Unique Projects Devon is a dynamic and exciting business providing high quality bespoke landscaping and garden care services throughout the Westcountry.
Due to our success and continual growth, we are now seeking a Head Gardener to work with our maintenance team to manage and further grow this very valuable and important arm to our business.
Function & Purpose of Role
To manage the grounds and gardens on various sites along with assistance of our Master Gardeners team . The Head Gardener will be experienced in horticultural practices, able to operate a variety of equipment and has a comprehensive horticultural knowledge.
Must have a documented track record of capability to manage large & small gardens alike to a high standard and be able to support the Directors in the growth and development of the maintenance portfolio and the expansion of the team. Testimonials and references from past clients will be desirable.
Key Responsibilities & Duties
Lead soft landscaping projects and maintenance, including-
- Tree, shrub and hedge planting
- Preparing ground and laying turf
- Preparing ground and sowing seed
- Ecology and wildlife projects
- Lawn Care, hedge care, plant care, pruning and tree care
Planting design & planning-
- New borders to be planted
- Redesigning & refreshing old borders
- Making constructive suggestions to clients and advise where necessary
Health and safety-
- Complies with own and Employer’s legal responsibilities for Health & Safety practices
- Understands the importance of risk assessment; completes required paperwork and ensures team compliance with measures to reduce risk and limit hazards
- Uses all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as issued
- Ensure safe working practice and use of PPE within own team
- Aware of requirements of the company’s Health & Safety policy
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
Essential-
- Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Horticulture or RHS equivalent
- 3 years minimum of horticultural/soft landscaping experience and knowledge of leading contracts
- Experience in managing and motivating small teams of staff
- Good communication skills
- Motivated, organised and efficient
- Punctual, good time management
- Ability to work unsupervised or as part of a team.
- Experience of using hand and power tools, equipment and machinery
- A desire to learn new skills.
- Full driving licence holder
- Able to complete records for team management accurately and in a timely manner
- Take care and maintain power tools, equipment and machinery
Desirable:
- Chainsaw licence holder
- Spraying certificate holder
- Experience or Specialist knowledge in [Garden design, raising plants from cuttings, experience in market gardening]
- Experience of tractor or rough terrain forklift driving
- Experience of towing trailers
Key Competencies-
Leadership, Management and Direction of Others-
- Briefs and informs team members to ensure clear understanding of requirements
- Delegates tasks effectively to capable team members
- Ensures a good work ethic and provides a role model for all team members
- Ensures teams produce high standard and quality workmanship
- Ensures equipment care, efficient use of resources made available to teams
- Values the contribution of team members by showing appreciation, support and loyalty
- Ensures safe working practices are followed by within teams
Planning and Preparation-
- Ensures a thorough understanding of landscaping/horticultural projects and tasks before commencement
- Plans ahead and ensures correct tools, equipment and machinery are available
- Foresees problems and hold-ups, plans action to resolve issues
- Calculates materials requirement, sourcing and delivery schedules
Customer Care-
- Establishes rapport and dialogue channels with customers
- Keeps customers informed of activities, problems and timescales
- Considers and interprets customers’ requests and requirements
- Makes efforts to promote new and repeat work with existing and potential customers
Organisation and Initiative-
- Makes practical workable suggestions for improvements
- Sees when something needs to be done and acts.
- Is able to work under pressure and to deadlines
- Recognises deficiencies and seeks help when appropriate
- Handles multiple activities simultaneously
- Adapts plans as events change
Co-operation with Line Manager & Teams-
- Maintains a positive relationship with Directors and team members
- Is prepared to lead or participate in a team when appropriate and always supports and assists his/her line manager
- Is loyal and committed and always participates to accomplish a task is completed
- Is prepared to help another team leader or team member who might need it
- Builds long-term relationships of trust with all internal and external contacts
Coaching and Training-
- Takes active steps towards continued professional development
- Takes active steps to train, coach and develop the skills of new and less experienced team members
- Promotes learning and good practice in team members
- Will not tolerate poor standards of workmanship or quality
Communication and Passage of Information-
- Produces accurate and concise written information for his/her line manager
- Briefs team members clearly on work requirements or tasks adequately
- Listens actively and effectively
- Communicates well with customers, understanding requirements and requests
Contract/Quality Management-
- Consistently produces high quality outcomes as agreed with line manager within agreed timescales
- Promotes and encourages high quality standards with team leaders and team members
- Understands the financial and customer implications of over-run timescales and poor planning
- Assesses materials requirements and organises timely deliveries of equipment and materials
- Consistently plans work schedules to make best uses of manpower and resources
- Minimises waste of materials, time and effort
Planning and Preparation-
- Ensures a thorough understanding of tasks before commencement
- Ensures correct tools, equipment and machinery are available for work
- Foresees problems and hold-ups, informs team leaders and line manger
- Adapts quickly as work situations change
Reliability and Dependability-
- Takes responsibility to see the job through as directed or under own initiative
- Can be counted on to assist in solving problems
- Produces consistent performance
- Is accountable for own actions
- Adaptable when things need to be changed
- Takes responsibility for the care of company tools, equipment, machinery and vehicles
Attitudes and Behaviour-
- Offers assistance willingly
- Makes a positive contribution to morale
- Shows sensitivity and consideration to others
- Accepts constructive criticism
- Takes pride in work
- Is even tempered, consistent and fair
Punctuality and Timekeeping-
- Prompt at the start of the day
- Recognises and adheres to formal work breaks
- Makes effective use of available time
- Sets a good example to others
The Environment-
- Is aware of the company environmental policy
- Is aware of wider environmental issues
- Disposes of waste materials ethically
- Reduces excessive use of energy, resources and materials
- Makes effective use of recycling
Remuneration and benefits
For the right candidate we are willing to offer the following:
- Bonus as a percentage of profits within our Master Gardener’s division.
- Use of a company vehicle
- Pension contribution
- Private healthcare package
- Accident insurance
- Salary from £40,000 per annum - by negotiation
