Nursery Manager
From horticruitment
An incredible opportunity has arisen for a skilled plantsperson and experienced Gardener to join a prestigious private estate based in Barbados. This role offers the chance to work within a beautifully designed and recently planted garden setting, while playing an important part in the next phase of the garden’s development, under the direction of the Head Gardener. For those with a love of plants, a desire to be part of an amazing project and to make a lasting impact in a tropical setting, this position offers a truly enviable career move.
Currently the estate spans an impressive 250-acres, yet this is continuously expanding. It comprises of a wide variety of distinct and beautifully maintained garden spaces and departments. These include formal lawns, herbaceous borders, orchards filled with diverse fruit trees, cutting gardens, ornamental beds, a produce garden focused on organic cultivation, and a private nursery. Further features include fishponds, water features, structured landscapes, and a beachside section. The estate is also actively committed to sustainable practices, aiming to maintain organic standards, implement composting initiatives, and introduce new plant and fruit tree species.
The owner has ambitious and exciting plans for the continued development and investment in the gardens, with significant expenditure planned with the view to creating a fantastic legacy garden. The Garden Supervisor will play a key role in supporting the Head Gardener, future plans on a practical level, helping to implement new planting, maintain evolving areas, and ensure that all developments are cared for and presented to an exceptional standard as they mature.
Alongside the newly appointed Head Gardener, the gardening team currently comprises around twenty members, including both permanent and temporary staff. While the majority of the team possess basic horticultural knowledge, some operate largely as labourers. As a result, a skilled and knowledgeable gardener is required to lead, guide, and train the team, as well as to manage the department. This support will allow the Head Gardener to focus on the continued expansion and strategic development of the estate.
Reporting to the Head Gardener our client is looking for a highly knowledgeable candidate to manage the estates own private nursery. This is a senior, hands-on horticultural role responsible for the production and management of a wide and diverse range of plants within a private nursery, while also taking responsibility for the care and development of a formal garden with an exceptional plant collection. Working closely with the Head Gardener and wider estate team, the Garden Supervisor will play a key role in supporting ongoing garden development projects, future planting schemes and the long-term horticultural vision of the estate.
The Garden Supervisor will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operation and management of the estate’s private nursery, ensuring the successful propagation and growth of a diverse range of tropical and subtropical plants. This role requires leading and motivating a team of gardeners, providing hands-on training, guidance, and support to enhance their horticultural skills and maintain high standards across all garden areas. Working closely with the Head Gardener, the Supervisor will assist with the implementation and maintenance of planting schemes, pest and disease control, irrigation, and fertilisation programs, all tailored to the specific needs of the estate’s unique plant collections. The post holder will also coordinate maintenance schedules, manage nursery inventory, and contribute to the execution of new garden projects, with a strong emphasis on sustainable and organic practices. Reporting regularly to the Head Gardener, the Garden Supervisor will play a key role in ensuring the estate’s horticultural vision is achieved to an exceptional standard.
The ideal candidate will have extensive hands-on experience in horticulture, ideally within tropical or subtropical environments, with demonstrable expertise in nursery management and plant propagation. Strong leadership and team management skills are essential, with a proven ability to train, supervise, and inspire a diverse team of gardening staff. A comprehensive knowledge of plant health, pest and disease identification, soil management, and organic gardening practices is required. The successful applicant will be highly organised, proactive, and able to work independently while collaborating effectively with the Head Gardener and wider estate team. Formal horticultural qualifications such as an RHS Level 2 Diploma or equivalent are preferred but practical experience and a passion for sustainable horticulture will be equally valued. Physical fitness, a valid driver’s license, and competence in operating horticultural machinery are also necessary to meet the demands of this role.
The role offers a competitive benefits package with health and travel insurance as well as live-in accommodation within the estate. Further details regarding accommodation and additional benefits will be discussed at interview stage.
As part of the application and interview process, candidates should be aware that there are several important requirements. Applicants must hold a valid, up-to-date passport to be considered for this overseas role. The successful candidate will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check conducted by the employer, and candidates should be comfortable with this as part of the recruitment procedure. Additionally, a medical examination and certificate will be required to support the visa application process. For those progressing to the third stage of interviews, there will be an invitation to visit the estate in Barbados for approximately one week to meet the principals, the Head Gardener, and the existing team, as well as to view the property firsthand. Candidates should confirm their availability for travel within the coming weeks if shortlisted. Finally, successful applicants will need to specify who will be relocating with them, including partners, dependents, or pets.
We encourage candidates to submit any additional supporting materials, such as a cover letter and/or portfolio, to strengthen their application. Upon receipt of these details, we will continue with the review of your candidacy.
SALARY: £40,000 – £50,000 DOE + Accommodation
LOCATION: International – Barbados
JOB No: EC70827
If this Nursery Manager vacancy is of interest, please click ‘Apply for job’ below or contact Sophie Sharpe on 01233 732767 or email sophie@horticruitment.com
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Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Nursery Manager vacancy. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not possible to respond to every one. Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your application for this vacancy has been unsuccessful.
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