Gardening jobs in Newent

Horticultural Nursery Foreperson – Job Description

Job Title: Horticultural Nursery Foreman

Reports To: Nursery Managers

Salary: Competitive / negotiable based on experience.

Minimum 42.5 hours per week Monday – Friday

31 days holiday, including bank holidays

About Readyhedge

Readyhedge was founded in 2003 and has become one of Europe’s leading specialist nurseries, growing and supplying instant hedging and screening plants. Our unique 17 acre nursery is situated in Worcestershire. We are looking for the right person to join our dedicated team of 20 people to help us maintain and improve our standing in the industry.

Job Summary:

The Horticultural Nursery Foreman is responsible for supervising the day-to-day operations of the nursery, ensuring the efficient production, maintenance, and dispatch of high-quality plants. The role involves leading and motivating nursery staff, coordinating work schedules, maintaining production standards, and all aspects of staff management ensuring compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.

Key Responsibilities (but not limited to:)

• Supervise the daily activities of nursery staff to ensure work is completed efficiently to a high standard at a commercial rate.
• Plan and organise nursery tasks. Monitor crop development and ensure optimum growing conditions are maintained.
• Inspect plants regularly for pests, diseases, weeds, and nutrient deficiencies, implementing appropriate control measures.
• Learn and then help maintain irrigation systems and ensure watering schedules are followed effectively.
• Maintain cleanliness and organisation throughout the nursery.
• Attend regular supervisor and management meetings.

Staff Supervision

• Allocate daily workloads and monitor staff performance.
• Train, mentor, and support new and existing employees.
• Promote teamwork and maintain a positive working environment.
• Ensure staff follow company policies and safe working procedures.

Production and Quality Control

• Monitor plant quality throughout the production cycle.
• Set and monitor production targets and ensure customer requirements are met.
• Assist with maintaining accurate production, inventory, and crop records.
• Assist with forecasting production requirements and scheduling seasonal activities.

Equipment and Maintenance

• Ensure machinery, vehicles, irrigation systems, and equipment are operated safely and maintained in good working order.
• Report maintenance requirements and arrange repairs where necessary.
• Monitor stock levels of pots, compost, fertilisers, chemicals, and other nursery supplies.

Health, Safety and Environmental Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all health and safety legislation and company procedures.
• Liase with the office H & S representative to ensure all requirements are met and documented accurately
• Promote safe manual handling practices and the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ensure pesticides, fertilisers, and chemicals are stored and used safely in accordance with current regulations.
• Support environmentally sustainable nursery practices, including water conservation and waste reduction.

Customer Service

• Assist with preparing, checking, and dispatching customer orders.
• Ensure plants meet quality standards before dispatch.
• Provide technical advice and support to customers where appropriate.

Person Specification

Essential

• Proven experience supervising or leading a team throughout the year.
• initiative to discuss and implement changes to the existing staff working procedures.
• Good organisational and time management skills.
• Strong communication and leadership abilities.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Ability to monitor staff productivity and performance.

Desirable

• Previous experience working in a commercial horticultural nursery.
• Ability to identify common pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies.
• PA1 and PA6 pesticide application certificates.
• Forklift or tractor operating experience.
• First Aid at Work qualification.

Key Skills

• Leadership and people management.
• Planning and organisation.
• Problem-solving and decision-making.
• Attention to detail.
• Maintaining quality in all areas.
• Stock control.
• Effective communication.

Working Conditions

• Predominantly outdoor work in all weather conditions.
• Physical work involving lifting, bending, standing, and manual handling.
• Occasional weekend work will be required.
• Use of machinery, horticultural equipment, and agricultural vehicles.

This role is essential in ensuring the nursery operates safely, efficiently, and profitably while producing healthy, high-quality plants that meet customer expectations.

Please apply to jess@readyhedgeltd.com attaching your CV and any other relevant information.

Closing date for applications 12.11.2026

Pay: From £32,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Free parking
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person