Gardens Manager
From £30,000 plus great benefits

Although we’re an educational publishing company (the UK’s No.1, in fact), we also have a passion for property and grounds — and a fantastic team who keep them all looking beautiful.

As Gardens Manager, you’ll thrive on taking responsibility and lead a small team of gardeners across our Lake District estate which extends to more than 200 acres. You’ll be an experienced horticulturist with a sound track record of people management. As part of CGP’s grounds management team, you’ll work collaboratively with all 17 of your grounds colleagues — maintaining borders, planning planting schemes and general garden maintenance. When needed, you’ll be happy to get stuck in and help out across the whole estate.

You’ll have exceptional customer service, energy and drive and will make a real impact by:

- Managing workflow of our gardening team
- Challenging people to meet your high standards, and monitoring quality of work
- Dealing with operational issues — with a focus on solutions, not problems
- Enthusing others with your positive attitude and superb interpersonal skills

A keen eye for detail is essential, as is an engaging and down-to-earth manner. Applicants must also be flexible, trustworthy, organised and have excellent communication skills. And given the various locations of our sites, a full driving licence is essential.

Interested?

To apply, please select the apply button shown to submit your CV and a full covering letter explaining why you’re right for this role. Please include details of your current salary and benefits.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to our Head Office, Eccle Riggs Hall, in Broughton-in-Furness for assessment.

Closing Date: Monday 18th July 2022

MORE INFO

Is this a hands-on role?

Yes — we like our managers to get stuck in and lead by example.

Will I need to plan and schedule work?

Definitely weekly, but plans can always change last minute! You’ll need to be prepared to be flexible.

How big would my team be?

You’ll have up to 6 gardeners in your team, all working in the local area but not necessarily always at the same site. And you’ll be part of an overall grounds team of around 17 - 20 people.

How big are the gardens?

We have about 20 acres of gardens over a number of local sites. The total area of the estate is just over 200 acres.

How old are the gardens?

Some of them are quite historic. Our head office was built in the mid-1800s and another property dates back a few centuries.

What type of planting will I be looking after?

Mixed informal herbaceous and shrub borders, with some areas of annual bedding.

Will I need to look after lawns and the golf course?

No — we’ve got that covered by another team. But there will be some wildflower scything at the end of the summer!

Will I need experience in managing a kitchen garden?

Not at all, though we do have a few herbs in pots and a few fruit trees that the team look after.

Will I need a spraying licence?

Yes, however we try to limit our use of herbicides wherever possible.

And did a little bird mention CGP ducks and peacocks?

Of course! Doesn’t every publisher have a flock or two?

If I get asked to come to an interview, what will I need?

As part of the assessment, we’ll ask you to get stuck in — so bring your boots, secateurs and plant knowledge!

And you mentioned generous benefits — could you tell me a bit more?

Sure. As well as our stunning Lake District working environment, you’ll also get free membership of our Leisure and Golf Club, cashback on everyday health treatments and of course great holidays and pension. What’s more, as an independent publisher we have the freedom to do things a bit differently, so there are quirky goings-on all year round. You’ll have to join us to find out more…

What about accommodation? Live-in or live-out?

Live-out. With so many wonderful places to stay in and around the Lake District, we leave that to you — no one lives on site at CGP.

This vacancy is being advertised by Webrecruit. The services advertised by Webrecruit are those of an Employment Agency.

Other organisations may call this role Gardening Manager, Horticulturalist, Horticultural Manager, Lead Grounds Person, or Lead Gardener.