National Trust
Head Gardener
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Summary
We’re looking for a Head Gardener to lead a team of staff and volunteers and to guide the care and future development of the garden at Lytes Cary Manor.
You'll be responsible for the day-to-day maintenance, and high standard of horticulture, conservation, and visitor experience in the garden.
As part of the role, you are expected to undertake Duty Manager responsibilities, and you'll be working weekends and Bank holidays on a rota pattern.
What It's Like To Work Here
Lytes Cary Manor is a relatively small property and as such has a really friendly atmosphere, making it a great place to work. The team work together on bigger tasks and across departments to make sure we can deliver the best experience for our visitors.
At the heart of the property is a Grade 1 listed manor house of layered historical phases and a home resonating with family life and values. Between house and the wider estate is an ordered garden of rooms with living walls of hedges, colourful borders, lawns and orchards. The garden is Grade II listed and was created by the Jenners at the beginning of the 20th century and the design and layout are inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement. Lytes Cary welcomes around 80,000 visitors between February to November.
For more information our property please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lytes-cary-manor.
What You'll Be Doing
The Head Gardener's role is all about the conservation and preservation, as well as the day-to-day management and maintenance of the garden at Lytes Cary Manor. Green fingered and hands-on with people management experience, you’ll make sure that the site is maintained to a high standard and be passionate and enthused by plants. This role includes working with the Visitor Experience team to ensure our visitors have an exceptional visit by listening to their needs and incorporating the 'Spirit of Place' of Lytes Cary into the presentation of the garden. This role will include a range of practical horticultural tasks to develop, enhance and conserve the garden and contribute to the delivery of projects.
You’ll be responsible for managing the garden team and volunteers daily and must be confident in maintaining a high level of horticultural standards, prioritising workloads and thinking about the bigger picture and vision for the place. You’ll love working outdoors and understand that our gardens and grounds are as significant as our mansion houses and our historical places. Our visitors tell us how much they enjoy the peace and tranquillity of our well-kept outdoor spaces, which makes your role vital in making sure they have an amazing experience. You'll also be confident working with local partners and other interested groups.
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As the Head Gardener, you'll report directly to the Property Operations Manager for Lytes Cary Manor & Tintinhull Garden, and you'll develop a close working relationship with the Senior Gardener at Tintinhull Garden. Lytes Cary is part of the South Somerset Property Group and as such you will occasionally be working with the Head Gardeners from Montacute House and Barrington Court and their teams.
You'll manage a team of staff and volunteers and are expected to take on Duty Manager responsibilities.
As part of a rota, you will also be working some weekends and Bank holidays.
Who We're Looking For
We’d love to hear from you if you’re:
- experienced in managing a varied garden in all seasons
- able to draw on your excellent knowledge of plants and plant care
- comfortable talking to all kinds of people and sharing your knowledge and expertise
- 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
- adept at managing resources, budgets and plans to make sure work gets done on time and to the highest standards
- qualified to RHS level 3 or above (or the equivalent vocational experience).
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.
- Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
- Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
- Rental deposit loan scheme
- Season ticket loan
- EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
- Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
- Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
- Flexible working whenever possible
- Employee assistance programme
- Free parking at most Trust places
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National Trust place Lytes Cary, Charlton Mackrell, Somerton, TA11 7HU Documents Head Gardener - Grade 7.pdf
Requirements
Compliance. Eligibility to Work in the UK
Additional Information
Closing Date: 06 September 2026
Interview Date: 16 September 2026
To apply for this vacancy simply click the 'apply' button in the top right hand side of the page.
If you need any help with your application, i.e. due to technical difficulties, please call us on 0370 240 0274 or email us at recruitmentenquiries@nationaltrust.org.uk
If you require an adjustment to the application process, for example due to disability or medical condition, please call us on 0370 240 0274 or email us at adjustments@nationaltrustjobs.org.uk and we'll support you as best as we can. For examples of how, please see our supporting you page.
Equal Opportunities Statement
The National Trust celebrates diversity and is committed to creating a fair and equal society, free from discrimination. You can read more about our commitment to inclusion and diversity here.
Safeguarding Statement
The National Trust is committed to a safe recruitment processes to help the organisation attract and appoint the right staff/volunteer for the role and responsibilities as set out in the vacancy advert. We will not accept applicants who are not suitable to work with children, young people or adults at risk. If you have any questions around your suitability for this vacancy, please contact the people service centre.
Please note we reserve the right to close this advert early and therefore we encourage you to apply for this position early.
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