Assistant Head Gardener

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the garden team here at Cliveden as Assistant Head Gardener!

You'll be joining at a time where we're looking to the future and this is a chance to develop exciting, new, multi-year projects that embrace conservation and inspire people to share our passion for gardens.

We're looking for someone who can encourage confidence in the team, adapt quickly to new ways of working and apply their technical knowledge to a variety of tasks. If you're interested in achieving ambitious things with us, then we want to hear from you!

As a key member of the gardens team your role will involve running the day-to-day operations of the garden in collaboration with the Head Gardener and Senior Gardens leadership team.  This will involve working with staff and volunteers to develop and enhance the gardens, to provide the very highest presentations standards. You'll be responsible for the line management of staff, supporting and empowering the team to complete their work to the highest of standards. 

There will be opportunities for your own personal development as you’ll have a supporting role for the implementation of a range of projects and many smaller in-house renovations. You'll also build a network of contacts, both inside and out of the National Trust, knowing who to work with in order to complete a varied spectrum of tasks effectively. 

You'll create work plans, ensuring maintenance is kept up and no task is missed. You'll also be responsible for a number of cyclical compliance tasks. You’ll look to inspire the team to follow your lead whilst working practically in the garden.

Working closely with the Head Gardener you'll utilise your technical expertise and organisational skills to be able to deliver the consistently high standards that Cliveden is known for.  You'll have the chance to be creative, think outside the box and help share our wonderful gardens with visitors and supporters of all ages and backgrounds.

With over 500,000 visitors a year to Cliveden, you'll be expected to have exceptional customer service at heart and welcome everyone. 

Please also read the full role profile attached to this advert. 

• Significant horticultural experience, supported by appropriate qualifications   
• Leadership and communication skills   
• Good people management skills to help manage and develop key internal and external relationships         
• Excellent planning skills      
• Experience in managing Health and Safety and compliance requirements 
• Driving licence 

The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

•Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary

•Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)

•Tax-free childcare scheme

•Rental deposit loan scheme

•Season ticket loan

•EV car lease scheme 

•Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts

•Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.

•Flexible working whenever possible

•Employee assistance programme

•Free parking at most Trust places

Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.