Head of Gardens

Bradfield College; Reading; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A private educational institution in Reading seeks a Head of Gardens to lead the team in maintaining and enhancing extensive outdoor spaces. The ideal candidate will have significant gardening management experience, knowledge in horticulture, and relevant qualifications such as RHS level 3+. Benefits include a contributory pension scheme and subsidised sports memberships. The closing date for applications is 4 December 2025.

Benefits

Contributory workplace pension scheme

Subsidised membership to sports centre and golf club

Access to Employee Assistance programme

BHSF Health Cash plan

Cycle to Work scheme

Electric Vehicle scheme

Free parking and lunch provided

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in gardens management and horticulture.
• Ability to oversee working schedules and manage a team effectively.
• Proficiency in operating and maintaining gardening machinery.

Responsibilities

• Lead the gardens team and maintain the gardens of the college.
• Shape the visual and ecological character of the grounds.
• Develop seasonal work schedules and manage garden improvement projects.

Skills

Gardening management

Knowledge of horticulture

Staff motivation

Health and safety

Knowledge of conservation areas

Education

RHS level 3+

IOSH Managing Safely

ILM level 3 or equivalent

Tools

Gardening machinery

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 Andrews 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, whichspan 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 AONBs.

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 4 December 2025.

Interviews will be held during the week commencing 8 December 2025.

Applications will be processed as they are received and we may interview suitable candidates before the closing date; therefore early application is advised.

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.