Head Grower (full-time, permanent contract)

New Covent Garden Market; Banbury; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Head Grower to lead the production of cut flowers and foliage in a historic estate. This hands-on role requires extensive gardening experience, a creative eye, and the ability to manage seasonal planting and crop sourcing sustainably. The ideal candidate will thrive in a dynamic environment, working closely with a dedicated team to ensure high-quality blooms year-round. If you have a passion for gardening and a commitment to sustainable practices, this is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact in a vibrant setting.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in growing cut flowers.
• Strong knowledge of seasonal planting and management.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of the cutting garden, ensuring high standards.
• Create annual planting plans and source crops sustainably.
• Implement composting and sustainable practices.

Skills

Hands-on gardening experience

Seasonal planning

Management skills

Knowledge of plant species

Communication skills

Flexibility in working hours

Job description

The Head Grower is a hands-on gardening and management role focused on the production of cut flowers and foliage. This talented plantsperson will oversee and attend to the day-to-day needs of our cut flower production within the grounds of a historic estate, working closely with the Operations Manager and floristry team at Naum Flower.

Responsibilities:

1. Garden and manage all aspects of the cutting garden – including maintenance, propagation, planting, pruning, staking, weeding, and picking, ensuring that our produce meets our existing high standards.
2. Work with the team to create annual planting plans, reflecting on each season to move forward to the next.
3. Sourcing crops and adhering to organic and regenerative no-dig or minimum-till systems.
4. Implement composting and sustainable practices such as rotational planning and use of green manures.
5. Implement new infrastructure as needed with requisite budgeting and quoting.

The Head Grower must have extensive hands-on experience with productive gardens and cut flowers, knowledge of species and their needs relative to the vagaries of the weather and seasonal flow. The productive gardens must generate blooms throughout all periods of the season, and each year requires strategic analysis and evaluation of what has performed well - both in the garden and the vase.

Minimum Requirements:

1. At least three years’ experience growing cut flowers in a productive garden.
2. Strong seasonal planning and species-specific planting knowledge.
3. Refined management skills and experience in glasshouse and polytunnel production.
4. A creative and visual eye.
5. A can-do attitude and the ability to work in all weather, planning around soil health and picking schedules.
6. Full UK manual driving licence and comfort with regularly driving the business van.
7. Highly organised, responsible, positive, a strong communicator, and flexible with working hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends.

Salary: Dependent on experience.
Hours: Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week.

For more information, please contact [e-mail]