Back to Job Search

Head Gardener Job

  • Sector: Private Households & Estates
  • Function: Head Gardener
  • Contact: Laura Harrall
  • Contact Phone: +441298600414
  • Start Date: As soon as the right candidate is found
  • Location: Chester
  • Salary: £50,000+ GPA
  • Job Ref: 178143
  • Contact Email: laura@greycoatlumleys.co.uk

Head Gardener Job – North Wales / Cheshire boarder - £50,000+ GPA 

Exclusive to Greycoat Lumleys - Our client is looking for an experienced Head Gardener to take on a live out role near Chester.  This prestigious 13-acre private estate on the North Wales/ Cheshire boarder and features extensive formal and informal gardens, orchards, rose gardens, herbaceous borders, cut flower beds, topiary, lawns and a pond.

The estate will shortly be embarking on extensive upgrades and development projects, making this a particularly exciting time to join. The role is ideally suited to a Head Gardener with flair, creativity, and enthusiasm, who can combine a respect for tradition with fresh ideas and innovation.

The Head Gardener will take full responsibility for the maintenance, development, and presentation of the estate’s gardens and grounds, The role is both hands-on and managerial, requiring horticultural expertise, leadership, and the ability to deliver projects to the highest standard.  You will be overseeing an Assistant Gardener and working closely with the Estate Manager.

Key Responsibilities

  • Full care and maintenance of flowers, shrubs, bushes, trees, lawns, hedges, topiary, orchards, rose gardens.
  • Planting, transplanting, fertilising, pruning, spraying, weeding, watering, and managing pests and diseases.
  • Greenhouse management and propagation of flowers.
  • Implementing and maintaining detailed landscape and seasonal planting plans.
  • Overseeing irrigation systems and ensuring efficient water management.
  • General groundskeeping: mowing, trimming, raking, snow clearance, and upkeep of paths and driveways.
  • Maintenance of garden structures, equipment, and supplies; safe use of machinery including tractors and vehicles.
  • Keeping accurate expense records, budgets, and reconciliations.
  • Training, mentoring, and supervising the Assistant Gardener, ensuring high standards and professional development.
  • Supporting estate projects and upgrades, contributing ideas and creativity.
  • Ensuring all work is compliant with health & safety standards and environmental best practice.
  • Liaising closely with the Estate Manager and principals to deliver according to their vision.

Candidate Profile

  • Minimum 5 years’ experience in a senior gardening role, ideally on a private estate.
  • Relevant Horticultural qualifications.
  • PA1/PA6 spraying certificates and chainsaw licence desirable.
  • Excellent plant knowledge, including propagation, orchard/fruit care, and seasonal planning.
  • Leadership skills with proven ability to motivate and mentor staff.
  • Strong organisational, communication, and record-keeping skills.
  • Respectful, collaborative, and discreet in all dealings with principals and staff.
  • Enthusiastic, creative, and passionate about horticulture, with exceptional attention to detail.
  • Full, clean UK driving licence.
  • Enhanced DBS check required

Package

  • Competitive salary starting at £50,000 gross per annum
  • Live out role – no accommodation provided
  • 25 days’ annual leave + 8 bank holidays
  • Full-time role, 5 days per week (flexible schedule, with flexibility required when principals are in residence)

Candidates should apply with a CV to Laura Harrall laura@greycoatlumleys.co.uk