About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and passionate Estate Grounds & Property Manager to take ownership of the gardens, grounds, facilities, and general upkeep of our estate.
This is a hands-on role for someone who genuinely enjoys working outdoors and takes pride in maintaining exceptional gardens and landscaped grounds. We are looking for an individual with strong horticultural knowledge and practical experience who can confidently manage all aspects of estate gardening, planting, lawn care, irrigation, tree and hedge maintenance, and seasonal grounds management.
The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the estate is presented to the highest possible standard throughout the year. They will have the knowledge and experience to care for established planting schemes, identify and resolve plant health issues, and continuously improve the appearance and condition of the grounds.
In addition to the gardening and grounds responsibilities, the role includes the general upkeep of estate buildings, facilities, equipment, and external areas. The ideal candidate will have good practical skills and be comfortable undertaking basic property maintenance tasks as required.
This position would suit an experienced Head Gardener, Estate Gardener, Grounds Manager, Groundsman, or someone with a strong horticultural background who enjoys a varied role.
Key Responsibilities
Grounds & Garden Management
- Maintain all gardens, lawns, landscaped areas, trees, hedges, shrubs, and planting schemes to an exceptional standard.
- Manage all aspects of lawn care including mowing, edging, feeding, weed control, aeration, and seasonal treatments.
- Monitor plant health and identify pests, diseases, nutrient deficiencies, and irrigation issues.
- Manage and maintain irrigation systems and watering programmes.
- Carry out hedge trimming, pruning, planting, mulching, and seasonal garden maintenance.
- Develop and improve planting schemes where appropriate.
- Maintain pathways, borders, driveways, and outdoor living areas.
- Undertake leaf clearance, weed control, and general grounds maintenance.
- Ensure the estate is presented to a high standard throughout the year.
Property & Estate Maintenance
- Maintain the external areas of the estate, including driveways, access roads, parking areas, buildings, and outbuildings.
- Ensure the general upkeep and presentation of all estate facilities and surrounding areas.
- Carry out basic property maintenance tasks including minor repairs, painting, decorating, and general upkeep.
- Clean internal and external windows to maintain the appearance of the property and estate buildings.
- Maintain gutters, downpipes, drainage systems, ground drains, soakaways, gullies, and surface water channels.
- Monitor and coordinate the maintenance and servicing of septic tank systems.
- Assist with the maintenance and servicing arrangements for air conditioning systems.
- Undertake routine swimming pool maintenance including cleaning, skimming, vacuuming, and general upkeep.
- Test and monitor swimming pool water quality, including pH and chemical levels, and take appropriate corrective action where required.
- Pressure wash buildings, pathways, patios, driveways, and external surfaces as required.
- Carry out routine preventative maintenance to ensure the estate remains safe, functional, and well presented.
- Keep estate buildings, facilities, and grounds clean, tidy, and in good working order.
Machinery, Equipment & Contractor Management
- Operate and maintain grounds maintenance machinery safely and effectively.
- Arrange servicing, maintenance, and repairs for equipment including ride-on lawn mowers, wood chippers, mini diggers, hedge cutters, strimmers, irrigation equipment, and other estate machinery.
- Source and order materials, tools, parts, consumables, maintenance supplies, pool chemicals, cleaning products, and equipment required for the upkeep of the estate.
- Maintain machinery service schedules and records.
- Liaise with contractors, suppliers, and specialist service providers when required.
- Ensure all equipment is maintained in a safe and operational condition.
Essential Requirements
- Significant experience in gardening, horticulture, estate maintenance, or grounds management.
- Excellent knowledge of plants, trees, shrubs, lawns, irrigation systems, and seasonal garden care.
- Strong practical experience in hedge cutting, pruning, lawn maintenance, planting, and general estate gardening.
- Ability to identify and resolve plant health and horticultural issues.
- Good practical skills with the ability to undertake basic property maintenance and repairs.
- Experience operating grounds maintenance machinery.
- Self-motivated and capable of working independently.
- Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
- High standards and attention to detail.
- Ability to drive estate vehicles and machinery.
- Full UK Driving Licence (essential).
Desirable Qualifications
- RHS, NVQ, City & Guilds, or equivalent horticultural qualifications.
- PA1 / PA6 spraying certificates.
- Chainsaw certification.
- Machinery operation certificates.
- First Aid qualification.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary of £35,000 - £45,000 per annum, depending on experience.
- Long-term stable employment.
- Opportunity to take ownership of a well-maintained estate and grounds.
- Company pension.
- Holiday entitlement.
- Ongoing training and development opportunities.
If you have a passion for horticulture, take pride in maintaining exceptional gardens and grounds, and enjoy a varied role involving both estate management and property upkeep, we would love to hear from you.
Pay: £35,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
