A rare and exciting opportunity for an experienced Head Gardener to join a flourishing and ambitious organisation.

Who are we?

The London Cremation Company plc (LCC), Great Britain’s original cremation authority, has a rich and interesting history and owns and runs several grand and stately premises. We take great pride in maintaining these beautiful buildings and grounds to a very high standard and delivering an impeccable service to our clients. LCC owns and operates six crematoria.

The Role

• We are looking for a leader who will inspire and motive their team. As the Head Gardener you would be responsible for a team of approximately 7 (4 X Golders Green & 3 X St Marylebone) which will carry out skilled gardening and general garden and maintenance work involved in all aspects of gardening at Golders Green Crematorium & St Marylebone Crematorium.
• Your range of tasks includes managing your team for design and planning, planting and growing plants from seed, purchasing plants, managing pests and keeping the area generally well maintained.
• Managing general garden maintenance and DIY for both the garden and garden area including basic carpentry, minor painting and decorating.
• Regular checks and assessments for maintenance, health and safety and security and liaising with Line Manager, ensuring jobs are performed as and when they are required.

Key Accountabilities & Output:

• Lead the gardening teams in planning, planting, maintenance and upkeep of the Crematorium’s grounds.
• Collaborate with the Admin/Memorial Teams and clients in order to assist and make suggestions for memorial requests, construction/placement of memorials, and resolve gardening complaints.
• Direct and Assist with the cleaning and maintenance of garden furniture and memorials.
• Maintain all gardening equipment and machinery to ensure it’s in full working order, where possible carrying out repairs.
• Performance management and delegation of work to the team, including organisation of their training alongside HR.
• Ensuring the highest level of health and safety compliance is met and maintained.
• Manage and maintain agreed standards, general cleanliness in the garden area & gardening supplies
• Adhere to agreed budgets and maintain applicable quality standards and records
• Always ensure sufficient team members are on site and within agreed budgets and contribute towards the smooth running of the operations.
• Adhere to statutory obligations and agreed quality and best practice guidelines
• Understand all aspects of gardening services; train & develop the gardening team to enable them to confidently deal with all aspects of their roles
• To provide knowledge input and advice relating to all aspects of the garden including pruning, staking, feeding and spraying.
• Plan & implement a work schedule for the gardens & the gardening team to suit different seasons.
• General garden carpentry such as assembling & maintaining furniture and similar hardware
• Maintain accurate records/documentation associated with your work
• Immediately report problems/failures that may impact on the company and/or its visitors, clients/customers to Line Manager
• Identify hazards, defects and the need for repair; to ensure compliance with agreed codes, law, working practices and health and safety
• Adhere to all company policies and procedures
• From time to time you may be expected to be part of special projects as are reasonably required of your job role.
• You are responsible for your allocated workload and must meet all targets as agreed with your Line Manager. You must contribute towards the smooth running of the operations generally.

Ideal Experience, Skills and Competencies:

• Horticultural knowledge and gardening experience.
• Experience and enthusiasm for leadership and people development.
• Customer service experience and compassion for the bereaved.
• Qualifications in using relevant vehicles/machinery: Ride-on Lawn Mower, Tractor, Spraying of Pesticides, Forward Tipping Dumper, 360 Excavator Digger, hedge/grass strimmer, powered hand tools and other horticultural machinery.
• Leadership & Experience with ability to train others on the safe and appropriate use of gardening equipment and tools.
• Ability to carry out a physically demanding role involving heavy lifting and remaining on your feet for long periods of time in various types of weather.
• Knowledge of the Health & Safety at work act.
• Requisite knowledge of the tools, equipment, and materials common to the trade
• Practical knowledge of plants plus experience and using general garden machinery.
• To demonstrate knowledge of applicable codes, standards, and regulations for this role
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in this type of job role
• Full UK driving license

Benefits:

• A competitive base salary
• 25 days’ holiday
• A day off for your birthday!
• Life Insurance
• Income Protection Insurance
• Pension
• Wellness Programmes

The LCC is committed to equality and diversity. If you require a reasonable adjustment to the application / selection process to enable you to demonstrate your ability to perform the job requirements then please provide details in your covering letter.

This private advert is being managed directly by the employer. English Country Gardeners are not involved in the hiring process and are therefore unable to share any additional information on this role. If you have any questions regarding this position, the best course of action is to apply for the job which will open a line of communication with the employer.

Tagged as: head gardener, Live Out