Head Gardener near Newbury, on the Hampshire/Berkshire Border
Salary: From £47,000+ gross per annum
Start: As soon as the right person is found
Hours: Monday-Friday, 5 days per week (some flexibility required when the Principals are in residence)
This is a live-out role - no accommodation provided.
About the Estate
This is a stunning private estate near Newbury, set in beautiful countryside on the Hampshire/Berkshire border. The gardens are a true highlight of the property - a mix of formal and informal areas, including extensive borders, a productive kitchen garden, meadows, woodlands, lakeside planting, and greenhouses.
The owners have a deep appreciation for their gardens and are looking for a confident and collaborative Head Gardener who can work closely with them to continue shaping their vision. This is a hands-on and rewarding role for someone with real flair, creativity, and leadership.
About the Role
As Head Gardener, you'll take full responsibility for the maintenance and development of the gardens, combining day-to-day horticultural care with the strategic planning and delivery of projects. You’ll be managing a small and dedicated team: currently an Assistant Head Gardener and three part-time Gardeners, and will work closely with the Senior Property Manager to ensure the highest standards across the grounds.
Your remit will span everything from propagation, pruning, and planting, to managing irrigation systems, lawn and meadow care, orchard maintenance, and greenhouse management. You'll also be involved in planning seasonal schemes, overseeing garden budgets and ordering, and working with external garden designers when needed.
The owners are passionate about creating a garden that blends tradition with innovation, and they're looking for someone equally enthusiastic and invested in long-term stewardship of the grounds.
Ideal Candidate
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Has at least 5 years’ experience in a senior gardening position, ideally on a private estate
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Holds relevant horticultural qualifications
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Genuinely passionate about plants, gardens, and developing beautiful spaces
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Has excellent leadership and mentoring skills
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Experienced in kitchen garden and orchard care, propagation, and seasonal planning
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Confident communicator — able to liaise with Principals about their garden vision
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Highly organised, discreet, and collaborative
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Ideally holds PA1/PA6 and chainsaw certifications (though not essential)
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Full, clean UK driving licence
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Enhanced DBS required
What’s On Offer
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Competitive salary from £47,000 gross per annum
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25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
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A long-term role with real autonomy and creative scope
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The chance to lead and shape one of the area’s most beautiful private gardens
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Supportive and respectful working environment
If you're an experienced and confident Head Gardener looking for a new challenge in a truly special setting, we’d love to hear from you.
