Company Description

Relais & Chateau at Thornbury Castle are seeking a passionate, professional, well-organised and talented Head Gardener for managing and maintaining the listed gardens and grounds to the highest horticultural standards. You will be working in a unique and beautifully restored Castle, creating truly memorable and impressive 5* experiences for our guests.

About Us
Set on 15 acres of beautiful land, Thornbury Castle Hotel is the only Tudor Castle operating as a hotel in England. The Castle has recently completed a multi-million pound refurbishment program bringing back to life the regal grandeur of its past. Located 20 minutes’ drive from Bristol, it offers 26 bedchambers and suites, an award-winning restaurant, bar and two unique meeting and conference spaces.
Our company goal is to deliver “refined and personalised hospitality” to enable our hotel to be a place where all guests can relax, enjoy themselves and have a break from normal life. To feel like royalty in a unique place with unique people.

Job Description

We are looking for a talented, passionate, driven, accountable and experienced Head Gardener. The successful candidate will have great attention to detail, a positive attitude and excellent communication skills.
This is an exciting opportunity to be a key part of the hotel’s planned growth over the next few years.

• Establish, maintain and manage the historical listed gardens and grounds at the highest standards
• In charge of the continuous development of the gardens
• Lead the garden team effectively and professionally and oversee the Gardens volunteer section
• Manage the day-to-day maintenance of the garden: lawn care, hedge-cutting, tree assessment, pruning, weeding, planting and all associated garden tasks
• Maintain and develop the kitchen garden and liaise with the Head Chef for seasonal products
• Take ownership of safe working practises within the estate and work with our risk assessment programme
• Proactive garden design/upgrade proposals and manage annual budget
• Practical knowledge of plants, tools, materials and use of general garden machinery
• To undertake Garden Tours for guests, guiding them through the award-winning historic gardens providing a knowledgeable behind the scenes experience

Qualifications

• The Head Gardener must hold a recognised qualification, at least Level 4 NVQ equivalent in Horticulture or relevant experience.
• Previous managerial experience in handling efficiently a team.
• PA1 and PA6 spraying certification.
• Chainsaw certification preferred (CS30/31).

Additional Information

• Salary £34,493
• Full-time permanent position
• 40 hours, 5 days a week (possible inclusion of weekends)
• An additional share of service charge every month
• 5 days’ sick pay after 6 months service
• 28 days holiday including bank holidays
• An additional paid day off on your birthday
• Complimentary stay at the Castle after 3 months’ probation successfully passed
• Training programs (internal and via external professionals) and access to online training facilities
• Staff and family rates on hotel accommodation and discounts on food and beverage
• Recognition programs
• Uniform provided and free parking