Head Gardener - Full time - Cashel Palace Hotel Relais & Châteaux

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Head Gardener to join us at the 5-Star Cashel Palace Hotel.

A Palladian manor, in the heart of Ireland, Cashel Palace is a luxury hideaway, meticulously restored and exquisitely reimagined. Spectacularly located by the Rock of Cashel in picturesque Co. Tipperary, the hotel is enveloped in nature and overlooked by ancient history.

Our 3 acres of intensely planted gardens consist of formal hedging, herbaceous borders, topiary, lawns, raised beds, winter garden, etc., as well as many 300+ year old specimen trees including the oldest surviving Mulberry tree in Ireland.

The Head Gardener is responsible for the planning, maintenance, and development of the hotel's gardens, ensuring they provide a visually appealing, sustainable, and welcoming environment for guests. This role involves managing a small team of gardeners, coordinating seasonal planting, and maintaining the highest horticultural standards in line with the hotel's aesthetic and environmental objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Garden Maintenance: Ensure all outdoor areas, including lawns, flower beds, trees, shrubs, and ornamental features, are well-maintained, attractive, and in excellent condition.
• Planting & Design: Plan and implement seasonal planting schemes to enhance the hotel's overall appearance and ambiance.
• Team Management: Supervise and coordinate a small team of gardeners, assigning tasks and ensuring efficient workflow.
• Equipment & Supplies: Oversee the maintenance and proper use of gardening tools, machinery, and irrigation systems.
• Pest & Disease Control: Identify and address plant diseases and pest issues using environmentally friendly solutions where possible.
• Sustainability Initiatives: Implement sustainable gardening practices, including composting, water conservation, and eco-friendly pest control.
• Budget & Procurement: Manage the gardening budget, sourcing and purchasing plants, tools, and materials as needed.
• Health & Safety: Ensure all gardening activities comply with health and safety regulations, including proper use of protective equipment and safe operation of machinery.
• Guest Experience: Ensure gardens and outdoor spaces provide an inviting and tranquil atmosphere for guests, incorporating feedback for continuous improvement.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in professional gardening, landscaping, or horticulture, preferably in a hospitality setting.
• Formal qualification in horticulture, landscape management, or a related field (e.g., RHS Level 3, NVQ, or equivalent).
• Experience leading a team and managing daily operations.
• Strong knowledge of plant care, soil management, pest control, and sustainable gardening practices.
• Experience with irrigation systems, greenhouse management, and seasonal planting cycles.
• Familiarity with health and safety regulations related to grounds maintenance.

Skills & Attributes

• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Strong attention to detail and creativity in garden design.
• Ability to work independently and prioritise tasks effectively.
• Physical fitness and stamina to carry out gardening duties in various weather conditions.
• Passion for horticulture and commitment to environmental sustainability.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, especially when interacting with guests and hotel staff.

Working Conditions

• Outdoor work in varying weather conditions.
• Some weekend or early morning work may be required, especially during peak seasons.
• Use of gardening machinery and tools, with appropriate safety measures in place.

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Staff discounts and benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• A beautiful working environment in a prestigious hotel setting.

Application Process
Interested candidates should submit their CV and a cover letter detailing their experience and suitability for the role to ***

Great employee benefits as part of the overall package.

• Bike to work scheme
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Food allowance
• Wellness program
• Sick Leave
• Car park
• on site Carpark

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Philippe Gombert
Président, Relais & Châteaux