
• Company pension scheme, with a 5% company contribution
• 28 days holiday (inclusive bank holidays)
• 50% discount on food and drinks at all of our restaurants nationwide
• Guest suites at staff rates at all of our luxury villages nationwide
• Excellent learning and development opportunities
• Free membership to our employee discount portal with access to discounts at all major retailers.
• Free membership to our Healthcare Cash Plan Scheme
• Refer a friend bonus scheme
• Free uniform and a lot more…

Audley Group is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. See also ‘DE&I policy/statement’