Head of Gardens & Landscapes
Role: Head of Gardens & Landscape
Head of Gardens & Landscapes
Reporting To: Estate Director (Yorkshire)
Direct Reports: Grounds Maintenance Assistant Manager
Indirect Reports: Grounds Maintenance and Garden & Landscape team members
Salary Package: £60,000 per annum
Hours: 40 per week – Monday to Friday with Duty Manager shifts on a rota basis which would include weekends and bank holidays
Location: Bolton Abbey, Skipton, North Yorkshire
The Estate
The Bolton Abbey Estate, the Yorkshire home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, comprises 26,500 acres including let farms, moorland, and woodland. There are also a considerable number of houses, cottages, and commercial properties, many of which are listed, including the ancient ruins of the 12th century Bolton Priory. In addition to the let estate, the estate has in hand catering, tourism and retail, hotel, and holiday cottages.
The estate is situated around the village of Bolton Abbey, the River Wharfe runs through the middle of the estate, the majority of which lies within the Yorkshire Dales National Park. In common with the rest of the Dales, Wharfedale is an extremely popular area, and the estate welcomes significant numbers of visitors per year.
The Bolton Abbey estate is managed from the estate office in Bolton Abbey, by an Estates Director who sits on the board of management leading the administration of the Devonshire Group of Estates & Businesses. The board is chaired by a Chief Executive of the Devonshire Group.
The Devonshire Group main enterprises span visitor, retail, food and drink, hotel and holiday cottage businesses, residential and commercial property, property development, forestry, and farming, employing over 1,400 people in the UK and Ireland.
Role Purpose
To organise, lead and work as part of the Gardens and Landscape and Grounds team at Bolton Abbey. This role will require the successful candidate to work with the Estates Director and family on the evolution of how the gardens and landscape at Bolton Abbey will be managed for the future. You will be responsible for developing the gardens and wider estate for the enjoyment of tenants, visitors, and the family, in keeping with its heritage and reputation for innovation, conservation and high standards of horticulture.
To lead and drive initiatives to protect and enhance the conservation of the estate, helping to improve biodiversity, habitat, and aesthetics.
Key Responsibilities
- To take a leading role, alongside the estate management in the formulation of longer-term plans for the development, improvement, and conservation of the Bolton Abbey estate.
- Deliver key projects and enhancements, within budget and to the agreed standards.
- To lead, manage and develop the gardens and landscape team. Set clear work programmes working closely with the team and reviewing performance.
- Prepare and manage annual budgets and plan procurement of plants, equipment, and materials, identifying efficiencies while maintaining quality.
- To ensure the delivery of excellent standards of presentation, maintenance, and cultivation.
- To supply (when required) produce and flowers for use by the family and the hospitality outlets, consulting with the family and the appropriate managers in the choice and production and procurement.
- Ensure the propagation, recording and labelling of all plants as required.
- To ensure the Health and Safety of all colleagues, contractors, tenants, and visitors, overseeing all checks and audits and maintaining a safe working environment.
- To oversee and ensure the proactive control of vermin.
- To keep abreast of best practice at other historic gardens and estates and make recommendations as a result of learnings.
- To work closely with the Tourism team in the preparation and facilitation of all estate events and actively collaborate with teams on initiatives and visitor experience improvements.
- To develop better access for visitors, through waymarked and more accessible paths and tracks.
- Oversee facilities management across the estate, ensuring all grounds and public areas are consistently maintained to a high standard for both visitors and staff.
- To develop a strong working relationship with all other departments across the estate to support common goals and safe and efficient operations.
General Responsibilities
- To complete and work in accordance all Health & Safety and Job Skills training and adhere to GDPR as required.
- To be responsible for your own health and safety and that of your colleagues, in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) and relevant EC directives.
- To undertake any training/coaching required by the Company to enable you to perform your duties effectively.
This is a description of your duties and responsibilities at the present time; however, this is not an exhaustive list, and other duties may be required in line with the current and future needs of the business.
Skills and Traits required (Essential):
- RHS Level 3 qualification or equivalent and/or degree in Horticulture, Landscape Management, or related discipline (or equivalent experience).
- Strong technical horticultural knowledge and plant expertise with a passion for landscapes, heritage, and conservation.
- Experience of landscape design and planting scheme development capability, awareness of threats to biodiversity, and experience of seasonal maintenance.
- Ability to think both strategically and operationally, with proven leadership experience to manage, inspire and lead a multi-skilled team.
- Excellent communication skills and a track record of managing similar landscapes and work.
- Competency in IT systems including Outlook and Teams.
- Experience in budget control, procurement, and project delivery.
- Experience managing relationships with external contractors and conservation bodies.
- Knowledge of health & safety legislation and safe working practices.
- The role is largely outdoors with seasonal demands.
- Full UK driving licence.
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