Summary
**Important notice**
In line with our redeployment policy, we’ll prioritise applications from National Trust employees who are under formal notice of redundancy.
Join us in managing a Grade I listed fantasy landscape located in the spectacular North East countryside. Created by William and Margaret Armstrong, this historic pleasure ground is almost 17 hectares. It's unique Formal Garden, Rock Garden, Pinetum and Valley Garden awed their guests and still wow our visitors today. As our Head Gardener, with your infectious can-do attitude, you will bring these magical gardens to life. In this strategic, hands-on horticultural role, you will enjoy working alongside your team, leading them in the maintenance, presentation and development of Cragside’s gardens. Whatever the season, your leadership will ensure a memorable, and colourful, experience for all our visitors.
The working pattern is Tuesday to Saturday and you will be part of the duty manager rota for daily operations on the property.
What it's like to work here
Cragside is one of the most popular visitor attractions in the North East, welcoming around 250,000 every year. Located in stunning rural Northumberland, but only 30 miles from the vibrant city of Newcastle; working at Cragside allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds. With less congested travel than many parts of the UK and beautiful surroundings, the quality of life in Northumberland is high.
The high performing team you will be joining is experienced in a broad range of disciplines. Everyone works closely together to look after Cragside for our visitors – both present and future – to enjoy.
You will thrive when working in collaboration. Managed by our Property Curator, you will work closely with other heads of department, to provide a holistic and exceptional visitor experience across the property. Regional and central colleagues will be able to offer a range of advice and services for you to draw upon, offering the opportunity to deepen your existing knowledge
What you'll be doing
As Head Gardener, you'll be leading a Senior Gardener and a team of five gardeners, all eager to deliver their very best. They are ably supported by a small number of volunteers.
You’ll employ your horticultural knowledge, experience, and talent to implement high standards of garden maintenance and lead on the development of new aspects of the gardens. Alongside leading by example out in the gardens, you will have strong administrative skills, be confident managing budgets and ensuring that the gardens are fully compliant with healthy and safety guidelines. You’ll be an excellent people manager; proactively developing work programmes and your team’s skills.
Among our exciting priorities for the coming years is working alongside the Property Curator to create a detailed Garden Management Plan that will shape our vision for the current maintenance and future development of the gardens. We’ll be working to reimagine Victorian practices, such as carpet bedding, to make them more sustainable whilst still celebrating Cragside’s heritage. We are also working on projects to re-plant the historic Ferneries and conserve the 19th century Orchard House.
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. able to evidence experience of managing a complex historic garden
3. experienced in managing a varied garden in all seasons
4. able to draw on your excellent knowledge of plants and plant care
5. comfortable talking to all kinds of people and sharing your knowledge and expertise
6. used to managing operational risk and compliance requirements relevant to horticulture
7. committed to working as part of a wider team to build a culture of inclusion
8. 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 (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
•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