Head Grounds Person

THE PIG; Brockenhurst; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff stays (free B&B)

Food and treatments discount

Annual leave up to 33 days

Take home goods at cost price

Help@Hand GP/counselling services

Learning & development courses

Job summary

THE PIG in Brockenhurst is seeking a Head Grounds Person to lead the maintenance and development of our gardens in the New Forest. This hands-on role oversees lawns, trees and borders, setting tone for standards while guiding a small team.

You’ll manage day-to-day operations, engage with guests, and contribute to seasonal tasks and special garden projects in a relaxed, natural setting.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a grounds/horticultural role, ideally in a hotel or estate.
• Strong knowledge of plant care, lawn maintenance, pruning and machinery use.
• PA1 & PA6 certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all grounds maintenance including lawns, trees, borders and pathways.
• Plan and implement seasonal garden tasks and schedules.
• Maintain tools, machinery and irrigation systems in safe working order.
• Welcome guests and answer questions about the gardens.
• Carry out animal husbandry duties to increase livestock.
• Support event setups and garden-based projects.

Skills

Grounds maintenance

Lawn care

Tree care

Machinery operation

People management

Guest interaction

Education

PA1/PA6 certification

Tools

Lawn machinery

Irrigation systems

Safety equipment

Job description

Salary: OTE £36,000 p/a inclusive of tronc.

Are you an experienced and passionate horticulturalist with a natural flair for informal, organic landscapes? We’re looking for a Head Grounds Person to lead the maintenance and development of our gardens and grounds in the New Forest

As Head Grounds Person, you'll take ownership of the day-to-day care and presentation of our lawns and trees, ensuring the grounds reflect the relaxed and natural feel that THE PIG in Brockenhurst is known for.

You’ll lead a small but skilled team, setting the tone for standards, consistency, and creativity across the grounds. This is a hands-on role for someone who thrives outdoors, leads by example, and finds beauty in simplicity.

The Role:

• Oversee all grounds maintenance, including lawns, trees, borders, pathways, and general landscape care
• Plan and implement seasonal garden tasks and schedules
• Maintain tools, machinery, and irrigation systems, ensuring all are safe and in good working order
• Welcome guest interaction and be confident answering questions about the gardens
• Carry out animal husbandry duties (We are looking to increase our livestock!)
• Support with event setups and special garden-based projects

What We’re Looking For:

• Significant experience in a similar grounds or horticultural role, ideally within a hotel or estate environment
• Strong knowledge of plant care, lawn maintenance, pruning, and machinery use
• PA1 & PA6 certification (preferred)
• Confident leading a small team and managing day-to-day operations
• Friendly, approachable, and comfortable engaging with guests
• A “hands-in-the-soil” mentality—happy to work in all weather conditions

We are dedicated to making THE PIGs an inspiring, exciting, and fun place to work and in return for your hard work you can expect something a little different:

• Staff stays – free B&B.
• 35% discount on food, beverages & treatments.
• Annual holiday increase (up to 33 days)
• Take home goods – cost price.
• Free access for you and your family to an on-demand GP, Physiotherapy, and counselling services through Help@Hand.
• A range of learning & development courses.
• Anniversary vouchers – dinner with wine for 2.

Home Grown Hotels is committed to encouraging equality, diversity, and inclusion. We are an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against candidates based on any of the protected characteristics set out in the Equalities Act 2010.

Location: THE PIG Hotel, Brockenhurst, Hampshire.Salary: OTE £36,000 p/a inclusive of tronc.Hours: 40 Hours per week over 5 daysAre you an experienced and passionate horticulturalist with a natural flair for…