Head Gardener - WildLand Sutherland

WildLand Limited; Lairg; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Join WildLand Limited as a Head Gardener, responsible for leading the establishment and maintenance of gardens across the scenic Sutherland region. This role offers a unique chance to blend ecological sensitivity with sustainable practices in a breathtaking landscape, contributing significantly to guest experiences and overall conservation efforts.

Benefits

Private medical insurance

Health Cash Plan

Life assurance

Income protection insurance

Critical illness insurance

Cycle to Work scheme

Highlife Gym Membership

Online clothing discount

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a gardening role, ideally in historic gardens.
• Organised and proactive with strong horticultural knowledge.
• Confident supervising others with a full driving license.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the garden team and daily operations.
• Ensure high horticultural standards and health compliance.
• Collaborate with hospitality teams to enhance guest experience.

Skills

Horticulture

Team Leadership

Health & Safety Compliance

Coaching

Collaboration

Education

HNC in Horticulture

RHS Level 3

Job description

One Wild Team

“In nature, nothing stands alone. The whole supports the parts, and at the same time, the parts support the whole. And they do so effortlessly."

Team: Hospitality

Reporting Line: Operations Manager

Location: Working across multiple WildLand sites in the wild north of Sutherland, Scotland

Hours: 45 hours per week; permanent full time

Salary & benefits: Competitive salary, benefits and a great place to work. Driving Licence Required and Own Transport.

The Role

We are seeking a committed and experienced Head Gardener to leadthe development and care of our gardens across the WildLand Sutherland Region, which includes properties such as Kinloch Lodge, Lundies House Hotel and yet to be opened -Hope, as well as staff accommodation gardens, and the wider estate landscapes. These gardens are part of a visionary conservation and hospitality project set within one of the most remote and breath taking areas of Scotland.

This role offers a unique opportunity to work in a landscape that blends natural beauty with thoughtful design and ecological sensitivity. You will align with the RegionalHead Gardner for Cairngorm and Loch Nessin terms of concept and design, and leada small team to maintain and enhance a variety of garden spaces that reflect WildLand’s ethos of sustainability, heritage, and wild beauty.

You will be a key player in ensuringthat the gardens contribute meaningfully to the guest experience and the wider environmental goals of the estate.

Key Responsibilities

1. Be an exemplary leader and team player.
2. Ensure all Health & Safety Compliance in your Team, as well as promoting Wellbeing.
3. Implement the concept and design strategy across Sutherland.
4. Manage thegarden team and daily operations.
5. Take a lead role in coachingand mentoring junior gardeners and seasonal staff.
6. Ensure high horticultural standards are maintained across all areas of the garden.
7. Assist with planning and implementing seasonal tasks and long-term development projects.
8. Ensure consistenttraining and development of the team, sharing knowledge and skills.
9. Work collaboratively with the Hospitality Team to enhance the guest experience.
10. Participate in WildLand’s sustainability and conservation initiatives.

Our People

We attract individuals from all walks of life and of all ages.

What unites us is a shared passion for our 200 year vision, our commitment to putting people first, and working together as a team to inspire our guests and visitors.

Who you are

• A passionate and knowledgeable horticulturist with strong practical gardening skills.
• Experience in a similar role, ideally within a historic or high-profile garden.
• A relevant horticultural qualification (e.g. HNC or RHS Level 3) is preferred.
• Confident in supervising others and working as part of a collaborative team.
• Organised, proactive, and committed to continuous improvement.
• A full driving licence and own transport are essential due to the remote location.

Our Offer

This position is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic and results driven team within a growing company. Alongside competitive pay and pension we offer a range of benefits including:

• Private medical insurance
• Health Cash Plan
• Life assurance
• Income protection insurance
• Critical illness insurance
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Highlife Gym Membership (after qualifying period)
• Online clothing discount

Becoming part of WildLand is an opportunity to make an active and meaningful contribution to a beautiful part of Scotland. Come and make a difference with us.