Head of Gardens

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

Job summary

A prestigious independent school in Spencers Wood seeks a Head of Gardens to manage their extensive grounds and enhance their visual and ecological character. The candidate will be responsible for leading the gardens team, developing work schedules, and ensuring alignment with environmental sustainability goals. Ideal applicants will have management experience, horticulture knowledge, and relevant qualifications such as RHS level 3+ and IOSH Managing Safely.

Benefits

Contributory workplace pension scheme

Subsidised membership of the Sports Centre

Access to Employee Assistance programme

Health Cash plan

Cycle to Work scheme

Electric Vehicle scheme

Free parking and lunch provided

Qualifications

• Experience managing gardens and teams.
• Thorough knowledge of horticulture practices.
• Ability to work within conservation areas and AONB.

Responsibilities

• Lead the gardens team for maintenance and enhancement of grounds.
• Develop and manage seasonal work schedules.
• Oversee gardens improvement projects.

Skills

Gardens management experience

Horticulture expertise

Knowledge of conservation areas

Health and safety knowledge

Motivational skills

Education

RHS level 3+

IOSH Managing Safely

ILM level 3 or equivalent

Tools

Gardening maintenance machinery

Job description

Job Overview

As Head of Gardens, you will lead the gardens team and play a 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.

Candidate Profile

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. 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.

About Bradfield College

Founded in 1850 by Thomas Stevens, and set in the village of Bradfield amidst unspoilt Berkshire countryside, Bradfield College enjoys a well-established reputation for being one of the country's leading co‑educational, independent schools through its provision of academic excellence and a well‑rounded education. The College welcomes pupils from Britain and overseas; the pupil body numbers approximately 850 pupils, comprising 350 girls and 500 boys from 13 to 18 years of age. Boys and girls enter Bradfield at 13+ and many more join the College's popular and vibrant Sixth Form, where they can choose to study either the IB or A Levels. Faulkner's, a state‑of‑the‑art boarding house, is specially designed to help all girls and boys make a happy and successful transition from prep school (we recruit from more than 70) to senior school; pupils then move into one of 11 senior houses. We offer an unrivaled sports and activities programme for all our pupils which ensures that every girl and boy has the opportunity to develop valuable skills outside the classroom, wherever their interests lie.

Job Requirements

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

Benefits

• 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