Head Gardener / Estate Manager
Location: Near Chelmsford, Essex
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am–5pm (4pm in winter)
We are seeking a highly skilled, passionate, and experienced Estate Manager / Head Gardener to lead the horticultural care and development of a stunning classical 'Plantsman's Garden' at a private residence near Chelmsford, Essex. This is a full-time, permanent role for someone who takes pride in their craft and is ready to take ownership of a prestigious garden.
Benefits:
* 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays
* Dog-friendly environment
* Stable, full-time hours with seasonal adjustments
* Support from full and part-time gardening staff and external contractors.
Key Responsibilities:
* Lead the planning, maintenance, and development of the garden, including exotic and rare plant collections and topiary.
* Supervise and mentor a small gardening team, ensuring high horticultural standards
* Operate and maintain a wide range of garden machinery and tools
* Programme and maintain multi zone Hunter irrigation system
* Liaise with the property owners to align garden design and planting schemes with their vision
* Monitor plant health and implement pest and disease control measures
* Maintain records of planting, treatments, and seasonal tasks
* Ensure and maintain botanical identification and labelling of specimens.
* Ensure the garden and grounds are presented to the highest standard year-round
Requirements:
* Extensive horticultural knowledge and hands-on gardening experience, ideally in a similar private estate or heritage garden
* RHS Levels 1 & 2 minimum and ideally Level 3
* Full UK driving licence
* Strong leadership and organisational skills
* Familiarity with a wide range of plants, including rare and exotic species
* PA1/PA6 pesticide certificates (or willingness to obtain)