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? Job Specification: Head of Gardens – KZN ? Position Title Head of Gardens ? Location KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) ? Reports To Chief Executive Officer ? Salary Market-related and negotiable based on experience, starting from R50;000 CTC per month . Additional benefits and package details will be discussed during the interview process. ? Position Overview A luxury hospitality property in KZN is seeking an experienced, disciplined and hands-on Head of Gardens to lead the full gardens department across the estate. This senior leadership role covers the day-to-day running, presentation, planning and management of all gardens, including: ? Legacy gardens ? New developments ?️ Specialist garden areas ? Dams & water infrastructure ? Pathways & guest areas ? Garden teams (±20 staff including Garden Manager) This is a hands-on operational role ; requiring strong leadership, planning, scheduling and a commitment to immaculate, guest-ready garden standards. ?️ Key Responsibilities ? Gardens Leadership & Operations Take full responsibility for daily garden operations. Oversee all garden zones, lawns, pathways, dams and guest-facing outdoor spaces. Maintain luxury-level presentation standards. Lead a team of ±20 staff. Ensure planning, scheduling, supervision and accountability. Maintain discipline, structure and productivity. Deliver work to required standards, timelines and budgets. ✨ Guest Experience & Presentation Standards Ensure gardens are always guest-ready, clean, safe and beautifully presented. Maintain premium standards for hotel guests, day visitors, spa guests, weddings and events. Keep pathways, lawns and features consistently maintained. Identify issues proactively and ensure follow-through. Collaborate with other departments to support the overall guest experience. ? Planning, Scheduling & Reporting Prepare daily, weekly, monthly and seasonal work schedules. Conduct daily inspections and maintain action lists. Report to the CEO on standards, risks, progress and resource needs. Coordinate maintenance, planting programmes, irrigation checks and seasonal tasks. Use basic systems (email, Excel, budgets, schedules, reports). ? Team Leadership & Staff Management Lead the gardens team with discipline and consistency. Manage productivity, conduct, attendance and performance. Train; coach and develop staff. Support performance management and disciplinary processes. Build a culture of pride, detail and excellence. Lead by example and be hands-on when required. ? Horticulture, Plant Health & Specialist Coordination Maintain oversight of plant health and horticultural standards. Work with external experts on orchids, grasses, trees and specialist plants. Implement approved garden plans and seasonal programmes. Translate expert advice into practical action. Monitor plant condition and garden health continuously. ? Water, Infrastructure & Maintenance Coordination Oversee dams, irrigation and water reticulation systems. Work with Maintenance for repairs and technical support. Identify and report issues with pumps, pathways, irrigation or infrastructure. Coordinate contractors and specialists where needed. ? Budget, Suppliers & Contractors Manage the gardens department within budget. Control spend on tools, equipment, consumables, plants and resources. Coordinate external experts, contractors and suppliers. Ensure contractor work meets standards and timelines. Use resources responsibly and efficiently. ⚠️ Health & Safety Ensure safe working practices. Oversee correct use of tools, chemicals, PPE and procedures. Monitor safety around pathways, dams and guest-facing spaces. Support company health and safety standards. ? Required Experience Minimum 5 years’ practical experience in gardens, horticulture, landscaping, botanical environments, luxury hospitality, lodges, nurseries or large private gardens. Proven experience leading garden or operational teams. Experience in guest-facing or high-standard environments is advantageous. Experience with contractors, suppliers or specialists is beneficial. Experience with large gardens or luxury outdoor spaces is highly suitable. ? Qualifications Horticultural or botanical qualifications are advantageous but not essential. Practical experience, leadership ability and attention to detail are more important. ⭐ Skills & Attributes Disciplined and structured Hands-on when required Strong; confident leader Highly organised Excellent planner and scheduler Detail-driven Guest-aware and presentation-focused Practical and solutions-focused Comfortable with external experts and contractors Strong operational manager Calm under pressure Proud of maintaining exceptional standards Collaborative across departments Committed to excellence ✔️ Essential Requirements Valid driver’s licence Strong spoken and written English Basic computer literacy (email, Excel, schedules, budgets, reporting) Comfortable in a guest-facing hospitality environment Able to work hospitality hours (weekends, public holidays, peak periods, major events) Must live within reasonable travelling distance of KZN or be willing to relocate Must be available to start as soon as possible (subject to notice period) ? Application Requirements Applicants must submit: A current CV A short cover note outlining relevant experience A recent professional head-and-shoulders photograph (no older than 6 months)
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