Senior Head Gardener/GB/NL
Location: Groesbeek
Contract type: Depending on your experience, we offer either a one-year fixed-term contract or a permanent contract
Hours: Full-time, 36 hours per week, Monday to Friday
About us:
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) was established in 1917 to commemorate the 1.7 million Commonwealth casualties who died in World War I and II after fighting bravely. CWGC is responsible for maintaining war graves and memorials at more than 23,000 sites in 153 countries around the world.
Everything we do is based on our CARE values (Commitment, Ambition, Respect and Excellence) with due consideration for each individual.
Your duties:
As a Senior Head Gardener, you will lead and coordinate a team of around 10 gardeners. You will ensure efficient execution of horticultural tasks, compliance with quality and safety standards, and achievement of green objectives.
Key responsibilities:
- Operational leadership and quality control: Provide clear instructions and supervise maintenance and renovation tasks such as mowing, cleaning headstones, weeding, pruning, levelling lawns, and planting flowers, depending on the season.
- Planning and resource management: Prepare daily work schedules and coordinate staff and equipment for optimal efficiency.
- Delivering results: Achieve KPIs and ensure all work meets the high standards outlined in the Commission’s Horticultural Manual.
- Equipment management: Maintain all horticultural tools, machinery, and vehicles, report defects, and arrange necessary repairs.
- Safety compliance: Enforce safety standards and ensure staff use personal protective equipment (PPE) and company workwear.
- Team leadership and development: Implement effective work practices, set individual objectives, identify training needs, and conduct regular performance reviews.
- Attendance management: Monitor attendance, record leave and absences, and conduct return-to-work interviews.
Your Profile:
- Horticultural experience and/or recognized professional qualifications – equivalent to HBO level
- Good command of Dutch, preferably complemented by English
- Strong IT skills
- Proven leadership capabilities
- Effective communication and listening skills
- A team player with excellent interpersonal skills
- Strong organizational and time management abilities
Our Offer:
- The opportunity to contribute to the preservation of heritage and UNESCO World Heritage sites
- Development opportunities supported by various training programs
- Attractive salary: €3,948.48 gross per month + €153 fixed allowance (gross), plus generous leave entitlements
- Working hours:
Summer: Mon–Thu: 08:00–12:30 & 13:00–17:00; Fri: 08:00–12:30
Winter: Mon–Thu: 08:30–12:30 & 13:00–16:00; Fri: 08:30–12:30
