MotorSport Vision (MSV) is redeveloping Donington Hall, a magnificent 18th-century property, into a luxury 5-star hotel scheduled to open in January 2027. As part of this project, MSV has acquired the original three acre Victorian walled kitchen garden, previously operated as a commercial nursery, which will be restored to supply fresh produce, herbs, and flowers to the hotel’s restaurant.

We are now seeking a full-time Head Gardener to lead the restoration and long-term management of this unique space. This role offers the opportunity to be closely involved in shaping the garden’s layout and development, as well as recruiting and leading a small team of passionate staff. The successful candidate will take responsibility for all aspects of planting, landscaping, and the day-to-day running of the walled garden.

This position would suit a knowledgeable and practical horticulturist with experience in overseeing productive gardens, strong organisational skills, and the ability to manage both people and projects. An interest in heritage or kitchen gardening, alongside a commitment to high standards and seasonal production, will be important in establishing a garden that supports the wider vision for Donington Hall.

Duties of the Head Gardener will include:

• Lead the full redevelopment of the walled garden into a fully functioning productive kitchen garden, aligned with the requirements of the hotel and restaurant
• Contribute to, and implement a comprehensive masterplan for the garden, including layout design, crop planning, infrastructure, and phasing of works
• Take a hands-on role in horticultural work, including planting, propagation, cultivation, harvesting, and general maintenance
• Oversee site establishment works, including soil preparation, restoration of growing areas, installation of irrigation, pathways, structures, and other hard and soft landscaping elements
• Plan and oversee year-round production of vegetables, fruit, herbs, and flowers to meet kitchen demand, ensuring quality, consistency, and seasonality
• Recruit, train, and manage a small team of staff as and when required
• Manage budgets and the ordering of materials, seeds, plants, and equipment, ensuring cost-effective use of resources
• Establish and maintain propagation systems, crop rotation plans, and pest and disease management strategies
• Liaise closely with the hotel and kitchen teams to align production with menu requirements and service expectations
• Maintain the overall presentation and condition of the garden to a high standard, reflecting its setting within a luxury hotel environment
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health and safety, environmental, and operational policies

Criteria for the role:

• Proven extensive experience in managing or establishing productive kitchen gardens, estates, or similar horticultural projects
• Strong practical horticultural knowledge, including vegetable, fruit, herb, and cut flower production
• A relevant horticultural qualification – RHS Qualified or equivalent
• PA1 & PA6 certification desirable
• Willingness to take a hands-on approach, working alongside the team in day-to-day gardening operations
• Good communication skills, with the ability to liaise with kitchen and wider hotel teams
• High standards of presentation and attention to detail, particularly within a high-end or visitor-facing environment
• Understanding of health and safety requirements relevant to horticultural operations

In return you will receive:

• Competitive pay + benefits
• Access to our exclusive employee discount platform, offering savings at hundreds of retailers across the UK
• A staff pass allowing access for yourself and a guest to attend events across all MSV circuits (including ZYN British Superbikes and Kwik Fit British Touring Cars)
• Discounted food and drink at The Walled Garden
• Training opportunities
• A workplace pension
• Free parking

This is an opportunity to join the Donington Hall team at an important stage in the estate’s redevelopment. As the wider transformation of the hotel takes shape, the creation of the walled garden provides a genuine opportunity for the successful candidate to help shape its future direction, productivity, and long-term development.

The role offers a standard working week of 42.5 hours, across five days, involving weekend working. Due to the nature of the role and the location of the estate, a full UK driving licence is essential. This role can be offered with on-site accommodation if required.

To begin the application process for the Head Gardener role at Donington Hall, please click the ‘Apply Here’ button. Please note that only candidates with up-to-date CVs and covering letters will be considered.