Head Gardener

**Leicestershire, Nr Market Bosworth**, **Salary up to £45,000 per annum**:
**EHS #6054**:
**Head Gardener**

An exciting opportunity for an experienced Head Gardener for an historic Grade 2* listed private Estate of 30 acres. The owners are seeking a professional and dedicated lead to take the gardens to their next stage of development.

The position is based in Leicestershire, and approximately 35 minutes from Birmingham.

The Estate is sympathetic to its Jacobean and Georgian history and reflects the contemporary tastes and artistic interests of the owners. The gardens have been designed to surprise and delight and lead the visitor via desired lines to reach sculptural, architectural, and natural viewpoints. The Head Gardener is required to take the lead and develop a skilled team to revitalise the impressive series of garden rooms, parterres, woodlands, and parkland.

Features include:

- Formal parterres with hedges and topiary centrepieces surrounded by close-cut formal lawns
- Rose beds, borders, and rose arch walkway
- Formal topiary garden ‘room’ surrounding an historic dovecote
- Walled ‘Show Garden’ surrounding the orangery with an intimate sculpture installation and contemporary water feature
- Kitchen garden surrounding the impressive glasshouse with central tropical display area, propagation wing, and rear potting shed
- Yew-hedged, galleried herbaceous borders
- Large planters for seasonal and mature plantings
- Contemporary knot topiary parterres
- Parkland and lake complemented by ancient trees
- Large machinery garage & workshop
- Enclosed courtyard garden
- Orchard with heritage fruit surrounded by a bulb-rich meadow

The successful applicant will:

- Be required to have a passion for horticulture, be self-motivated, hands-on, and able to propose and guide the owners in regenerating and developing the gardens
- Ideally hold horticultural qualifications up to RHS Level 4 or equivalent
- Have 5 or more years working at a senior level within a formal garden setting
- Be experienced in the operation and maintenance of a wide range of horticultural machinery
- Have management experience and be capable of recruiting, developing, and motivating a skilled team
- Have PA1 / PA6 spraying certificates and chainsaw licence
- Be required to propose, present, and manage budgeted projects
- Be computer literate

The role would suit a passionate lead in a well-resourced, stunning formal garden setting with appreciative, dynamic, and engaged owners.

The position is a 5-day working week with seasonal flexibility to meet the demands of the gardens.

A full, clean UK driving licence is required. Fluent spoken and written English preferred.

**Salary**: Up to £45,000 pa depending on experience with adjustment for accommodation requirement.

**Location**: Near Market Bosworth, Leicestershire.