Contracts Manager

Contracts Manager required

Job Ref ADV340

PGSD are a company that services clients in the London and the South East in a variety of different areas which include maintenance of highways, town councils, sports turf and educational facilities as well as major landscaping projects.

We are an ambitious company which is growing quickly and we need someone to become a part of our team who can view of the role as a career and a chance to grow, rather than a job.

We are looking for an equally ambitious person to can manage our Herts schools contracts.

The Contracts Manager role involves

-Scheduling work and relaying these schedules to our teams.

-Ensuring work is carried out to an excellent standard

-Communicating with clients

-Quoting for new and additional work and reporting to the management team

The applicant needs to have excellent organisational skills, be a strong leader, computer literate, be an excellent communicator to both staff, managers and clients alike. A full driving license is required and must be able to undergo a DBS check.

We are looking to increase our footprint in the local area and if the candidate has landscaping and sports turf knowledge, that would be beneficial.

We offer a competitive package depending on the candidates experience and what they can bring to our company. PGSD Strive to ensure that the work environment is free of harassment and bullying and that everyone is treated with dignity and respect is an important aspect of ensuring equal opportunities in employment. PGSD Limited is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment.

www.pgsd.co.uk


Nursery Manager

Nursery Manager required

Job Ref C507

Our client is a growing family-run, independently owned wholesale nursery, established over 50 years ago. They have a reputation for providing top quality tree and plants, they have a flexible approach, working alongside designers, architects, contractors, and private clients, they are always inspired by the projects they work on, and feed off the creativity of those they work with. Now a new opportunity has arisen to appoint an experienced commercial grower as a Nursery Manager to join this very successful team.

The Role

The successful candidate would work closely with the Partners and other line managers of the nursery, a commercial approach to the business requirements of online plant nursery is necessary. This is not a passive role responding to instructions; the Production Manager is expected to take an active part including generating new ideas, having input into which are to be pursued and then helping execute plans that have been decided.

Key Skills

-Experience and knowledge of growing potted plants and nursery stock including irrigation and plant health/pest and weed control.

-Ability and understanding of the importance of maintaining records on the potting & growing operation.

-Ability to provide input into streamlining and documenting processes and improvements.

-Ability to lead a small team, providing instruction, guidance, and the ability to listen and work together.

Key Duties

-The creation of and responsibility for an excel production schedule alongside management to meet the needs of the business.

-Overall responsibility for nursery grounds maintenance.

-Stock and Production Materials Control- providing production reports so stock can be kept accurate.

-Overseeing control of goods in, working to procedure so stock can be kept accurate.

The Applicant

Candidates will need to be able to work well with the clients existing team: friendly, humble, hardworking, ability to work as a team, flexible and driven by improvements. Our client is a family business whose reputation has been built on the quality of their stock over the last 50 years.  This role is crucial in maintaining this. 

Required: driving license, forklift licence, Spraying Certificate, PA1 and PA6 Certified, Microsoft Office proficient, particularly Excel/OneDrive/Outlook. Professional horticultural experience as a commercial grower, horticultural certificates/education.

If this Nursery Manager vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Ruth Bolam on 01233 732767 or ruth@horticruitment.com.

To view more Gardening jobs click Gardening or to view Landscape jobs click Landscape.

To apply for a position with horticruitment you will need to complete a candidate registration form, please see Candidate Registration.

If you would like more information regarding horticultural qualifications and colleges, see our Career advice.

You will need to be registered with horticruitment to find out where and how your personal data is used whilst using our work finding services please view our privacy policy.

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 Nursery Manager vacancy will have been unsuccessful.

www.horticruitment.com


Head Gardener

We seek suitable applications for the position of Head Gardener on a private gated residential development in Southwest London.

The 12-acre arts and crafts influenced gardens still has remnants dating back to the late 18th Century and forms one of the largest private gardens in London. There are extensive lawns and pathways, as well as many planted borders, shrubberies, yew hedges, woodland, cherry trees, a sunken garden surrounding a formal pond as well as a fruit orchard the gardens are regularly assessed in order to plan their future development and improvement.

As Head Gardener you will lead and manage a small team of up to 4 full time and 1 part time gardeners, in ensuring that the gardens are maintained to a high standard throughout the year, as well as helping to shape the future of the gardens as part of the long-term development plan.

Applicants must be qualified to a minimum of RHS Level 3/4 Horticulture or equivalent, with a good working knowledge of plants, combined with good all-round craft gardening skills and experience of working with a wide range of garden machinery. You should also hold PA1/6 sprayers certificates and have good IT skills. He/she will be a self-starter able to plan and prioritise daily workloads and come with previous experience of managing a small team. Excellent man management skills are essential in order to ensure that you develop an effective team able to produce top quality work. It is also important that you have a good understanding of relevant health and safety legislation, with the ability to carry out risk assessments. A current full driving licence is essential.

Accommodation is 1 bedroom with all bills paid. You will be expected to share emergency weekend duty with the estate manager i.e: every other weekend.

SALARY:       £35K - £40K DOE
LOCATION:  Southwest London
JOB No:          EC30235

If this Head Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Sara Yassin on 01233 733510 or info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk.

To view more Gardening jobs click Gardening or to view Landscape jobs click Landscape.

To apply for a position with horticruitment you will need to complete a candidate registration form, please see Candidate Registration.

If you would like more information regarding horticultural qualifications and colleges, see our Career advice.

You will need to be registered with horticruitment to find out where and how your personal data is used whilst using our work finding services please view our privacy policy.

Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Head Gardener 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 Head Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.

www.englishcountrygardeners.co.uk


Head of Landscape Management

Head of Landscape Management required

Job Ref B822

Our client is an award-winning housing association operating in East London. They have a national reputation for having an innovative approach to urban and social regeneration.

The landscape maintenance side of the business is undertaken by an in-house team. Our client is looking for an individual to effectively lead, manage and champion this team with a real passion for horticulture alongside professional qualifications.

Purpose of Job

To head the Landscape Management Team and be responsible for:

-Managing all aspects of the maintenance of the green infrastructure.

-Developing and delivering landscape improvement projects within the budget of the Landscape Management Department.

-Managing the Landscape Management Department’s budgets and ensure value for money, competitive purchasing and accountability for expenditure.

-Work to ensure the provision of an efficient and effective landscape management service.

-To ensure that Landscape Maintenance Department staff issues are identified, addressed and resolved in line with procedures.

-Liaise with all other departments to ensure the goals of the Landscape Management Department are transparent and understood.

-Work proactively with the Assistant Director of Estate Services in the procurement of new landscaping business and project manage external contracts.

-To be pro-active in the identification of developments within the Landscape Industry and assess the viability of the inclusion of such developments into the department.

-To be the first point of contact for information and advice on all aspects of Landscape Management within the business.

Main Duties and Responsibilities will include; supervision, monitoring and inspection, operational, organisational, health & safety and involvement & engagement. The working hours are 8 am – 4 pm (35 hours per week).

The ideal candidates will:

-Have extensive experience in effective staff management.

-Have experience promoting and encouraging staff growth and development.

-Be able to lead by example and self-motivate.

-Be able to work in a resident focused environment.

-Have professional qualifications in landscape/horticulture and tree management.

-Have extensive experience in effective large-scale tree and landscape management programmes.

-Have strong strategical management skills.

-Have a full driving licence.

If this Head of Landscape Management vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Sara Yassin on 01233 732767 or sara@horticruitment.com.

To view more Landscape jobs, click Landscape.

To apply for a position with horticruitment you will need to complete a candidate registration form, please see Candidate Registration.

If you would like more information regarding horticultural qualifications and colleges, see our Career advice.

You will need to be registered with horticruitment to find out where and how your personal data is used whilst using our work finding services please view our privacy policy.

Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Head of Landscape Management 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 Head of Landscape Management vacancy will have been unsuccessful.

www.horticruitment.com


Head Gardener

An opportunity of a Head Gardener’s lifetime has arisen in Gloucestershire for an ambitious and creative client, on a project that will allow the successful candidate to create their legacy.  This is a long-term collaborative venture between the owner, Chelsea Gold Medallist designer, and the new Head Gardener.  This is a full-time permanent role and will suit Head Gardeners or a deputy Head Gardener with the drive and hunger to be a key part of an exciting and extensive garden project development.

With the aim of being ‘the jewel in the Cotswolds crown,’ this garden development project is being spearheaded by a respected garden designer and now requires the input of a talented and knowledgeable Head Gardener.  The position is offered with a generous salary and on-site accommodation. 

The 75-acre parkland estate is of a Capability Brown style in a varied landscape with woodland, a lake, paddocks, and undulating topography throughout.  The main house is undergoing refurbishment and improvement, such that the new owner expects to move into the building in 2023.  The garden/grounds design is complete, with implementation to commence by late summer, preferably with the new Head Gardener in position and ready to play a leading role.  Accommodation will be provided from the outset but may be temporary to allow the on-site cottage to be refurbished, ready for the Head Gardener to move in. 

The Head Gardener’s role will initially involve horticultural input and project management, including that of contractors, whilst liaising with the garden designer and the owner.  Initial work will involve some ground-based tree work such as clearing, thinning and planting, restoration of existing hedges and improvement of the formal garden area.  Following implementation of the design, the role will involve management and maintenance of the gardens to include an orchard, numerous trees (including extensive new planting), a rose garden, a 2-acre formal garden, 5-acre wildflower area with bulbs, a 3-acre lake with island planting to commence following dredging and shaping.  The owner has an interest in rewilding, thereby providing an opportunity for a knowledgeable Head Gardener to implement sustainable management methodologies on the estate.

The Head Gardener will initially be the sole gardener on the estate; however, an assistant will be required in due course which will allow the Head Gardener responsibility for sourcing and hiring for this purpose.  Additional seasonal staff may also be required as the garden nears completion and as the maintenance requirements increase.

Applicants for this role must be physically fit, hands-on Head Gardeners at a high level with project management/development experience in a similar setting, i.e., on large country estates with a high diversity of horticulture and landscape features.  Garden staff and contractor management experience is desirable but not essential. The management of health and safety considerations in relation to large landscape/garden development projects and associated staff is a requirement.  Strong ornamental plant knowledge is essential, as is an ability to carry out species-specific pruning, soil treatment/management, pest and disease control and the safe operation and basic maintenance of a wide range of garden machinery.  An academic horticultural qualification at RHS level 3 or equivalent/above is desired, as is the ability to operate a chainsaw safely, though the latter will not discount otherwise suitable applicants as training can be provided.  Applicants with landscape management experience in addition to extensive horticultural knowledge are encouraged to apply.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity for a talented and highly experienced Head Gardener to make their mark on a project designed to impress.  The resulting estate will be a legacy for the owner, designer and the new Head Gardener.

SALARY:  Circa £40,000 + Accommodation
LOCATION:  Gloucestershire
JOB No:  EC26462

If this Head Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Sara Yassin on 01233 733510 or info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk.

To view more Gardening jobs click Gardening or to view Landscape jobs click Landscape.

To apply for a position with horticruitment you will need to complete a candidate registration form, please see Candidate Registration.

If you would like more information regarding horticultural qualifications and colleges, see our Career advice.

You will need to be registered with horticruitment to find out where and how your personal data is used whilst using our work finding services please view our privacy policy.

Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Head Gardener 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 Head Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.

www.englishcountrygardeners.co.uk


Quantity Surveyor/Estimator

Quantity Surveyor/Estimator required

Job Ref D601

Our client offers a comprehensive range of supply and installation services for both hard and soft surfaces for roofs and podiums. This includes the installation of specimen trees and associated supports, aeration and irrigation requirements, installation of specialist planters, gates and railings, permanent fully automated irrigation systems, children’s play equipment and safety surfacing, artificial surfacing such as grass and rubber crumb finishes and of course paving.

They offer valuable assistance and expertise which could save clients time and money, for example in relation to siting and service requirements, planning, and installation methodology.

Job Description:

The position reports into the Commercial Manager and the main Function of job is:

-Price qualified tender enquiries in line with company policy and authority protocols.

-Provide costs for variation items.

-Detail potential value engineering options.

-Ensure bid compliance with CDM and Health and Safety requirements.

-Attend site meetings where necessary.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

(Please note, in addition to the main duties and responsibilities of your job, you may be asked to carry out additional tasks as can reasonably be expected.)

-Provide technical advice and costs for multiple projects from £10k to £1million+.

-Manage the bid process on tender enquiries.

-Produce reports explaining deviations from original estimates / designs / scope.

-Liaise with technical and commercial team to establish product costs.

-Regular communication with commercial manager to estimate installation costs.

-Review actual vs estimated costs to feed information back into future estimates.

-Liaise with clients to understand how bid fits with cost plan.

-Identify and validate potential cost saving initiatives.

  -Mitigate commercial risk by submitting detailed itemised bids.

-Price variation items for ongoing projects.

Tools and Equipment Used:

-Microsoft Office 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel etc.)

-AutoCad

The quantity surveyor / Estimator will have a Minimum 2 years of experience in a sub-contractor estimating role; involved in commercial landscaping contracts, preferably some experience with green roofing.

Aptitude/Skills required:

-Analytical – able to assess information in a variety and formats to derive optimum solutions.

-Numerate – capable of working with numbers to estimate quantities and calculate costs.

-Innovative – creativity to develop solutions that fulfil the technical and commercial brief.

-Technical competence – capability to digest and apply detailed technical information.

-Self-motivated to work on your own initiative and to foresee potential problems and solutions.

-Strong communication and interpersonal skills to deal with colleagues, clients, and other   stakeholders.

The working week is split between the office, home working and site visits. The hours are 8:30am - 5.00pm Monday to Thursday, 8:30am - 4:00pm Friday with half an hour for lunch. The salary is depending on experience and the holiday entitlement is 25 days per annum (3 or 4 to be taken at Christmas).

If this Quantity Surveyor/Estimator vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Sara Yassin on 01233 732767 or sara@horticruitment.com.

To view more Landscape jobs, click Landscape.

To apply for a position with horticruitment you will need to complete a candidate registration form, please see Candidate Registration.

If you would like more information regarding horticultural qualifications and colleges, see our Career advice.

You will need to be registered with horticruitment to find out where and how your personal data is used whilst using our work finding services please view our privacy policy.

Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Quantity Surveyor/Estimator 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 Quantity Surveyor/Estimator vacancy will have been unsuccessful.

www.horticruitment.com


Sole Gardener

A very rare opportunity has arisen for an excellent plants person and Sole Gardener to take ownership of a stunning private garden in Monmouthshire, Wales.  Owned by one of the country’s most celebrated horticulturists, this exceptional position will deliver substantial reward and ensure pride of place in the industry for the successful candidate. 

The Grade II listed late medieval property is situated in a private valley in the Welsh countryside.  The two-acre garden itself is set within five-acres of land and comprises wild flower meadows, topiary, roses, perennial borders, fruit trees and vegetables as well as riverside and woodland gardens.  Rare and unusual plant species can be found throughout the garden, with meticulous maintenance playing a significant role in the overall feel of the garden in order to ensure an example to visitors of the owner’s work.  There is room for improvement in the garden, so the successful applicant will have a chance to demonstrate their talent by way of subtle and bold new ideas, with no restriction on innovative out-of-the-box thinking.

The surrounding woodlands, meadows and other significant areas of the garden are undergoing development and enrichment and as such, the successful candidate will play a role in the enhancement of these aspects in addition to the formal areas of the main garden. 

Applicants will ideally hold a respected academic horticultural qualification, such as the Kew Diploma, with demonstrable gardening experience, excellent time management skills as well as a genuine hunger and excitement for the possibilities associated with creating stunning and unique gardens.  Excellent plant knowledge is essential.  Applicants with excellent horticultural knowledge from related backgrounds, e.g., the education or nursery/growing sectors, will be considered, so long as they can also demonstrate good hands-on gardening/management skills.

This is a rare vacancy and an opportunity that will be awarded to the applicant that can demonstrate experience and excellence in each of the above areas.  A generous salary is offered for what will be an exciting and very rewarding position. 

SALARY:  Up to £40,000 DOE
LOCATION:  Monmouthshire, Wales
JOB No:  EC28107

If this Sole Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Mark Read on 01233 733510 or info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk.

To view more Gardening jobs click Gardening or to view Landscape jobs click Landscape.

To apply for a position with horticruitment you will need to complete a candidate registration form, please see Candidate Registration.

If you would like more information regarding horticultural qualifications and colleges, see our Career advice.

You will need to be registered with horticruitment to find out where and how your personal data is used whilst using our work finding services please view our privacy policy.

Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Sole Gardener 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 Sole Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.

www.englishcountrygardeners.co.uk


Assistant Production Manager

Assistant Production Manager required

Job ref S277

Our client is an established Wholesale Nursery built up over the past 40 years. They feel their traditions and standards that the company was built on still apply today. They started out with 50 acres of owned land which has now increased to over 400 acres today, which includes cold storage facilities, pack house and a hectare of plants grown under protection which include a range of bare root and container grown trees and shrubs from seed including balled trees.

They are currently seeking an Assistant Production Manager to join their team where you will play a vital role in the Production of a wide range of plants.

Duties and responsibilities would include the following:

-Field growing

-Supervising the lifting and grading of plants

-Supporting the Dispatch team

-Aiding seed sowing and transplanting

-Leading and supervising a team of staff

-Ensuring the production areas runs smoothly and efficiently

The position requires good bareroot plant and production knowledge along with tractor driving skills. The ability to manage and supervise a varied workforce especially agency staff is essential. A ‘can do’ and ‘lead from the front’ attitude is also considered essential. PA2 and PA6 spraying certificates along with a forklift certificate would be advantageous although training will be provided.

If this Assistant Production Manager vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Sara Yassin on 01233 732767 or sara@horticruitment.com.

To view more Nursery jobs, click Nursery.

To apply for a position with horticruitment you will need to complete a candidate registration form, please see Candidate Registration.

If you would like more information regarding horticultural qualifications and colleges, see our Career advice.

You will need to be registered with horticruitment to find out where and how your personal data is used whilst using our work finding services please view our privacy policy.

Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Assistant Production 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 Assistant Production Manager vacancy will have been unsuccessful.

www.horticruitment.com


Head Gardener

A superb opportunity has arisen for a head gardener with the skills and knowledge to manage and maintain the gardens of a stunning Chateau situated in Verviers, Belgium.

This wonderfully located 55-acre estate comprises of extensive lawns, shrubs, mixed beds and borders, mature and new trees, pond, water feature, wildflower meadow, and three glasshouses. The client is based there 6 months of the year and is looking for head gardener to manage and maintain the gardens to a very high standard.

The head gardener will have experience working on a diverse private estate and have an excellent track record in maintaining gardens to a high standard. The successful candidate will manage a team of four gardeners plus a contractor to mow the lawn. He / She will need to be organised, able to plan and prioritise workload and have a vision for maintaining and enhancing the garden as required.

It is essential the successful applicant is fluent in French. Candidates should have excellent horticultural knowledge and ideally have a level 2 or 3 horticultural qualification. He / She will need to be proficient in the operation and maintenance of garden machinery. This role requires efficient time management and excellent attention to detail at all times. A full driving licence is required.

The position comes with a large, fully furnished onsite one bedroom apartment rent free and utility bills covered by the employer. The accommodation would suit a single individual or a couple. However, if the head gardener would like to live off site e.g. if additional rooms are required, then in agreement with the employer with regards to rental costs etc., the employer would be cover the rent for the agreed accommodation and additional costs such as water, electricity are at his expense of the head gardener.

SALARY:        £25,000 - £40,000 depending on experience
LOCATION:   Verviers, Belgium
JOB No:          EC27779

If this Head Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Sara Yassin on 01233 733510 or info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk.

To view more Gardening jobs click Gardening or to view Landscape jobs click Landscape.

To apply for a position with horticruitment you will need to complete a candidate registration form, please see Candidate Registration.

If you would like more information regarding horticultural qualifications and colleges, see our Career advice.

You will need to be registered with horticruitment to find out where and how your personal data is used whilst using our work finding services please view our privacy policy.

Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Head Gardener 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 Head Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.

www.englishcountrygardeners.co.uk


General Manager

General Manager required

Job ref A750

Our client has a family run independently owned garden centre serving the community for 25 years. The centre has seen enormous change over recent years to include a newly developed Restaurant and now operates with a £4 million+ sales turnover. The centre has a vast range of products all presented to high standards of retailing.

They are currently seeking a General Manager who will support the owner in all daily operations.

Job Description:

Duties and responsibilities would include the following:

-To manage motivate and support a large team of staff

-Ensure daily work schedules are created and actioned

-Efficient and effective communications within the business

-Achievement of sales and profit targets

-To create and achieve a sharp, neat, professional shop floor image of the highest standards

-Health & Safety management of the site

-Provide input into the overall buying strategy

-To keep abreast of the latest trends and styles in garden centre retail

-To provide input into Marketing strategies liaising with the media

-Ensure the website is kept up to date and looking fresh

-To organize promotional activities and actively build contacts with key people

Key Skills:

The appointed person will have a minimum of 3 years experience at Garden Centre Manager level able to support the owner in developing the business offering a fresh innovative environment at all times.

A strong leadership style, excellent communication skills with the ability to plan, organize and deliver high standards is essential.

If this General Manager vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Ruth Bolam on 01233 732767 or ruth@horticruitment.com.

To view more garden centre jobs, click Retail.

To apply for a position with horticruitment you will need to complete a candidate registration form, please see Candidate Registration.

If you would like more information regarding horticultural qualifications and colleges, see our Career advice.

You will need to be registered with horticruitment to find out where and how your personal data is used whilst using our work finding services please view our privacy policy.

Thank you for the interest you have shown in this General 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 General Manager vacancy will have been unsuccessful.

www.horticruitment.com