Closing date: Tuesday 10 September 2024
At Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve and Howletts Wild Animal Park
Salary DOE, Plus Desirable Benefits
Full time, Permanent Position
The Opportunity
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve and Howletts Wild Animal Park are two wildlife parks open to the public all year round and consist of c600 and c90 acres respectively of grounds, woodlands and gardens. The parks are home to c1,500 wild animals and are part of The Howletts Wild Animal Trust which works closely with The Aspinall Foundation to carry out our charitable objectives of returning animals to the wild.
The role is also responsible for the private gardens in the Mansion at Howletts and two separate areas of woodland managed to provide browse for the animals in our care.
The parks and their surrounding grounds attract c400,000-day visitors collectively between them as well as up to 75,000 short break guests at Port Lympne which is also home to 90 units of luxury accommodation. Port Lympne also houses several restaurants and cafes, The Mansion Hotel and gardens, and the stunning Orangery and Pergola which is used for exclusive weddings and events.
We are seeking a senior leader who will take control of this important department and meet the exacting presentational standards that we wish to achieve for all visitors to the sites. You will formulate and build the vision for both a diverse plant collection ensuring the garden’s landscapes appeal to broad audiences, while building a living collection of plants that supports conservation and the organisational aims & objectives.
The presentation of the sites is of critical importance to the ongoing and future success of the parks and the role requires an individual with drive, enthusiasm and a proactive can-do nature.
In return the role will provide the successful candidate with an opportunity to manage across a large variety of disciplines, work on new and exciting horticultural projects and mould the department to become one of the preeminent visitor destinations in the UK.
A full job description is available on request.
Who we are looking for:
The ideal candidates will have first-hand experience of managing a successful public garden at the highest level and have proven experience in successful garden and grounds project management. You will have a proven ability in the management of a team of 30+ people including volunteers and be competent in staff training and development through both presentation of in-house training and identification of appropriate external training.
A valid driving licence is essential as you will be required to drive company vehicles, and a reliable mode of transport is required due to travel between locations.
Contract details:
This is a permanent, full-time position. The successful candidate will work five days out of seven, 40 hours per week which can include weekends and bank holidays when required. All applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
Why you should join us:
We’re on a mission to create memorable experiences that matter, and our Core Values ‘One Team’, Customer’ and ‘Pride’ are what drive us each day to become part of something extraordinary. As well as walking to work surrounded by the calls of Howler monkeys and the roars from our pride of Lions, you will join a supportive team who are passionate about their place of work.
You can also expect benefits including:
• 28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays, rising with length of service.
• Bupa private medical insurance.
• Life assurance policy.
• Exceptional length of service reward scheme.
• Enhanced Sickness, Maternity and Paternity Policies.
• Comprehensive training and development opportunities, including workshops and e-learning.
• Unlimited free entry for you and a person of your choice into both of our parks as well as friends and family tickets.
• Exceptional discounts on food, retail and accommodation at our parks.
• Numerous retail discounts and access to a 24-hour counselling line through our Healthy Extras Scheme.
To apply: If you want to work in an exciting and unique environment where no two days are the same, email your C.V. and covering letter to: recruitment@howlettsandportlympne.com
