Head Gardener

The Gardens & Grounds at Madingley Hall

Our historic garden spans eight acres of beautifully arranged grounds designed by Capability Brown. It features a variety of elements, including an impressive 18th-century walled garden and its distinctive hazel walk, further across the grounds you will encounter the historic meadow and topiary garden, all surrounded by mature trees and a diverse selection of plants that beautifully frame the Madingley Hall estate.

What will you be doing

Reporting to the Property, Estates & Safety Manager, you will oversee a team of five within the grounds and garden department. We advocate for an inclusive 'hands-on' leadership approach that incudes mentoring and developing a dedicated and eager team. Besides managing your team, you will lead on all projects concerning restoration and commercial development related to our exceptional outdoor spaces thus enforcing the need for a creative mindset.

Collaborating with colleagues in hospitality and commercial roles is essential to ensure optimal guest experiences where the gardens highlight everything the Madingley Hall estate offers. Your primary goal will be to create an inviting atmosphere with experiential outdoor spaces for all visitors to Madingley. Through your inclusive leadership style and collaboration with others, you'll implement improvements needed to support and enhance our commercial offerings. As part of the hospitality team, your contributions will be included as part of our broader purpose and commerciality across the estate

Who we're looking for

• We'd love to hear from you if you are:
• experienced in managing a varied garden in all seasons with important heritage
• able to draw on your knowledge of plants and plant care
• comfortable sharing your knowledge and expertise  to a diverse audience
• used to managing operational risk and compliance requirements relevant to horticulture
• committed to working as part of a wider team to build a culture of inclusion an commerciality
• adept at managing resources, budgets and plans to make sure work is completed on time and to the highest standards
• qualified to RHS level 3 or above (or the equivalent vocational experience)

How to Apply

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Benefits

• 36 days annual leave, inclusive of Bank Holidays
• Defined benefits pension schemes
• Flexible working options
• Support for health & mental wellbeing
• Discounts on shopping
• Rental deposit scheme
• Public transport season ticket loans

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above. 

Informal enquiries are encouraged and can be made to Ms Ali Digby, Property, Estates and Safety Manager via email: ali.digby@ice.cam.ac.uk.

Questions about the application process may be directed to: HR@ICE.cam.ac.uk.

The closing date for applications is 07 July 2025 Interviews will take place on: 15 July 2025.

Please quote reference EA46361 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Advert information