Head Gardener – Goldsborough Hall, North Yorkshire
Location: Goldsborough Hall, near Knaresborough, North Yorkshire
Contract: Full-time, permanent
About Goldsborough Hall
Goldsborough Hall is a 16th-century stately home of national significance, once the residence of Princess Mary, the aunt of Queen Elizabeth II. Today, the Hall is an exclusive, family-owned five-star retreat offering luxury accommodation, elegant weddings and award-winning gardens.
The Hall stands in landscaped grounds with views across historic parkland, where our gardens form a central part of the guest experience. Our gardens are frequently featured in publications and open to the public for charity days, giving our Head Gardener the opportunity to shape a living landscape admired by visitors, horticultural enthusiasts, and wedding guests alike.
The Role
We are seeking an outstanding Head Gardener who combines horticultural expertise with creativity, leadership, and pride in presentation. This is a hands-on role, leading a small team and working closely with the owners to develop and maintain the gardens to the highest standard.
You will play a key part in upholding the Hall's heritage while also refining and evolving its planting schemes, ensuring the grounds inspire, delight, and reflect the prestige of Goldsborough Hall.
Key Responsibilities
Garden & Grounds Management
Lead the maintenance, development, and presentation of all formal and informal gardens, lawns, woodland, and historic parkland.
Maintain and enhance historic garden features while introducing new design ideas and planting schemes.
Cultivate roses, maintain herbaceous borders, topiary, glasshouse and kitchen gardens, woodland walk and seasonal pot displays.
Oversee plant health, pest and disease control, soil management, and composting.
Ensure immaculate standards of upkeep and presentation year-round.
Team Leadership
Manage and inspire a small team of gardeners and seasonal staff.
Supervise contractors (e.g. tree surgeons, lawn maintenance) and volunteers.
Provide training, mentoring, and direction to ensure consistent high standards.
Engagement & Guest Experience
Occasionally lead guided tours or talks for visiting groups, garden enthusiasts, and charity open days.
Work with the owners and events team to ensure the gardens are at their best for weddings, photography, and special events.
Represent the Hall to visiting horticulturalists and maintain strong links with the wider gardening community.
Skills & Experience
Significant experience in a senior horticultural role, ideally within a heritage or high-profile garden.
Extensive plant knowledge across a wide range of species and conditions.
Proven skills in garden planning, design, and presentation.
Strong leadership and team management skills.
Practical competence in pruning, propagation, and specialist plant care.
Relevant horticultural qualifications (RHS Level 3 or higher, or equivalent).
Certificates in spraying, machinery use, and chainsaw work are desirable.
A proven track record of maintaining gardens to the highest standards.
Benefits
Competitive salary (dependent on experience).
Opportunity to lead and shape one of Yorkshire's most beautiful and historic gardens.
Staff meals and discounts within the Hall.
Accommodation may be available by negotiation.
Professional development and training opportunities
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From £32,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Discounted or free food
* Employee discount
* Flexitime
* On-site parking
Work Location: In person