Summary
We’re looking for a Garden Manager to lead the care, development and presentation of our gardens and meadows within the Ham House Property Group. This role involves leading a small team of gardeners to care for and develop these special gardens and meadows in an environmentally sustainable way so that they benefit a wide range of visitors now and in the future.
Internally you will be known as 'Garden & Outdoors Manager'.
If you would like to have a conversation about this role before applying please email -
Please note, the advertised salary is inclusive of the outer London weighting allowance, currently £3,315 per annum.
What it's like to work here
Reporting to the General Manager you will lead our gardeners and be part of a dynamic property leadership team, playing a pivotal role in shaping and influencing the future of the gardens across the whole property group. You will inspire our wider team of staff and volunteers to play their part in this new chapter for our properties.
Based at Ham House and Garden, you will be working across the 5 diverse properties of the Ham House property group in London – Ham House and Garden, Fenton House, 2 Willow Road, Carlyles’ House and The Red House - and manage Ham and Petersham Meadows. This is key moment to join the team to help develop our ambitious, important and engaging work across these 5 very different properties and communities.
What you'll be doing
You’ll lead the planning, day to day management and long-term development of gardens and meadows, ensuring they are cared for in an environmentally sensitive way that delivers maximum benefits for people and nature.
Managing and developing your team will be central to the role, creating a positive working environment and maximising volunteer involvement.
You’ll oversee budgets, monitor performance and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and generate income.
Risk management will be part of your responsibilities, ensuring safe working practices, compliance with legislation and effective responses to issues such as plant diseases and tree safety management.
You’ll help shape the visitor experience for our gardens, creating opportunities for engagement and supporting events, tours and activities to drive our work to increase access to places of cultural heritage and natural beauty, and inspire many more people to care about nature, beauty and history.
Working with partners, communities and colleagues across the Trust and externally, you’ll contribute to our wider strategic ambitions and share expertise to support others.
Occasional weekend work will be required alongside regular duty management at Ham House.
Who we're looking for
Please include a cover letter with your application. We'd love to hear from you if you have:
1. demonstrable ability to manage change and lead a team of gardeners both on site and remotely.
2. demonstrable experience of horticulture with excellent plant knowledge and understanding of plant health & husbandry.
3. knowledge in conservation of historic landscapes, meadows management and working in public gardens to deliver public benefit.
4. experience of working with volunteers and community and partner engagement
5. experience of garden rethinking and changing
6. confidence in managing budgets and income generation.
7. an ability to communicate effectively at all levels and confidence and experience of working with contractors and suppliers.
8. knowledge of health and safety requirements and other compliance issues relating to gardens and meadows.
9. Driver’s licence
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