Estates Grounds & Garden Manager - Employed or self-employed considered
Iden Manor Nursing Home, Staplehurst, Kent
£180 per day | Approx. 144 days per year | 8-hour day
Iden Manor is a well-established nursing home located in Victorian manor house set within mature, landscaped grounds. Our established and well cared for gardens are greatly loved by residents, visitors & staff.
We are looking for an experienced Estates Grounds & Garden Manager to take ownership of the estate and care for it with pride, consistency and attention to detail.
This is a hands-on role suited to someone who enjoys working independently, planning work seasonally, and maintaining high standards.
The role
You will be responsible for the ongoing care and presentation of the grounds, including:
- Lawn care, edging and strimming across the estate
- Hedge cutting, climbers, shrubs, borders, roses and seasonal planting
- Management of wild meadow and biodiversity areas
- Leaf clearance, paths, gravel and hardstanding areas
- Porch planting, hanging baskets and entrance presentation
- Liaison with external tree surgeons for works above 3m
- Safe operation and care of supplied machinery and equipment
- Maintaining a safe, accessible outdoor environment for residents
You’ll also work alongside the care and maintenance teams to support events and resident wellbeing, and keep simple records around maintenance, safety and seasonal planning.
Hours & pay
- Fixed day rate: £180
- A standard working day is 8 hours
- This is an all year role with work follows a seasonal pattern, averaging 144 days per year
- Mostly weekday working, with occasional flexibility for events or urgent safety matters
Employment status
- This role is currently structured on a day-rate basis, however we are open to discussing an employed arrangement for the right candidate if preferred
What we’re looking for
- Proven experience in grounds maintenance or estate gardening
- A practical, organised approach and pride in high standards
- Confidence using grounds machinery safely
- An understanding of working in a care or sensitive environment
- Enhanced DBS and £5m public liability insurance (or willingness to obtain)
Formal horticultural qualifications are welcome but not essential if experience is strong.
What we offer
- A stable, long-term role on a single, well-kept site
- All main machinery, consumables and servicing provided
- Autonomy, trust and a supportive management team
- Work that genuinely improves people’s daily lives
If this sounds like the sort of place you’d enjoy looking after, we’d love to hear from you.
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent, Freelance
Pay: £180.00 per day
Work Location: In person
