Head Gardener

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Head Gardener
Salary: £25,935 pa

Head Gardener

£25,935 pa

Permanent f/t (37.5 hrs pw)

Montacute

Ref. IRC60345

Summary

We are looking to recruit a rare breed of horticultural brilliance – a Head Gardener with a wealth of experience, a creative and artistic eye, sound plant knowledge and inspirational leadership skills.

This post will be required to take part on a roster to provide daily cover as key point of contact for escalation of emergency and security issues or customer complaints. There will also be weekend working.

What it's like to work here

South Somerset Portfolio comprises of four pay for entry properties, Montacute House, Barrington Court, Lytes Cary Manor and Tintinhull Gardens, with approximately 385,000 visitors per annum. We take pride in the fact that we have the first and second houses the National Trust acquired as well as the first garden.

In the portfolio we also have Stoke Priory, Treasurers House, Priests House and Stembridge Mill which are all open to the public on a limited opening; these are run by tenants and volunteers. As addition to this we have Michaels Hill monument as well as approximately 700 hectares of countryside. The majority of what we do is internally funded which means that each property is reliant on the other properties performing well in order for us to tackle some of our longer standing conservation issues. We take a one team approach and share best practice and knowledge to ensure our visitors have an exceptional experience. We work collaboratively with our peers, consultants and the wider Trust so that decisions are made with all the accurate information to ensure a ‘Think Long Term’ approach.

Montacute House is a masterpiece of Elizabethan Renaissance architecture, surrounded by the beautiful gardens and immersed in the natural beauty of the parkland. The towering walls of glass, the glow of ham stone, the architectural design of house and garden and the quality of collections create a place of beauty. Montacute House has the most significant number of visitors in the portfolio, with approximately 160,000 visitors a year. This is the largest visitor business in South Somerset and therefore generates the majority of our much needed revenue.

Due to the nature of the building and the importance of the collection it is imperative that Montacute House has a visitor experience that is sympathetic to the fragility of the building but offers an exceptional experience every time. The property has grown significantly over the last 10 years and therefore the operational business needs a new look. The property comprises of the main house, formal gardens, orchards, parkland and other structures including St Michaels Hill monument. Montacute House has key partnerships, one of which is with the National Portrait Gallery, as we are home to a collection of their portraits in the Long Gallery.

What you'll be doing

In this operational role as Head Gardener, you'll be based at Montacute House but may be asked to support the other South Somerset properties.

Using your people management skills, you'll create a highly performing, effective and motivated team with clear delegated responsibility. You'll be managing all of the garden teams, staff and volunteers. As part of this you'll be looking after your teams development plans and will carry out performance development reviews with all direct line reports.

Within the garden team, you'll provide leadership and clear decision making. Working closely with other Head of Departments, you'll ensure that the property delivers the visitor experience and property plans to a high standard. You'll be responsible for the key performance indicators within your department on site in finance, conservation, visitor experience, energy and people. You're an excellent team player and will work collaboratively to develop property plans and inform the portfolio business plan, working with key stakeholders to ensure the property delivers them as agreed. You'll work as part of the Head of Department team; a decision making group responsible for setting the direction across the properties. The group aims to challenge and discuss contentious issues, as well as support the General Manager in the delivery of the Property Business Plans, and helps to find solutions to any issues regardless of role or responsibility. You'll be accountable for the delivery of the property risk plans and the environmental management systems for your department at the properties.

You'll work closely with the ranger team to ensure the outdoors is of a high standard, and adhering to the procedures and guidelines set out by the National Trust. You'll help to engage the property team in the National Trust strategies, as well as the property plans, ensuring that the team have a rewarding experience in their time with us. You'll also be accountable for the day to day management of the biomass boiler. Working with the Operational Manager to set the annual budgets and 5 year financial plans, you'll be accountable for the management of your budgets adhering to the National Trust framework.

Who we're looking for

To deliver this role successfully you will need;

Significant practical experience in horticulture, supported by appropriate qualifications to RHS level 3 (or equivalent level of vocational experience)
Experience of organising garden activities which enhance garden visits
Leadership skills including coaching, team development, motivation and communication
Good people skills enabling strong relationships to be built and maintained both externally and internally
Proven track record of managing budgets, finances and small projects
Experience in managing small contracts
Good written and verbal communication skills including public presentation, influencing and negotiating.
Knowledge of all Health & Safety and Compliance requirements relevant to horticulture

The package

Looking after you

Health cash plan – from as little as £2.81 per month for you and your dependents
Pension contribution match up to 10%
EAP and proactive Health and Wellbeing
Discounted gym membership

Looking after your career