Head Gardener

Exceed Human Resource Consultants; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 480,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Exceed Human Resource Consultants is seeking a senior horticulture/garden operations leader to direct a large team and oversee all garden and agricultural activities at a prominent site in the Western Cape. The role emphasizes high horticultural standards, guest experiences, and proactive project delivery.

You will manage budgets, supervise about 70 staff, and drive irrigation, fertilisation, pest management, and new landscaping initiatives while coordinating tours and workshops for visitors.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership experience with the ability to manage and motivate a large, diverse team.
• Proven knowledge of fruit and vegetable production.
• Knowledge of irrigation systems and drainage.
• Proven project and contract management experience.
• Understanding of tourism operations and logistical planning.
• Excellent organisational, planning, leadership, and team-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and inspire the garden team to maintain exceptional standards.
• Manage and support a diverse team of approximately 70 employees.
• Oversee the maintenance and efficient use of garden and farm equipment.
• Develop and manage fertilisation and integrated pest management programmes.
• Plan, implement, and monitor irrigation systems to ensure optimal plant growth.
• Lead the development and implementation of new landscaping and garden projects.
• Manage departmental budgets responsibly and efficiently.
• Oversee fruit and vegetable production and ensure high horticultural standards.
• Share horticultural knowledge through workshops and gardening presentations for visitors and teams.
• Contribute to an exceptional visitor experience while continuously improving garden operations.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Irrigation

Fruit/vegetable production

Facility/Operations planning

Budget management

Planning and organising

Education

Relevant academic qualification

Job description

Reference:11330 MLR Consultant:Michelle le Roux

Job Description:

• Lead, develop, and inspire the garden team to maintain exceptional standards.
• Manage and support a diverse team of approximately 70 employees.
• Oversee the maintenance and efficient use of garden and farm equipment.
• Develop and manage fertilisation and integrated pest management programmes.
• Plan, implement, and monitor irrigation systems to ensure optimal plant growth.
• Lead the development and implementation of new landscaping and garden projects.
• Manage departmental budgets responsibly and efficiently.
• Oversee fruit and vegetable production and ensure high horticultural standards.
• Share horticultural knowledge through workshops and gardening presentations for visitors and teams.
• Contribute to an exceptional visitor experience while continuously improving garden operations.

Qualifications:

• Relevant academic qualification.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in horticulture or agriculture.
• Proven experience managing a successful garden or agricultural operation at a senior level.
• Strong leadership experience with the ability to manage and motivate a large, diverse team.
• Sound knowledge of fruit and vegetable production.
• Knowledge of irrigation systems and drainage.
• Proven project and contract management experience.
• Understanding of tourism operations and logistical planning.
• Excellent organisational, planning, leadership, and team-building skills.
• Good computer skills.
• Passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences.
• Energetic, positive, innovative, and committed to continuous improvement.