Summary

Ickworth is a stunning location to work in and this is your opportunity to enrich its beauty as our Head Gardener. Here you can develop a legacy, draw on history and bring joy to our visitors. Employing both your horticultural skills and leadership skills you’ll continue to enhance our unique Italianate Garden, the Albana Walk and the wider gardens.

What it's like to work here

Job satisfaction will be high on your list of priorities if you’re considering working at Ickworth. We are located just a few miles from both Bury St Edmunds and the A14. Travel is therefore quick and easy. The iconic Ickworth Rotunda is set in 1,800 acres of gardens and parkland and more than 250,000 visitors come to enjoy it every year.

Like the visitors, you will be able to appreciate and benefit from this stunning setting. The estate team are very strong. You will be joining a property team who are very committed to their roles, to the National Trust’s aims and values and also to each other. You will benefit from becoming a member of a strong community.

For more information about our property please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ickworth .

Potential candidates are encouraged to call to arrange a conversation with the General Manager.

What you'll be doing

As Head Gardener you’ll be leading a team of four gardeners who are eager to deliver their very best. They are ably supported by a number of volunteers. You’ll utilise your skills and knowledge to implement high standards of garden maintenance and lead on the development of new aspects of the gardens. Some of your work will be hands-on, setting the standard and training others. You’ll also have an office focus which will include work with our Garden Consultants, planning project delivery, resourcing and finance and HR matters.

As a Head of Department you’ll also become a member of the Property Leadership Team. In this aspect of the role you’ll contribute to whole property decision making and direction. You’ll consider the whole estate and the gardens position within it, helping to deliver our Business and 10 Year Plans.

Who we're looking for

We'd love to hear from you if you can demonstrate:

• Strong horticultural education and training;
• An understanding of the importance of spirit of place in maintaining and developing a historic garden;
• Ability to develop and communicate an inspirational vision;
• A commitment to supporter engagement;
• High expectations of self and others;
• Outstanding communication, service and people skills;
• Skilled in the management of budgets;
• Experience of project planning and delivery;
• Competent IT skills;
• A desire to make a difference, show initiative and contribute to the core values of the Trust.

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.

Wherever you’re from, and whatever your background, we want to hear from you – and it doesn’t matter if you’re jam first, cream first, or even if you don’t like scones at all. Everyone is welcome.

Benefits for working at the National Trust include:

• Flexible working whenever possible

• Free parking at most locations

• Free entry to our properties for you, a guest and your children (under 18)

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary