Operations Manager
Operations Manager required.
Job Ref: I905
Our client is a successful Commercial Facilities Maintenance company based on the Hampshire/Surrey border, who are dedicated to servicing their clients’ properties to the highest standards.
As well as building and grounds maintenance contracts, our client provides a 24/7 response to any internal or external issues arising at their portfolio of properties. They have an outstanding service desk team that works closely with their fabric and landscaping divisions to offer the highest standard of service supported by sub-contractors and in house grounds maintenance personnel.
The successful candidate will report to the head of landscaping and will take responsibility for the management of grounds maintenance contracts and teams in various locations along the M25, M4 & M3 corridors.
Responsibilities include:
- Oversee the daily operational tasks within your area/client portfolio, managing groundwork teams and sub-contractors schedules as well as completing timesheets, risk assessments and monitoring the overall performance & manage staff performance and disciplinary matters.
- Actively seek out new business opportunities within your area.
- Attending client meetings and pricing and quoting of additional works on current contracts.
- Assisting the Senior Operations Manager with new client bids and tenders and help maximise contract margins.
- Liaising with foremen, ground staff, subcontractors and helpdesk to ensure updates and progress of works are accurately recorded.
- Monitoring of job/contract expenditures ensuring financial budgets are maintained as well as accurate and timely submissions of data.
- Ensure compliance of all H&S regulations and environmental regulations and policies.
- Manage depots and yards within your designated area ensuring they are tidy and comply with all relevant regulations.
- Maintain the highest standard of service to clients and suppliers.
- Actively work to increase the horticultural knowledge of your team and monitor staff training needs.
Key Skills-
- Demonstrate the ability to develop and maintain excellent working relationships with clients, suppliers, contractors and employees.
- A great communicator.
- Able to deliver targets and exceptional client service.
- Experience managing both large static sites & mobile teams.
- Strong horticultural knowledge.
- Effective time management and excellent admin skills.
- Sound IT skills.
- Knowledge of H&S legislation and regulations applicable to the role.
- Understands financial budgets and forecasting.
- Able to work under pressure and enjoy hitting deadlines.
- Flexible and adapts to change.
Benefits –
- Bonus Package (after probation)
- Wellness days scheme (after probation)
- Company Car
- Group Life Assurance Benefit Scheme
- Contributory Pension Scheme
- Salary: Negotiable
If this Operations Manager vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Tom Little on 01233 732767 or tom@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 Operations 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 Operations Manager vacancy will have been unsuccessful.
Garden Centre Manager
Garden Centre Manager required.
Job Ref: W009
Our client is a family run business which has grown considerably in recent years with an ever-increasing customer base and they are now seeking a Garden Centre Manager to join the management team, taking the lead with all daily retail operations of the site. They strive to continuously meet the expectations and demands that are required to keep our homes and gardens glorious all year round and have a passion to deliver unrivalled customer experience.
The ideal candidate will have excellent horticulture experience, a passion for customer service with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Excellent communication skills and great motivation are essential to create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
This role will require the manager to oversee and manage the centre. Setting goals and objectives to increase sales, optimise productivity, reduce costs, maximise profitability and champion customer service.
Responsibilities
- To manage the day-to-day running of the site, to ensure the centre is presented and maintained to the required standard
- Policies, procedures, health and safety, customer service standards, merchandising and housekeeping are to be maintained in accordance with company guidelines
- Take positive action to improve the business and to work to achieve goals and action plans agreed with the Directors
- Safeguard Company property against theft, loss or abuse, and investigate all security issues
- Be ahead of seasonal changes, ensuring the Centre is ready on time for Spring, Christmas etc
- Oversee and ensure the department managers negotiate the best supplier deals for the company
- Attend trade shows and supplier showrooms as appropriate.
Team Members
- Create a positive, productive, enjoyable and motivated working environment
- Instil a positive health and safety culture
- Liaise with the HR Manager to identify and deliver training as per the company requirements
- Responsible for staff rotas including daily management and opening and locking up of the centre
- Ensure staff are assigned shift and breaks to maximise efficiency and optimise levels of customer service
- Recruit team members according to criteria
- Hold regular team briefings and encourage new ideas for building sales and profit
- Effectively communicate and deliver information to the team
Health and Safety
- Responsible for ensuring the Garden Centre is safe & compliant and its services meet the needs of the employees, customers and visitors
- Liaise with the health and safety manager to ensure all policies, procedures and standards are met
- Respond to any safety complaints and concerns raised by employees or customers. The post holder should investigate their claims and put plans into place to remove the danger
- Ensure Key holder responsibilities are carried out according to company guidelines
- Develop and communicate a correct procedure for reporting accidents. Ensuring all employees are aware of the correct reporting procedure
- Confidential information will be kept in accordance with Data Protection Act
QUALIFICATIONS AND / OR EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- A minimum of 5 years garden centre retail management experience
- Candidates must have proven track record and demonstrable experience within a Centre management position
- Ability to lead and motivate a team
- Hands-on leadership style
- Excellent communication and people skills, in order to form strong relationships with both employees and customers
- Ability to work under pressure and handle challenging situations and demonstrate resilience
- Confidence, drive and enthusiasm
- Understand financial principals involved in retail and be proficient in excel & data analysis
- Full understanding of H&S in the workplace
- A full UK driving licence is required
If this Garden Centre Manager vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Tom Little on 01233 732767 or tom@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 Garden Centre 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 Garden Centre Manager vacancy will have been unsuccessful.
Senior Gardener
A fantastic new opportunity has become available for a Senior Gardener on an incredible Edwardian estate with stunning views near Chepstow, Wales. Using the original structure of the Edwardian Garden, over the past 5 years the gardens have been significantly renovated and re-designed by the award-winning garden designer, Arne Maynard. As the gardens continue to progress and the team continues to grow, the Senior Gardener will work within a team of 4 reporting into the Head of Gardens to continue to develop and maintain the garden to a consistently high standard.
This impressive estate has been divided into different properties and the newly designed two-acre garden will incorporate the original structure of the Edwardian Garden as created at the beginning of the 1900’s. That is to bring the historical garden back to its former glory, in a sensitive interpretation of the original vision, but at the same time create a garden of today which reflects the owners tastes and particular garden passions’ and that is exactly what they did and continue to do.
The garden consists of a terrace that wraps around the house with clipped enkianthus in pots with borders planted primarily with irises, a very large pergola garden supporting wisteria and roses with a surrounding rose garden encircling a formal pond planted with water lilies. The formal garden enclosures on either side of the pergola were planted with hyacinths and tulips. Below the terrace wall are deep herbaceous borders where the plants reach up and almost mingle with the ones above. The mood borders to create borders which change over the seasons from the excitement of the spring bulbs to the main show of mid-summer roses and iris, mixed with geraniums nepetas, digitalis, and salvias, with a wonderful last peak of flowers for late summer and many of which will hold on to seed heads over the winter.
The owners visited Belgium to select four massive topiary yews clipped like wedding cakes to make an impact as one descends the steps from the terrace. Large copper beech topiary was set alongside the roses and provide structure and scale, with cloud topiary providing variation of form and a contemporary edge. To the east of the formal bowling lawn an avenue of magnolia was planted with a beautiful art installation. An informal meadow of long grass planted with a collection of cherry trees and spring bulbs provide a natural feel and a soft backdrop to the formal portions of the garden.
The rock garden was an integral part of the original plan providing a diverse and stimulating focal point when viewed from the sunny south-facing aspect of the house and therefore carefully restored and improved. Utilising the quarried ground, it provided a setting for alpines. The original pools were repaired and linked to waterfalls providing a base for puddlestone rocks, moss, specimen trees and a variety of Japanese Maple. The area adjacent to the rock garden has been planted with a variety of wild Cherry. This area plays a significant role in maintaining the historic and established feel of the property.
There are further plans for the creation of a frame yard with wooden glasshouse, potting shed and cart shed, for a cutting garden and orchard. The forecourt will be developed to include bolder plantings to give a more dramatic entrance to the house. Gardens are about evolution and this garden will be a continuous development.
Applicants for this position will ideally hold academic horticultural qualifications, extensive knowledge of plants and their seasonal management and should have a strong background in private estate gardening. Applicants must be physically fit and must be competent in the operation and basic maintenance of a full range of garden machinery.
SALARY: £42,000 DOE
LOCATION: Chepstow, Wales
JOB No: EC59150
If this Senior 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 English Country Gardeners 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 Senior 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 Senior Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.
www.englishcountrygardeners.co.uk
Gardener / Caretaker
Based in a beautiful rural setting in Normandy, France, a hands-on Gardener / Caretaker is sought. The 1000-hectare estate offers pastures, woodlands, informal gardens, arboretum, a small lake and an orchard. The main house is a 300-year old chateau and there are a number of outbuildings, including a workshop, guest cottage, and a separate 3 bed, 2 reception room house that comes with the position. Roughly 9 hectares are maintained formally, with the rest comprising woodlands and pastures, some of which are let out. It is certified as an organic farm and there is a small flock of sheep, some chickens, and a vegetable garden. Although the property is rural, there is a town of 25,000 population 10 km away, and the coastal beaches are a short 30 min drive away. This is a secondary family residence for our London-based client, who travel regularly to the property for school holidays and longer periods over the summer.
Our client is seeking a live-in Gardener / Caretaker for a full time, permanent position. The family is actively involved with the management of the property and is in direct communication at least weekly to discuss ongoing activity at the property. They are a relaxed and understated family, with three school-aged children.
The position is the only employed member of staff on the property, although there are regular tradespeople to the property, including regular cleaning and upkeep of the interior of the chateau which is contracted out. The role is ideal for someone who is hands on, multi-skilled from gardening to equipment maintenance to working with animals and is self-motivated. It offers the scope to create and execute new projects, and the owners are very open to taking the property in a direction that aligns with the skills and interests of the caretaker.
The position is open to an individual or ideally, a couple. Work should be locally part or full time for the non-employed partner, or of course this would be perfect for someone who’s partner works remotely or who stays at home with young children.
The main responsibilities of the Gardener / Caretaker role but not limited to, is to carry out garden maintenance duties, to include mowing, pruning, cutting, strimming, weeding, hoeing, raking, etc. as well as weekly, strimming and clearing of approx. 9 hectare park. Maintain and prune hedges. Planting out the summer and winter flower beds and planters. Care as well as the maintenance of extensive rose garden. Clean and maintain koi pond. Tend to fruit trees in the orchard and plan, plant, and maintain organic vegetable garden, the propagation of seedlings and plants. Maintenance of woodlands including selected clearing of fallen trees and re-plantings.
The caretaker responsibilities are to keep the owners apprised of any minor or major damage and wear and tear to buildings and property, and either carry out or arrange and supervise repairs. Carry out repairs to fences and gates, keeping outside areas clean and tidy, including outbuilding. Weeding of pathways, replacement of light bulbs in internal and external lamps and supplying the main house with firewood. There will be occasional painting and basic carpentry, plumbing, and electric works required. Previous experience of maintaining the upkeep of tractor, chainsaws, strimmer, and other garden machinery and equipment is desirable. As there is livestock on the estate there will be the requirement to feed the animals (currently sheep, chickens, but may consider a few cows). Ensuring the security and the occasional errands into nearby village for supplies and picking up of guests will also be required.
Management of external contractors will be an additional feature of this position and therefore previous experience in doing so will be advantageous for prospective candidates. Applicants should be physically fit and with a ‘can do’ attitude. A self-motivated individual/s with a strong work ethic, ability to work to their own initiative and willingness to work to consistently high standards are qualities which are essential for this role.
The successful candidate will possess the following skills:
Will have experience in a similar position a good knowledge of horticulture, gardening and landscaping; horticultural qualifications a plus a basic knowledge of farming and agriculture, with organics a plus. Excellent attention to detail and take pride in their work. Additionally speak fluent English; some spoken French is required, to at least a basic conversational level.
Terms of Employment:
- Hours: 39 per week
- Occasional overtime when required (with sufficient notice)
- Guaranteed days off: Generally approx. 30 min of animal care on weekends / day, otherwise free
- Accommodation: Live-in; 3 bedroom / 2 reception secluded cottage on the property; utilities paid.
- Holiday allowance: 5 weeks paid vacation per year
- Satisfactory references
Total Gross salary: €43,000 - €53,000
Accommodation: 3 bedroom / 2 reception secluded cottage on the property; utilities paid.
LOCATION: Normandy, France
JOB No: EC59068
If this Gardener / Caretaker 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 English Country Gardeners 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 Gardener / Caretaker 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 Gardener / Caretaker vacancy will have been unsuccessful.
www.englishcountrygardeners.co.uk
Senior Gardener
A unique and incredible opportunity has become available for a Senior Gardener to work with a world renown garden designer, Piet Oudolf, installing some ground-breaking designs within a sixty-acre garden. This vacancy would suit an enthusiastic and experienced horticulturalist with energy and the kind of attention to detail that takes the good and makes it great!
The successful candidate will join a growing estate team at a senior level and will be responsible for managing and maintaining the modern gardens to a high horticultural standard. The 60 acres surrounding property is effectively gardens, parkland with expansive grass areas and includes pathways through and around the vineyard within the grounds, 3 large ponds currently being landscaped and a stream. There is also a formal outdoor swimming pool and a natural bathing pool containing aquatic plants and water lilies.
The gardens contain Piet Oudolf new perennial beds and borders, a formal Hornbeam walk with Beech hedges beneath it to be kept well clipped, free standing specimen seasonal flowering trees and shrubs, climbing roses, small natural woodland area and flowering meadows in the fields. There is no kitchen garden but plans for fruit trees to be planted. There are several plans for the garden, future projects and ongoing development such as working with the James Hitchmough to develop the Wetland meadow from seed with young plants being added this Spring- Summer. A collection of specimens Taxodium disticum is to be planted this autumn along with other trees.
The Senior Gardener will be expected to liaise directly with the owners, plan at least 12 months ahead to prepare for all eventualities in the garden and suggest seasonal and long-term planting and maintenance strategies. This will include all routine work as well as project work, developments, enhancements and implementations. In addition, they will be planning for new planting, bulb planting and displays, propagation of plants for re-stocking, ordering of materials such as mulch at the appropriate time for use in the garden. The Senior Gardener will plan ahead to ensure continuity of supplies and purchase supplies as required. They will also be assessing the abilities of all contractors / team members and allocating work in the appropriate manner providing a work schedule.
Applicants are expected to have experience working on private estate garden, have extensive horticultural knowledge and / or a horticultural qualification. They will ideally hold tickets such as spray certificates and chainsaw as well as ideally have relevant licences for the use of large garden machinery (tractors, lawnmowers, strimmer’s, chain saws, hedge cutters, etc). All equipment is to be kept in a clean and safe operating condition.
Prospective candidates are required to be excellent cultivators, have experience in all aspects of the horticultural year and be able to communicate well. They will need to be able to co-ordinate and develop all other areas of the property as required. The role would suit a team player who also has the genuine passion to lead a team to create a well maintained, beautiful estate. More importantly, however, he/she must have a strong desire to move up into a Head Gardener vacancy. Having a "can do" attitude is imperative.
SALARY: up to £40,000 depending on experience
LOCATION: Newbury, Berkshire
JOB No: EC58966
If this Senior 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 English Country Gardeners 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 Senior 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 Senior Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.
www.englishcountrygardeners.co.uk
Head Gardener
Are you a passionate and experienced Head Gardener looking for a new and interesting opportunity? The vacancy is full time and permanent and the Head Gardener will be hands on in managing and maintaining the spectacular gardens based South of Oxford.
The Grade II listed family home sits centre stage, with the surrounding gardens originally designed and implemented over 30 years ago with great attention to detail in the visual sight lines that lead the eye through each aspect of the garden. The owners are looking to work in partnership with the experienced gardener to continue to maintain the garden to a high standard and enhance further.
The different garden ‘rooms’ are divided into three equal areas. The formal garden consists of a productive kitchen garden to grow an abundance of fruit and vegetables throughout the year, two greenhouses used for growing and propagation, nine box edged beds froth with lavender and Russian sage, various borders and planted areas to flower throughout all seasons, and some to attract insect life. The orchard is both productive and decorative boasting old varieties of apples, pears, damsons and cherry trees. Just beyond and screening the tennis court is a pergola covered in roses, wisteria and grapevines. The meadow leads down to the woodland where paths are mown through and is abundant with snowdrops. The large lake, with its two islands, has trout and is favoured by egrets, coots, moorhens, mallard ducks and a resident kingfisher.
The successful candidate will be confident and enjoy working in a sole position for the majority of the time as well as managing a gardener who comes in one day per week, a volunteer one day per week and contractors as and when required e.g., hedge cutting and tree surgery. Applicants will be plantspeople with strong horticultural knowledge and a passionate for all things gardening. A horticultural qualification and/or extensive experience working on a diverse garden is required for the role. The gardens are fully organic and therefore experience with organic practices and sustainability would be advantageous as well a chainsaw certificate would be desirable but not essential. Experience with specialist pruning such as fruits trees, wisteria and rose pruning is required for the role.
A two-bedroom cottage can be available for the successful candidate if required and a competitive salary of £40,000 - £45,000 is provided depending on if accommodation is needed. Partners, children or pets are welcome.
SALARY: £35,000 - £45,000 depending on if accommodation is required
LOCATION: South of Oxford
JOB No: EC58806
If this Head Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Sophie Sharpe 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 English Country Gardeners 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
Garden Centre Manager
Garden Centre Manager required.
Job Ref: B099
Our client is looking for a passionate and experienced retail manager, with a passion for horticulture who is looking for a rare opportunity to lead a unique garden centre. The centre is located in the picturesque setting of North Wales, and is an independent, privately owned centre. The client is seeking an ambitious and highly motivated individual to oversee the centre, the role offers the chance for the successful Garden Centre Manager to showcase their expertise and manage a dedicated team, while overseeing all aspects of the Garden Centre’s operations.
This role is for the most senior member of staff on site, so you will be expected to run the garden centre as if it were your own, having the autonomy to drive the business forward with your own ideas and vision, reporting to the family.
Key Skills & Responsibilities of Garden Centre General Manager:
- Leading and motivating a team of garden centre staff, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment, ensuring exceptional customer service.
- Overseeing all operational aspects, including inventory management, purchasing, setting budgets, and ensuring adherence to agreed budgets, and financial reporting.
- Developing and implementing sales strategies to maximise profit, achieve revenue targets and drive business growth.
- Managing relationships with suppliers and negotiating favourable terms and conditions.
- Opening and closing the garden centre, handling cash transactions, and financial management.
- Operating the on-site craft centre and art gallery as well as several concession partners and ensuring leased spaces are occupied and maintained.
- Applying visual merchandising techniques to create attractive displays maximising product appeal.
- Bolstering social media posts, website operations and other marketing efforts, to increase brand visibility, engagement, and online sales.
- Responsible for all health and safety protocols in tandem with the Health and Safety co-ordinator.
- The right candidate will take overall responsibility for the garden centre and possess the confidence to problem solve as issues arise.
- Experience of managing a business is essential, experience within the garden centre sector is desirable and a passion for horticulture itself would be an advantage.
This prestigious garden centre has a rich history and a strong presence in the community, having been transformed into a bustling hub, now home to over 11 unmanned independent franchises and an extremely busy plant area.
The garden centre’s continued success can be attributed to its dedication to quality products, outstanding customer service, and a commitment to creating a memorable shopping experience for gardening enthusiasts and visitors alike.
Working hours for the position will be as follows: 9.30am – 17:00pm – typical working pattern on a 2-week cycle, with alternate weekend working.
- Week 1: 4 days
- Week 2: 6 days
If this Garden Centre Manager vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Tom Little on 01233 732767 or tom@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 Garden Centre 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 Garden Centre Manager vacancy will have been unsuccessful.
Sole Gardener
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Sole Gardener to join the mature garden of a residential property located near Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire. The owner now requires an experienced gardener with a proven track record of managing a large mature English country garden to assist in the ongoing maintenance and development of the garden and grounds. This is a full-time permanent position; however, the principles will consider those looking for a 4-day week for the right candidate.
The gardens are roughly 6-acres in size and feature a walled garden together with green house, Espalier fruit trees, vegetable patch, established roses, herbaceous borders and woodland. The gardens also contain formal lawns and extensive hedges of yew, beech and box. The garden is mature and has been professionally designed and maintained therefore the owners are looking for a highly skilled candidate to keep the gardens at a high standard.
Our client seeks an experienced gardener to help maintain the gardens on a year-round basis following the annual calendar. Applicants will possess an academic horticultural qualification, such as a Kew Diploma, RHS level 2 or equivalent, combined with extensive experience working in a similar role. As such, excellent plant knowledge and technical skills are essential for this position with experience in compost management, propagation, spraying, weeding and rejuvenating beds. A self-motivated, organised individual with a self-start attitude and proven track record of managing a large mature English country garden, with a strong work ethic, ability to work to their own initiative and willingness to work to consistently high standards are qualities which are essential for this role. Candidates will be flexible and willing to extend their duties where needed. As such, this is a physically demanding position which requires a fit and strong individual who is comfortable working in all weathers.
General maintenance duties will include but are not limited to pruning, propagating, weeding, edging and compost management. The owner is passionate about their garden and are open to ideas the Gardener will have with regards to the development of the gardens. The lawns are cared for by external contractors, therefore previous experience in managing contractors will be advantageous for prospective candidates. Experience in the use and maintenance of a wide range of gardening machinery as well as PA1 and PA6 spraying certificates, and a chainsaw certification is desirable for this position. The house is equipped with machinery, which the gardener should be capable of maintaining between services.
Please note, the successful candidate with be offered subject to extensive reference checks (both written and verbal) and DBS check. Candidates will also need to provide evidence of qualifications held and hold a full driver’s licence.
SALARY: Up to £40,000 depending on experience
LOCATION: Oxfordshire
JOB No: EC58751
If this Head Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Sophie Sharpe 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 English Country Gardeners 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
Groundsperson / Handyperson
A driven and hands on Groundsperson / Handyperson is sought after to manage the sustainably designed gardens and grounds of a private estate near Petersfield, Hampshire on a full time and permanent basis. The role would suit an individual who is self-motivated, organised, independent and who is able to work to a high standard on their own for the majority of their time. The property owners will in the first instance call upon the Estate Manager for practical assistance with repairs and other issues which may arise.
The property area in total is 50 acres with the majority being fields which are maintained by a local farmer and are used for grazing. The garden surrounding the property is approximately 4-5 acres and includes borders of mixed perennials, large swathes of wildflowers, a pond, a walled vegetable garden growing produce for the house and a polytunnel. The gardens are maintained organically, and sustainable practices are encouraged on the estate.
The owners plan to plant more trees in the fields and gardens as well as to restore and upgrade the hedgerows around the fields and replace fencing where needed. A garden design firm has been appointed to carry out new planting schemes for the garden and grounds, with phase one being the hard landscaping works (e.g., new paths) which will be implemented this summer, and the second phase the main planting being carried out from September.
The successful applicant will be hands on and responsible for the general management and maintenance of the gardens and grounds. The garden duties include upkeep and maintenance of hedges, pathways and flower meadows, planting and upkeep of beds, borders, vegetable garden and polytunnel, pruning of fruit and other trees, harvesting and coppicing. The estate duties include arranging and overseeing maintenance of the swimming pool, overseeing and co-ordinating external contractors (burglar alarm servicing, domestic appliance servicing), art handling and picture hanging, use and maintenance of vehicles and equipment (ride-on mowers, Kubota utility vehicle, strimmers, blowers, hedge-cutters, chainsaws, etc.) and the construction, maintenance and repairs of post and rail / electric fencing.
A competitive salary is provided with the role depending on experience, 20 days paid holiday per annum and the working hours are 08:30-16:30 Monday-Friday.
This is a wonderful opportunity for an individual with experience in all rounded estate management and regenerative / sustainable gardening looking for an opportunity to be involved in the running of all aspects of a private estate.
SALARY: Circa £40,000 depending on experience
LOCATION: near Petersfield, Hampshire
JOB No: EC58721
If this Groundsperson / Handyperson 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.
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Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Groundsperson / Handyperson 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 Groundsperson / Handyperson vacancy will have been unsuccessful.
www.englishcountrygardeners.co.uk
Cash and Carry Manager
Cash and Carry Manager required.
Job Ref: K633
Our client is a family owned, leading domestic landscape business based in the West Midlands, that has been established for nearly 50 years, offering an extensive range of homegrown, quality plant material. Customers from the trade, design, landscape, and commercial sectors can tap into their wealth of experience and horticultural knowledge to guide them through their plant selections. As part of the company’s ambitious growth and diversification plans, they have expanded their wholesale Cash & Carry operations at their 7-acre Nursery site. The company has plans to expand further its trading activity into the landscape market and thus has created an exciting opportunity for a self-motivated person with a can-do attitude to join their friendly, people focused team as Cash and Carry Manager to grow alongside the business.
Job Description:
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who wishes to develop a great career in a modern, creative company with great values. The role requires a person to manage, develop and grow sales through the Cash & Carry unit and build sales into the local landscaping marketplace. You will be working with the management team to ensure that the nursery is stocked with the appropriate product lines that meet the needs to the clients whilst ensuring regular stock turn to enable to nursery to maintain high quality standards, including being creatively displayed and presented. The role involves working closely with procurement, despatch, and production to ensure that as a team the company deliver a great service to their clients.
Main Duties:
- Manage and develop the Cash & Carry and local sales team
- Generating new clients and promoting the business in the local area, whilst growing existing accounts
- Assisting clients with their purchases on the Cash & Carry with suitable plant selections
- Pricing incoming Cash & Carry stock and customer enquiries to maximise potential profit margins
- Ensuring sales orders are processed efficiently, whilst following up on quotes and where possible convert to orders
- Working closely with marketing to ensure well targeted marketing spend, providing contend and ideas, and helping in the development of the online sales platform
- Attending trade stands and events to promote the company
- Looking at new stock lines that add value
- Working with Procurement to build a suitable supplier base and assisting with forward planning for future stock requirements
This position would suit someone who has experience in a customer facing role, preferably in a horticultural environment such as a garden centre, nursery, or related industry. The ideal candidate will need to be reliable with a passion for customer service, have a positive attitude, be well organised and be able to work well under pressure. Be comfortable managing and developing your own team, with good problem-solving skills.
Additional Information
- Working hours 8am – 5pm Monday to Friday
- 40-hour week
- Pension scheme with up to 3% contribution matching
- 23 Days holiday per annum plus public holidays
- Staff discount
If this Cash and Carry Manager vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Sophie Sharpe on 01233 732767 or sophie@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 Cash and Carry 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 Cash and Carry Manager vacancy will have been unsuccessful.
