Garden Manager - Richmond-upon-Thames

We're looking for a Garden Manager to lead the care, development and presentation of our gardens and meadows within the Ham House Property Group. This role involves leading a small team of gardeners to care for and develop these special gardens and meadows in an environmentally sustainable way so that they benefit a wide range of visitors now and in the future., Reporting to the General Manager you will lead our gardeners and be part of a dynamic property leadership team, playing a pivotal role in shaping and influencing the future of the gardens across the whole property group. You will inspire our wider team of staff and volunteers to play their part in this new chapter for our properties., You'll lead the planning, day to day management and long-term development of gardens and meadows, ensuring they are cared for in an environmentally sensitive way that delivers maximum benefits for people and nature. Managing and developing your team will be central to the role, creating a positive working environment and maximising volunteer involvement. You'll oversee budgets, monitor performance and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and generate income. Risk management will be part of your responsibilities, ensuring safe working practices, compliance with legislation and effective responses to issues such as plant diseases and tree safety management. You'll help shape the visitor experience for our gardens, creating opportunities for engagement and supporting events, tours and activities to drive our work to increase access to places of cultural heritage and natural beauty, and inspire many more people to care about nature, beauty and history. Working with partners, communities and colleagues across the Trust and externally, you'll contribute to our wider strategic ambitions and share expertise to support others.

• demonstrable ability to manage change and lead a team of gardeners both on site and remotely.
• demonstrable experience of horticulture with excellent plant knowledge and understanding of plant health & husbandry.
• knowledge in conservation of historic landscapes, meadows management and working in public gardens to deliver public benefit.
• experience of working with volunteers and community and partner engagement
• experience of garden rethinking and changing
• confidence in managing budgets and income generation.
• an ability to communicate effectively at all levels and confidence and experience of working with contractors and suppliers.
• knowledge of health and safety requirements and other compliance issues relating to gardens and meadows.
• Driver's licence
  
  The National Trust is committed to promoting and preserving those places of natural beauty and historic interest for which it has the privilege to be responsible for the benefit of the nation, for everyone for ever.
The Trust is proud of what has been achieved over the last 126 years and is determined to maintain those high standards of conservation, stewardship and curatorial care for which it has been recognised throughout the world. Its achievements have enabled the general public and the Trust's members and visitors to enjoy and appreciate the countryside, coastline, gardens, historic buildings and collections, all of which encapsulate so much of the history of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. There is a duty to tell that history in a complete, balanced and accurate way, and without judgement. The National Trust continues as a guardian of the past, and for the future, to uphold its duty to maintain and enhance what has been entrusted to its care.

The package 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) Rental deposit loan scheme Season ticket loan EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria) 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