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)