Live out Head Gardener, nr Winchester £40k gross pa

Katherine Shields Private Staff Ltd; Winchester; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Katherine Shields Private Staff Ltd in Hampshire near Winchester is seeking an experienced Head Gardener to lead day-to-day maintenance and development of a 20-acre private family estate. The role focuses on planting, lawn care, fruit and vegetable gardens, and managing grounds contractors.

This hands-on position requires initiative, practical planning, and the ability to work independently. RHS Level 3 or equivalent is desirable, with machinery experience, a UK driving licence, and relevant

Qualifications

• Proven horticultural knowledge for large private gardens/estates.
• Ability to plan seasonally and develop garden spaces.
• RHS Level 3 or equivalent; desirable for the role.
• UK driving licence is essential; driving duties may be required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day maintenance and development of 20-acre estate.
• Plan planting, pruning, propagation, and bed/lawn care.
• Develop productive fruit/vegetable/herb gardens for household use.
• Manage trees, hedges, woodland, paddocks and lake surrounds.
• Operate and maintain garden machinery; general groundskeeping.

Skills

Horticultural knowledge

Estate management

Planting and pruning

Independent worker

Education

RHS Level 3 or equivalent

Tools

Machinery operation

Tractor operation

PA1/PA6 qualifications

Job description

Live out Head Gardener, nr Winchester £40k gross pa

Full time | Katherine Shields Private Staff Ltd | United Kingdom

Job Information

Job Opening ID ZR_988_JOB

Work Experience 4-5 years

City Winchester

Job Description

An excellent opportunity for an experienced, hands‑on Head Gardener to take responsibility for a beautiful 20-acre private family estate in the Hampshire countryside.

The estate features established and developing gardens, lawns, mature woodland, fruit trees, vegetable‑growing areas, animal paddocks and a substantial lake. With significant investment planned in planting, landscaping, irrigation and machinery, this is an exciting opportunity for someone to help shape and develop the grounds long term.

The Role

The successful candidate will oversee the day-to-day maintenance and development of the gardens and wider estate, including:

• Horticultural planning, planting, pruning, propagation and maintaining beds, borders and lawns.
• Developing productive fruit, vegetable and herb gardens to supply fresh produce for the household.
• Managing fruit trees, hedges, woodland, paddocks and the lake’s surrounding areas.
• Composting, soil improvement, irrigation and encouraging biodiversity.
• Operating and maintaining garden machinery and undertaking general groundskeeping, handyman and estate maintenance tasks.
• Organising part‑time gardening assistance and overseeing contractors where required.

This is a practical, hands‑on position requiring someone who can work independently, plan seasonally, identify what needs doing and proactively suggest improvements. Specialist contractors will be engaged where necessary.

The Ideal Candidate

You will have excellent horticultural knowledge and experience managing substantial private gardens or estates, with a genuine passion for plants, productive growing and working outdoors.

RHS Level 3 or equivalent is desirable, alongside machinery experience and a full UK driving licence. PA1/PA6, chainsaw or tractor qualifications would be beneficial.

Trustworthiness, discretion, initiative and excellent references are essential. We are looking for someone practical, reliable and keen to take pride in developing the estate over the long term.

Hours:

Approximately 40 hours per week, with some weekend work required.