Head Gardener

NATIONAL TRUST; Whitley Bay; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Head Gardener to join the team at Seaton Delaval Hall, to manage and guide the care and future developments of the gardens and grounds.

We are looking for someone to bring their passion, specialist knowledge and expertise to lead a fantastic team of staff and volunteers to care for these beautiful gardens to the highest standards, as well as provide access and enjoyment for visitors all year round.

What it's like to work here

Seaton Delaval Hall is known as a place of drama and mischief. Designed by Sir John Vanbrugh in 1718, the sense of theatricality and playfulness extends to the gardens with contemporary interventions such as the Mirror Cube and Delaval Playdium. Seaton Delaval Hall has recently undergone a lot of changes, with £7.8 million invested in conservation of the hall and gardens and developing the visitor experience. More recently, we have completed the Rose Garden conservation project, thanks to a generous gift in will.

The close-knit team has a great relationship with local community groups and cultural partners and has made a real impact through a creative programme of events and family-friendly activities. Last year, we welcomed 155,000 people.

What you'll be doing

You'll report to the General Manager and be responsible for the gardens and outdoors operation, including tree management and safety, leading and inspiring a gardening staff team of 4 and over eighty garden volunteers, ranging from those developing new skills to passionate experts. We are looking for someone who is invested in people, regularly shares their knowledge and experience with others and is committed to team learning and development, as well as their own.

You’ll lead on any projects to restore or rework areas of the gardens, giving you the opportunity for hands-on creativity and a dynamic approach to gardening. You'll work with colleagues from other departments to make sure that people visiting can experience everything that makes these gardens so special, including their stories, challenges and the wildlife to be found within them.

Your priority will be to make sure that everyone feels welcome here. You’ll demonstrate inclusive leadership and work with others, on and off site, to make the changes needed to improve access to the gardens and grounds. You’ll have a close working relationship with experts from the Trust’s internal consultancy, as well as working with and learning from others beyond the Trust. As part of our property leadership team, you'll be expected to contribute towards shaping the future plans for Seaton Delaval Hall and the implementation of the new 10-year Trust strategy. You will be expected to work some bank holidays and weekends and to act as Duty Manager on a rota.

Who we're looking for

We’d love to hear from you if you’re:

1. qualified to RHS level 3 or above (or the equivalent vocational experience)
2. experienced in managing a varied garden in all seasons
3. able to draw on your excellent knowledge of plants and plant care
4. comfortable talking to all kinds of people and sharing your knowledge and expertise
5. used to managing operational risk and compliance requirements relevant to horticulture
6. committed to working as part of a wider team to build a culture of inclusion
7. adept at managing resources, budgets and plans to make sure work gets done on time and to the highest standards

The package

The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
• Rental deposit loan scheme
• Season ticket loan
• EV car lease scheme
• Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
• Flexible working whenever possible
• Employee assistance programme
• Free parking at most Trust places