Head Gardener
| Posting date: | 02 October 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £29,767.00 to £32,825.00 per year |
| Additional salary information: | £29767.00 - £32825.00 a year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 24 October 2025 |
| Location: | Rochdale, OL16 4PZ |
| Company: | NHS Jobs |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | B0007-25-0013 |
Summary
Aim:The function of the Head Gardener is to ensure the provision of a gardening and grounds maintenance service to Springhill Hospice and other local satellite properties, including the efficient operation of the allotment. The post holder will be responsible for the recruitment, retention, training, and day-to-day management of the garden volunteer team. The Head Gardener will also contribute to fundraising and marketing activities, designing and enhancing the gardens and the procuring of materials and equipment. Main Duties: 1. Be responsible for the effective management and development of the Hospice gardens and grounds. 2. Maintain excellent standards of garden and grounds presentation, following best horticultural and garden equipment practices. 3. Be responsible for the overall recruitment, training and development, organisation and supervision of our regular garden volunteers. 4. Co-ordinate the work of, and supervise placements from, external agencies such as Hopwood Hall College and our corporate volunteer groups, developing positive and mutually beneficial relationships. 5. Oversee the work of garden subcontractors, ensuring works are carried out in a safe manner and to the standard appropriate for the site. 6. Produce organically grown fruit and vegetables for use by our Hospice Catering Team. 7. Be proactive in identifying grounds maintenance and garden developmental needs, and their associated resource/budget requirements. 8. Manage the departmental budget, identifying and co-ordinating day to day expenditure and the purchase of items such as gardening sundries, tools and equipment. 9. Develop initiatives to generate income such as plant and surplus crop sales, memorial schemes, Open Garden Day events etc.. in collaboration with the Fundraising Team. 10. Contribute to bids for funding which have the potential to facilitate garden projects. 11. Contribute to on-site garden and landscaping project management and co-ordination of capital developments. 12. Monitor and maintain appropriate records for the effective management of volunteers, health and safety responsibilities, and equipment inventories. 13. Co-ordinate with fundraising any requests for memorial plants, garden furnishings and plaques, and liaising with families in a sensitive manner. 14. Be willing to attend to patients needs and requests while still keeping up the high standards of maintenance of the gardens. 15. Be prepared to work in adverse weather conditions and to contribute to the Hospice Severe Cold Weather Response, as and when required. General: Read, understand and comply with all Hospice policies and procedures, applying the principles appropriate to the role. To be aware of individual specific responsibilities in respect of the Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults, in relation to the role.