Head of Gardens

Bradfield College; Burghfield Common; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in England is seeking a Head of Gardens to lead the gardens team, manage the maintenance and enhancement of outdoor spaces, and foster environmental sustainability. The role requires experience in garden management, knowledge of conservation areas, and essential qualifications including RHS level 3+ and IOSH Managing Safely. Competitive benefits are provided, including a pension scheme and subsidised memberships. Applications close on 30 January 2026.

Benefits

Contributory workplace pension scheme and life cover

Subsidised membership of the College Sports Centre and Golf Club

Employee Assistance programme

Health Cash plan

Cycle to Work scheme

Electric Vehicle scheme

Free parking and lunch provision

Qualifications

• Significant experience in garden management and horticulture.
• Understanding of conservation areas and environmental sustainability.
• Experience with managing work schedules and teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the gardens team and shape the ecological character of the grounds.
• Maintain, conserve, and enhance outdoor spaces.
• Develop seasonal work schedules and manage gardens improvement projects.

Skills

Horticulture expertise

Garden management experience

Health and safety knowledge

Staff motivation skills

Machinery operation and maintenance

Education

RHS level 3+

IOSH Managing Safely

ILM level 3 or equivalent

Job description

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.

The Role

As Head of Gardens, 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 Bradfield 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 will include the development of seasonal and weather dependent schedules of work, the monitoring and management/preservation of trees, in addition to managing gardens improvement projects and minimising the impact of gardens maintenance activities on the environment to support our environmental sustainability goals.

About You

In addition to your garden management experience and horticulture expertise, you will also possess considerable knowledge of working in conservation areas and AONB’s.

An RHS level 3+, IOSH Managing Safely and ILM level 3 or equivalent, are essential qualifications for this role.

You will also have the ability to motivate and encourage staff and will be organised/methodical and used to overseeing working schedules, and will demonstrate an excellent understanding of health and safety and actively promote a positive culture towards it throughout your role.

Proficiency in the operation and maintenance of gardening maintenance machinery is equally important.

You will also need to be capable of undertaking all aspects of gardens management and the physical challenges of the role.

Benefits of working at Bradfield College

Bradfield College offers a variety of benefits, such as:

• Contributory workplace pension scheme and 3 x 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

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.

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.