About The Role

Job Outline: Head Gardener

Salary: Grade 5, £35,231

Working Hours: Monday to Friday

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: 2nd June – Noon 

Are you an experienced horticultural professional with strong leadership skills and a passion for maintaining high-quality parks and green spaces We are looking for a Head Gardener to lead horticultural management and day-to-day grounds maintenance at Stanley Park, Blackpool’s Grade II-listed park. This is an exciting opportunity to take responsibility for one of the town’s most valued public spaces, ensuring it remains attractive, safe, well-maintained, and welcoming to residents, visitors, and community groups.

About the role:

As Head Gardener, you will supervise and support a skilled team of gardeners and grounds staff, planning daily, seasonal and reactive works across the park. You will ensure that horticultural standards are maintained in line with industry best practice and RHS standards, while helping to deliver a high-quality park facility for public enjoyment. You will work closely with internal teams, elected members, volunteers, Friends Groups, community groups, contractors and external providers to support the successful operation and ongoing presentation of Stanley Park.

About you:

We are looking for someone with:

• A formal horticultural qualification to HND, ND or RHS Level 3 standard
• A full UK driving licence
• Extensive knowledge of horticultural best practice
• Strong knowledge of plants, shrubs, grass, trees and common plant diseases
• Good understanding of health and safety requirements and their practical application
• Experience supervising or managing within a horticultural, parks, estates or grounds maintenance environment
• Practical experience using vehicles, plant, machinery and grounds maintenance tools
• Excellent communication, organisation and problem-solving skills
• The ability to work under pressure, prioritise workloads and respond to changing seasonal demands

Desirable qualifications include IOSH Health & Safety, PA1/PA6 pesticide certification, First Aid at Work, IT skills and membership of a relevant industry body such as RHS, BIGGA, IOG or the Arboricultural Association.

Benefits Include:

• Employee discounts with various partners
• 26 days annual leave plus 8 Bank Holidays
• Flexible variations of working pattern to suit seasonal variations and home life
• Company events
• Clevr Money (Savings and Loans) options
• Employee assistance programme
• Leisure scheme via council leisure centres
• Childcare voucher scheme
• Occupational health support
• Free independent, face-to-face counselling and helpline
• Physiotherapy

This is a rewarding opportunity to play a key role in the care, presentation and ongoing success of one of Blackpool’s most important green spaces. You will lead a dedicated team, work with a range of community stakeholders, and help ensure Stanley Park continues to be enjoyed by residents and visitors year-round.

To learn more about the role, read the full job outline.