Head of Nursery and Productive Gardens

Head of Nursery and Productive Gardens

£45,000 per annum plus performance bonus and fantastic benefits

40 hours per week, predominantly Monday to Friday, with occasional weekend and bank holiday working.

A full, clean UK driving licence is required for this role.

Advert closes: Monday 23rd November 2026, unless a successful candidate is appointed before this date.

🔗 Take a look at our website

🔗 Read the full job description here

Four growing departments. One shared vision. An opportunity to shape the future of productive horticulture at The Newt.

Our Head of Nursery and Productive Gardens

We're looking for an accomplished horticultural leader to take on an exciting new role at The Newt in Somerset, bringing together our Nursery, Market Garden, Kitchen Garden and Glasshouse & Hydroponics teams under one leadership structure for the very first time.

At the heart of this role is ensuring these four departments operate as one coordinated, efficient and collaborative function. Working closely with four experienced departmental leads, you'll align growing plans, streamline processes, share resources and expertise, and establish consistent standards across all areas. While each department has its own specialist focus, you'll create a joined-up approach to planning, production and day-to-day operations.

Leading approximately 12 colleagues through your departmental leads, you'll combine strategic oversight with practical horticultural expertise, identifying opportunities for improvement, developing your people and introducing new approaches. Working closely with our Head Gardener, you'll help shape the future of productive horticulture at The Newt, delivering exceptional plants for the Estate and outstanding seasonal produce for our restaurants.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead four specialist growing departments, ensuring effective collaboration, consistent processes and a coordinated approach to horticultural production.
• Develop joined-up growing plans with departmental leads, overseeing propagation, crop rotations, seasonal production and specialist projects.
• Oversee the production of exceptional plants for the Estate and seasonal fruit, vegetables and herbs for our restaurants, prioritising flavour, quality and variety.
• Inspire and develop departmental leads, encouraging shared knowledge, professional development and continuous improvement.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, growing practices and sustainability, researching and trialling new techniques.
• Manage departmental budgets, resources and facilities, identifying opportunities for investment and improvement.
• Build strong relationships across our Garden and Food teams, aligning production with wider Estate priorities.
• Share horticultural knowledge through tours, workshops and events, while maintaining excellent standards of plant health, safety and compliance.

What we can offer

• A positive workplace environment with opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.
• Peace of mind with Employee Life Cover, providing your nominated loved one with 2x your salary.
• Support from our Employee Assistance Programme, including unlimited 24/7 remote GP appointments for you and your family.
• Look after your wellbeing with complimentary access to our Spa and swimming pools and our exclusive benefit of 50% off Spa Treatments.
• Stay in shape with complimentary use of our gym and wellbeing classes.
• Access to our Cycle to Work scheme, supporting wellbeing and sustainable commuting.
• Complimentary staff meal when onsite – crafted by our dedicated kitchen team, often featuring fresh produce from our estate.
• Enjoy shopping in both our shops on estate and online with 30% discount for all our colleagues and free delivery for any online purchases.
• Complimentary garden membership for The Newt and our partner gardens, including the Eden Project, Kew Gardens and The Lost Gardens of Heligan.
• We value your hard work and recognise your achievements through our colleague recognition programme – Newt Awards, with the opportunity to achieve amazing rewards, including a complimentary Hotel Stay.
• Discover exclusive perks with discounted hotel stays for staff, accompanied by a 30% discount at our restaurants.
• A team that knows how to have fun with regular team engagement activities, including Fun Squad events.
• Up to 30 days annual leave each year for our full-time team.

What we're looking for

• Substantial experience in productive horticulture and nursery operations, with specialist expertise in either fruit and vegetable production or nursery propagation, supported by strong knowledge of the other.
• Proven experience leading and developing managers or team leaders, bringing different teams together around shared objectives.
• Strong technical knowledge of seasonal growing, crop planning, propagation, sustainable horticulture and organic growing practices.
• Experience coordinating production across multiple growing areas, managing seasonal demands and maintaining high horticultural standards.
• Knowledge of plant health, integrated pest management, glasshouse environments and environmental controls.
• Commercial awareness, including budget management, resource planning and operational improvement.
• A forward-thinking, collaborative leadership style, with enthusiasm for horticultural innovation and developing others.
• Confidence communicating horticultural knowledge to colleagues, members and guests.
• An RHS Level 3 qualification or equivalent, PA1 and PA6 certification and a full, clean UK driving licence.

Experience within a public garden, visitor attraction or hospitality estate would be welcome, alongside knowledge of hydroponics, specialist plant collections or supplying fresh produce to restaurants.

Where you'll be working – The Nursery and Productive Gardens

Our Nursery and Productive Gardens bring together four specialist growing departments, each contributing to the beauty, productivity and character of The Newt in Somerset.

Based at Avalon, our Nursery propagates and nurtures a diverse range of plants for the Estate's gardens, including rare varieties, historic Hadspen-raised plants and important National Collections.

Our Market Garden produces exceptional seasonal fruit, vegetables and herbs for our restaurants, prioritising flavour, quality and variety. Alongside this, our Glasshouse and Hydroponics team uses specialist growing environments to cultivate produce, including heirloom tomatoes.

Within the main gardens, our Kitchen Garden combines productive and ornamental horticulture, growing seasonal produce and flowers while showcasing sustainable practices and inspiring visitors through educational experiences.

Together, these departments connect our gardens, restaurants and guest experiences through a shared passion for horticultural excellence, innovation and growing exceptional produce.

Who Are We – The Newt in Somerset

Nestled within an expanse of rolling fields and steeped in ancient history, our luxury country estate stands as a haven of refined elegance, inviting guests to explore acres of captivating gardens, meandering pathways, and enriching exhibitions - accessible 364 days a year for our members. Our hotel extends a warm welcome, offering a home-away-from-home experience where impeccable service flourishes in an ambiance of unassuming sophistication. Beyond the estate, the Newt's essence remains tangible, with our Ecommerce teams delivering our finest products to homes, while media and membership endeavours keep them informed of our latest developments. Behind the scenes, a tapestry of talented teams - from Housekeeping to HR, Finance to Farming - collaborates harmoniously, crafting an unforgettable journey of growth, development, and innovation, where every contribution creates unparalleled experiences.

INDAVR