Head of Nursery Garden

£40,000 per annum plus annual performance bonus and fantastic benefits

40 hours per week over 5 days

Relocation Assistance Available

As this role involves guest engagement, you are welcome to send us a video telling us why you'd like to join our team, to support your application. These can be added as a link to your CV or emailed to recruitment@thenewtinsomerset.com

A driving license is required for this role

www.thenewtinsomerset.com

Our Head of Nursery

We are seeking a dynamic and skilled Head of Nursery to oversee and develop all aspects of our Nursery operations at Avalon Farm. As a key anchor, you will support the seasonal needs of the Garden Team and project requirements across the business by propagating and cultivating a diverse range of plant material. You and your team will uphold the highest standards in all aspects of horticulture and propagation, from strict plant hygiene practices to implementing a comprehensive IPM system as well as maximising the use of available facilities. This role requires a candidate with experience in public-facing gardens and a strong background in propagation.

In addition, you will hold financial responsibility for managing horticultural budgets, sourcing plants for retail, and supporting broader business initiatives. You will also be responsible for ensuring the safety of your team and maintain strict health and safety and compliance records.

As a member of the Senior Horticulture Team, the Head of Nursery will play a crucial role beyond managing the Nursery. This position involves proactively identifying opportunities for upskilling the development across all Horticultural departments, fostering clear and effective communication with key stakeholders, and enhancing overall performance and effectiveness across the board. You will also collaborate regularly with the Head Gardener, participate in ad-hoc meetings, and deputise as needed.

The Head of Nursery should be confident in engaging with guests by leading workshops, tours, and events, and working closely with apprentices to foster an inclusive, educational environment. With Avalon Farm now open to the guests, it’s essential that the Nursery and surrounding areas meet a high standard of presentation, actively supporting both the guest experience and The Newt’s mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Nursery Operations: Manage and oversee daily operations of the Nursery, ensuring plant health, quality, and alignment with the needs of the Estate.
• Collaboration: Act as a key link between Nursery and Garden Teams, coordinating plant orders, schedules, and sourcing as required by each department.
• Plant Collections: Curate, develop, and expand significant plant collections, including the South African collection and Hadspen raised plants. Collaborate with Babylonstoren and other international institutions to advance the collection, ensuring compliance with CITES and plant passport regulations.
• Propagation and Retail: Oversee propagation, production, and retail selection, including unique Hadspen-raised plants. Ensure retail offerings align with seasonal demand and Estate aesthetics.
• Team Leadership: Lead and develop a skilled team, providing training, motivation, and guidance to maintain high standards of horticulture.
• Guest Engagement: Create and lead workshops, tours, and events to engage guests, enhance their experience, and promote the Nursery’s mission.
• Planning and Budgeting: Manage planning, scheduling, and budgeting processes to support seasonal and long-term objectives.
• Senior Team Participation: Actively participate in ad-hoc meetings with Horticultural departments and contribute to cross-departmental initiatives. Demonstrate leadership and professionalism as a Senior Team member.

• A positive workplace environment with opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.
• Stay in shape with complimentary use of our gym and wellbeing classes
• Look after your wellbeing with complimentary access to our Spa and swimming pools and our exclusive benefit of 50% off Spa Treatments.
• Enjoy shopping in both our shops on estate and online with 30% discount for all our colleagues and free delivery for any online purchases. 
• Discover exclusive perks with our discounted hotel stays for staff, accompanied by a fantastic 30% discount at our restaurants.
• Complimentary garden membership for the Newt and our partner gardens including the Eden Project, Kew Gardens and The Lost Gardens of Heligan
• Complimentary meal whilst on shift, created using fresh produce from our estate by our dedicated staff food chefs
• We value your hard work and recognise your achievements through our colleague recognition programme “Newt Awards” with the opportunity to achieve a variety of amazing rewards including a complimentary Hotel Stay.
• Support from our Employee Assistance Programme for both yourself and your family
• A team that knows how to have fun with monthly team activities and Estate-wide team events 
• Access your earnings at anytime with Wagestream, with access to nationwide brand discounts
• Up to 30 days annual leave each year for our full-time team

• Nursery and Horticultural Expertise: Extensive experience managing a high-standard nursery in a public horticultural setting, with broad expertise in growing and propagating diverse range of plants both undercover and outdoors, supported by relevant Horticultural qualifications.
• Leadership and Team Management: Proven ability to lead a team of up to 5, combining hands-on involvement with strong leadership skills to motivate and engage team members, supported by excellent communication and interpersonal abilities that foster a collaborative work environment.
• Guest Engagement and Public Relations: Skilled in engaging with guests through tours, workshops, and events, and confident in acting as an ambassador for The Newt, representing the Nursery to external audiences and media.
• Organisational and Administrative Skills: Highly organised and detail-oriented, with strong IT skills for efficient management and record-keeping, along with a full and clean UK driving license.
• Additional Qualifications: PA1 & PA6 certification preferred.  

Nestled within an expanse of rolling fields and steeped in ancient history, our luxury country estate stands as a haven of refined elegance, inviting guests to explore acres of captivating gardens, meandering pathways, and enriching exhibitions - accessible 364 days a year for our members. Our hotel extends a warm welcome, offering a home-away-from-home experience where impeccable service flourishes in an ambiance of unassuming sophistication. Beyond the estate, the Newt's essence remains tangible, with our Ecommerce teams delivering our finest products to homes, while media and membership endeavours keep them informed of our latest developments. Behind the scenes, a tapestry of talented teams - from Housekeeping to HR, Finance to Farming - collaborates harmoniously, crafting an unforgettable journey of growth, development, and innovation, where every contribution creates unparalleled experiences.

INDOP

Head of Nursery Garden

£40,000 per annum plus annual performance bonus and fantastic benefits

40 hours per week over 5 days

Relocation Assistance Available

As this role involves guest engagement, you are welcome to send us a video telling us why you'd like to join our team, to support your application. These can be added as a link to your CV or emailed to recruitment@thenewtinsomerset.com

A driving license is required for this role

www.thenewtinsomerset.com

Our Head of Nursery

We are seeking a dynamic and skilled Head of Nursery to oversee and develop all aspects of our Nursery operations at Avalon Farm. As a key anchor, you will support the seasonal needs of the Garden Team and project requirements across the business by propagating and cultivating a diverse range of plant material. You and your team will uphold the highest standards in all aspects of horticulture and propagation, from strict plant hygiene practices to implementing a comprehensive IPM system as well as maximising the use of available facilities. This role requires a candidate with experience in public-facing gardens and a strong background in propagation.

In addition, you will hold financial responsibility for managing horticultural budgets, sourcing plants for retail, and supporting broader business initiatives. You will also be responsible for ensuring the safety of your team and maintain strict health and safety and compliance records.

As a member of the Senior Horticulture Team, the Head of Nursery will play a crucial role beyond managing the Nursery. This position involves proactively identifying opportunities for upskilling the development across all Horticultural departments, fostering clear and effective communication with key stakeholders, and enhancing overall performance and effectiveness across the board. You will also collaborate regularly with the Head Gardener, participate in ad-hoc meetings, and deputise as needed.

The Head of Nursery should be confident in engaging with guests by leading workshops, tours, and events, and working closely with apprentices to foster an inclusive, educational environment. With Avalon Farm now open to the guests, it’s essential that the Nursery and surrounding areas meet a high standard of presentation, actively supporting both the guest experience and The Newt’s mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Nursery Operations: Manage and oversee daily operations of the Nursery, ensuring plant health, quality, and alignment with the needs of the Estate.
• Collaboration: Act as a key link between Nursery and Garden Teams, coordinating plant orders, schedules, and sourcing as required by each department.
• Plant Collections: Curate, develop, and expand significant plant collections, including the South African collection and Hadspen raised plants. Collaborate with Babylonstoren and other international institutions to advance the collection, ensuring compliance with CITES and plant passport regulations.
• Propagation and Retail: Oversee propagation, production, and retail selection, including unique Hadspen-raised plants. Ensure retail offerings align with seasonal demand and Estate aesthetics.
• Team Leadership: Lead and develop a skilled team, providing training, motivation, and guidance to maintain high standards of horticulture.
• Guest Engagement: Create and lead workshops, tours, and events to engage guests, enhance their experience, and promote the Nursery’s mission.
• Planning and Budgeting: Manage planning, scheduling, and budgeting processes to support seasonal and long-term objectives.
• Senior Team Participation: Actively participate in ad-hoc meetings with Horticultural departments and contribute to cross-departmental initiatives. Demonstrate leadership and professionalism as a Senior Team member.

• A positive workplace environment with opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.
• Stay in shape with complimentary use of our gym and wellbeing classes
• Look after your wellbeing with complimentary access to our Spa and swimming pools and our exclusive benefit of 50% off Spa Treatments.
• Enjoy shopping in both our shops on estate and online with 30% discount for all our colleagues and free delivery for any online purchases. 
• Discover exclusive perks with our discounted hotel stays for staff, accompanied by a fantastic 30% discount at our restaurants.
• Complimentary garden membership for the Newt and our partner gardens including the Eden Project, Kew Gardens and The Lost Gardens of Heligan
• Complimentary meal whilst on shift, created using fresh produce from our estate by our dedicated staff food chefs
• We value your hard work and recognise your achievements through our colleague recognition programme “Newt Awards” with the opportunity to achieve a variety of amazing rewards including a complimentary Hotel Stay.
• Support from our Employee Assistance Programme for both yourself and your family
• A team that knows how to have fun with monthly team activities and Estate-wide team events 
• Access your earnings at anytime with Wagestream, with access to nationwide brand discounts
• Up to 30 days annual leave each year for our full-time team

• Nursery and Horticultural Expertise: Extensive experience managing a high-standard nursery in a public horticultural setting, with broad expertise in growing and propagating diverse range of plants both undercover and outdoors, supported by relevant Horticultural qualifications.
• Leadership and Team Management: Proven ability to lead a team of up to 5, combining hands-on involvement with strong leadership skills to motivate and engage team members, supported by excellent communication and interpersonal abilities that foster a collaborative work environment.
• Guest Engagement and Public Relations: Skilled in engaging with guests through tours, workshops, and events, and confident in acting as an ambassador for The Newt, representing the Nursery to external audiences and media.
• Organisational and Administrative Skills: Highly organised and detail-oriented, with strong IT skills for efficient management and record-keeping, along with a full and clean UK driving license.
• Additional Qualifications: PA1 & PA6 certification preferred.  

Nestled within an expanse of rolling fields and steeped in ancient history, our luxury country estate stands as a haven of refined elegance, inviting guests to explore acres of captivating gardens, meandering pathways, and enriching exhibitions - accessible 364 days a year for our members. Our hotel extends a warm welcome, offering a home-away-from-home experience where impeccable service flourishes in an ambiance of unassuming sophistication. Beyond the estate, the Newt's essence remains tangible, with our Ecommerce teams delivering our finest products to homes, while media and membership endeavours keep them informed of our latest developments. Behind the scenes, a tapestry of talented teams - from Housekeeping to HR, Finance to Farming - collaborates harmoniously, crafting an unforgettable journey of growth, development, and innovation, where every contribution creates unparalleled experiences.

INDOP