Hotel Head Gardener

Quest Employment; St Albans; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday: 28 days

Staff discounts across F&B and hotel

Spa discount

On duty meals

Staff events & referral bonus

Job summary

Quest Employment is seeking a Head Gardener for a luxury Georgian country house hotel estate in Hertfordshire. You will lead the design, management, and year‑round upkeep of the 12‑acre grounds, working with hotel ownership on long‑term development and coordinating a small team to maintain exceptional grounds and a premium guest experience.

The role focuses on horticultural care, garden design, budget oversight, health and safety, and collaboration with external contractors to deliver

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years gardening experience, with supervisory exposure in luxury settings.

Responsibilities

• Plan, oversee care programs for plants/trees, landscaping projects, irrigation, border care.

Skills

Horticultural knowledge

Team leadership

Garden design

Propagation & soil management

Budget management

Health & safety

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture

PA1/PA6 spraying certificates

Chainsaw license

Tools

Spraying certificates PA1/PA6

Chainsaw license

Job description

Location: St Albans

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: Competitive (Depending on Experience)

About the Property

Set within 12 acres of pristine Hertfordshire countryside, our family‑owned Georgian country house hotel offers a luxury escape defined by elegance and tranquillity. Our exterior grounds are a central highlight of the guest experience, serving as a peaceful sanctuary for visitors, outdoor dining, and high‑end events. We are now seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Head Gardener to take full stewardship of our outdoor spaces, maintaining and developing our landscaped grounds to the highest standard.

The Role

As Head Gardener, you will take ownership of the design, management, and year‑round upkeep of our 12‑acre estate. Working closely with hotel ownership on long‑term grounds development, you will lead a small, dedicated team to maintain exceptional horticultural standards, enhancing the natural beauty and luxury feel of the venue.

Key Responsibilities

• Horticultural Care & Design: Plan, execute, and oversee comprehensive care programs covering plant and tree maintenance, landscaping projects, seed and cutting propagation, irrigation, weeding, and border care.

• Grounds Maintenance: Oversee and execute high‑standard mowing, strimming, hedge trimming, and overall maintenance of garden pathways, car parks, and outdoor facilities.

• Team Leadership: Manage, mentor, and schedule a core team of two gardeners, fostering a productive and motivated working environment.

• Project & Budget Management: Deliver garden improvement projects on schedule and within budget, coordinating with external contractors and specialist labor when required.

• Long‑Term Estate Development: Partner with executive management and property owners to propose and implement creative enhancements across the 12‑acre site.

• Health & Safety: Maintain strict compliance with relevant site safety, COSHH, and environmental regulations.

Candidate Profile

• Experience: Minimum 5 years of professional gardening experience, ideally with prior experience in a head or supervisory role within luxury hospitality, private estates, or public grounds.

• Horticultural Expertise: Exceptional plant knowledge with proven practical skills in propagation, soil management, and estate design.

• Qualifications: NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture (or equivalent) is desirable. PA1/PA6 spraying certificates and a valid chainsaw license are preferred.

• Attributes: Self‑motivated, highly organized, and physically fit, with an eye for detail and the creative vision needed to keep luxury estate grounds immaculate year‑round.

• Legislation: Solid working knowledge of Health & Safety standards relevant to groundskeeping and equipment operation.

Benefits Package

• Holiday: 28 days annual leave plus an extra paid day off for your birthday.

• Dining & Stay Perks: Generous staff discounts across Food & Beverage, hotel accommodation, and affiliated luxury property groups.

• Spa & Wellness: 30% discount on spa treatments/days and 10% off retail spa products.

• On Duty Meals: Fresh meals provided during working shifts.

• Socials & Rewards: Annual staff recognition award nights, team events, and a lucrative "Introduce a Friend" referral bonus.

Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in the UK.