Head of Gardens

Bradfield College; Bradfield; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced gardens management professional to lead their gardens team and shape the visual and ecological character of their expansive grounds. This role involves enhancing and conserving outdoor spaces, managing improvement projects, and aiming for sustainability. Ideal candidates will hold RHS level 3 or equivalent qualifications, possess strong leadership skills, and have a solid understanding of health and safety. Benefits include a contributory pension scheme, subsidized memberships, and more.

Benefits

Contributory workplace pension scheme

Subsidised membership of the College Sports Centre

Access to Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work scheme

Free parking and lunch provided

Qualifications

• Must have experience in gardens management and knowledge of horticulture.
• Capability to undertake physical demands of the role.
• Knowledge of working in conservation areas and AONBs.

Responsibilities

• Lead the gardens team in maintaining and enhancing the college's outdoor spaces.
• Develop seasonal and weather-dependent schedules of work.
• Monitor and manage the preservation of trees.

Skills

Ability to motivate and encourage staff

Organised/methodical overseeing of working schedules

Excellent understanding of health and safety

Education

RHS level 3+ (or equivalent)

IOSH Managing Safely

ILM level 3 or equivalent

Tools

Gardening maintenance machinery operation

Job description

Overview

If you are an experienced gardens management professional, with a reputation for excellence, and thorough knowledge of practical and technical aspects of horticulture, this position offers an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role maintaining, conserving and enhancing the beautiful gardens of Bradfield College and St Andrew's School.

Responsibilities

You will lead the gardens team and play a vital role in shaping the visual and ecological character of Bradfield College's extensive grounds, which span over 280 acres and sit within a designated conservation area and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). You will be responsible for the maintenance, conservation and enhancement of the college's outdoor spaces, including landscaped gardens and woodland areas, preserving the natural charm of the site and providing a tranquil and inspiring setting for pupils, staff, and visitors alike, aligning with Bradfield's ethos of respect for the environment and its role in community wellbeing. Additional responsibilities include the development of seasonal and weather‑dependent schedules of work, the monitoring and management/preservation of trees, managing gardens improvement projects and minimising the impact of garden maintenance activities on the environment to support our environmental sustainability goals.

Qualifications

• RHS level 3+ (or equivalent)
• IOSH Managing Safely and ILM level 3 or equivalent
• Knowledge of working in conservation areas and AONBs
• Ability to motivate and encourage staff
• Organised/methodical and experienced in overseeing working schedules
• Excellent understanding of health and safety and a positive safety culture
• Proficiency in operation and maintenance of gardening maintenance machinery
• A capacity to undertake all aspects of gardens management and the physical demands of the role

Benefits

• Contributory workplace pension scheme and 3× life cover
• Subsidised membership of the College Sports Centre and Golf Club
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• BHSF Health Cash plan
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Electric Vehicle scheme
• Free parking and lunch provided when the College kitchens are open

Apply

For further details and to apply please click the apply button. The closing date for applications is 30 January 2026. Interviews will be held during the week commencing 2 February 2026. If you have any queries about the application process, please contact the HR department at [e-mail]. Bradfield College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening as part of their application, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.