Winchester College - Head Gardener

Hampshire
Winchester College
Full-time

Summary

Winchester College is seeking a visionary and experienced Head Gardener to lead the care and development of its historic gardens. This pivotal role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of a distinguished landscape while respecting its rich heritage.

Detail

The Role

Reporting to the Head of Grounds and Gardens, the Head Gardener will oversee the daily operations and long-term planning for all College green spaces. This includes leading, motivating, and managing a team of gardeners to ensure the highest standards are maintained year-round.

Your key responsibilities will include:

Team Leadership: Leading, motivating, and managing a team of gardeners to ensure the gardens are presented to the highest standards.
Strategic Planning: Developing, designing, and implementing a long-term sustainable plan for the gardens, consistent with their philosophy and rich history, including detailed planting designs.
Horticultural Management: Overseeing the management of planting, ordering, propagation, and cultivation of plants.
Event Preparation: Planning for an extensive list of events throughout the year, ensuring the gardens are presented at their best for occasions like National Garden Scheme visits and weddings.
Maintenance & Safety: Ensuring the maintenance of machinery and tools, and possessing an up-to-date knowledge of Health and Safety and COSHH requirements.
Guided Tours: Leading guided tours of the gardens.
Collaboration: Effectively communicating and cooperating with other departments, third-party contractors, and the wider college community.

About You

We are seeking an individual with established and proven horticultural skills, ideally with previous experience as a Head Gardener in a similar environment and RHS Level 3 or above.

Essential Skills & Experience:

Horticultural Expertise: Demonstrated horticultural skills, with strong knowledge of garden design and long-term planning.
Leadership: Experience in managing teams, fostering motivation and reliability within a gardening team, alongside exceptional self-motivation.
Attention to Detail: Exceptional presentational skills with a keen eye for detail.
Interpersonal Skills: Positive interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships.
Organisational Abilities: Strong day-to-day organisational skills for effective operational management and sound long-term planning.
Physical Fitness: Good physical fitness and a willingness to work from heights.
Driving Licence: A full driving licence.
Health & Safety: Up-to-date knowledge of Health and Safety and COSHH requirements.

Desirable Skills & Experience:

Pesticide Application: PA1 and PA6 certifications to assist with the College spraying programmes.
School Environment: Enjoyment of working in a school environment and an understanding of the role's place within the wider College community.

What We Offer

Start Date: As soon as possible.
Working Hours: This is a full-time position, 40 hours per week, with reasonable flexibility expected to meet College needs. This includes weekend work on a rota basis and additional evening hours for events.
Salary: £31,260.00 (gross) per annum, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

If you are an experienced and visionary gardening professional ready for a dynamic role within a supportive educational environment, we encourage you to apply.

HOW TO APPLY

Only applications completed on the school website will be accepted. Please attach a full CV with your application.

Please note that applications will be dealt with as they arrive. Winchester College reserves the right to appoint before the deadline passes.

Closing date for applications: Midnight Sunday 20th July 2025.

For full job description and to apply please see here

If you have any questions about this vacancy or the recruitment process, please email recruitment@wincoll.ac.uk.