Head Gardener - Coombe Lodge & Priston Mill

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

As the Head Gardener at Coombe Lodge and Priston Mill, you will be responsible for maintaining and enhancing the established gardens at these two very well-regarded, Somerset wedding and events venues.

The Head Gardener has sole responsibility for the daily running and management of the gardens, which include walled gardens, orchard, formal lawns, herbaceous borders, established trees and shrubs and woodland.

You will work closely with our maintenance manager, with a common goal to care for the gardens and parkland, whilst always maintaining exceptional standards and pride in the overall presentation.

It’s an exciting opportunity to contribute to the long-term growth and quality of the business. The successful applicant will report directly to the company owner, and collaborate with them in establishing a vision and plan for the future to further enhance the gardens at Coombe Lodge and Priston Mill.

COOMBE LODGE

(www.coombelodge.co.uk)

Coombe Lodge was once home to the Wills family (Bristol Tobacco Manufacturing Company). This impressive country house, which is in a parkland setting with walled gardens and stunning views of Blagdon lake, was built in the 1930.

Since the family left it in the early 1960’s the site has evolved considerably. First it was used a training centre for the Department of Education, before becoming a conference centre. PM Hospitality Ltd, led by Andrew Carveth, acquired the site in 2009 and turned what was by then, a dilapidated building with dated interiors into an immaculate and high quality venue. As well as providing a stunning backdrop for weddings and special events, Coombe Lodge also offers serviced office space for local companies.

PRISTON MILL

(www.pristonmill.co.uk)

There had been a Watermill at Priston since at least 931, when King Athelstan of the West Saxons granted the lands and mill to the monastic estate run by monks from Bath Abbey. The current Watermill was built on those same Saxon foundations and is recorded in a 1720 bill of sale as 'a newly rebuilt grist Mill, with 3 sets of millstones and a tucking stock'. In 1805, the wooden waterwheel and gears were replaced with even larger iron machinery. These are on view and still turn today.

The current Tythe Barn is believed to have been built about early 1700. It has had many diverse uses in its time, from the storage of grain, straw, machinery and cattle to being a children’s play area and a changing room for the local cricket team!

In 1991 the first weddings and meetings were held in the Tythe Barn which proved to be so successful that within 10 years the Watermill was also transformed into a venue for smaller groups.

PM Hospitality has also successfully developed a third property, Rockbeare Manor near Exeter ( www.rockbearemanor.co.uk).

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

DAY TO DAY

- Taking pride in, and responsibility for the gardens at Coombe Lodge and Priston Mill

- Developing the gardens where required to further enhance the setting

- Maintaining garden machinery carrying out regular servicing

PERSONNEL

- Supervising other members of the gardening team and subcontractors where required

- The ability to work both independently and as part of a team

- Collaborate positively where required, with other departments including the events department and maintenance department

- Assign maintenance tasks to the gardening team and monitor them to ensure they are completed to a high standard and on time

HEALTH AND SAFETY

- Be a role model for Health and Safety requirements at work

- Safely using garden machinery such as hedge trimmers, mowers and strimmers

- Reporting any health and safety concerns to the Directors

- Ensure that the gardening team have the necessary health and safety training in order to properly perform their duties in a professional and safe manner

- Identify and rectify any potential health and safety hazards in order to keep the team and our guests safe, and to protect company interests

- Carry out risk assessments

SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

- Strong plant knowledge

- 3 + years relevant experience and a track-record in high quality horticulture with outstanding knowledge of plants and gardening

- Appropriate qualifications to RHS level 3 (or equivalent level of practical experience)

- Chainsaw and spray certificates

- An ability to troubleshoot effectively and hands-on approach when problems arise

- A good understanding of the functions of landscaping

- Strong leadership skills with the ability to coach and engage team members

- Performance management

- Managing projects within an agreed budget

- Able to collaborate with colleagues and other departments where necessary, using excellent communication skills

- Building strong working relationships with key stakeholders

- Maintain good relationships with subcontractors

BEHAVIOURS

- A passion for horticulture

- Desire for success and improvement

- Team leader and team player with the ability to motivate

- Strong work ethic and flexible attitude

- Approachable and naturally guest facing, to inspire our guests with knowledge of the house and gardens

- A desire to support the vision and ethos of the company

Because of the changing nature of our business your job description will inevitably change. You will, from time to time, be required to undertake other activities of a similar nature that fall within your capabilities as directed by the Directors.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: £30,000.00-£33,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company events
• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Supplemental pay types:

• Yearly bonus

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Bristol: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: One location