Andrew Elcombe
Netley Abbey,Southampton
Summary
Experienced professional with expertise in logistics management, staff supervision, and customer relations. Demonstrates strong problem-solving abilities, effective time management, and excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Proficient in the safe use of pesticides (PA1/PA6), operation of ride-on mowers, trimmers, brushcutters, and chainsaws, including cross-cutting and small felling up to 380mm. Holds a tractor driving licence and is fully trained in manual handling procedures. Committed to delivering reliable results while maintaining high standards of safety and efficiency.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Head gardener
Broadlands estates
Romsey, Hampshire
2023.10 - Current
- Coordinated with external contractors for complex landscaping projects, ensuring on-time completion.
- Trained junior staff in horticultural practices to improve their gardening skills.
- Promoted biodiversity within the gardens through careful selection of plants and habitat creation initiatives.
- Performed tree surgery tasks when required, maintaining safety across the estate.
- Managed a team of gardeners for efficient maintenance of the estate grounds.
Gardener
self employed
Southampton, Hampshire
2021.06 - 2023.10
- Organised work schedule effectively-all tasks completed in timely manner.
- Constructed flower beds to increase biodiversity in the garden area.
- Maintained client gardens whilst they were away on holiday-peace of mind ensured upon their return.
- Maintained clean paths and patios for an organised outdoor space.
- Boosted greenery health with the application of fertilisers and pesticides.
DFS Home delivery
2017.05 - 2026.02
- Driving the 7.5t delivery truck around the south coast delivering sofas Beds and tables to DFS customers along with a very high level of customer service
Lidl UK
Southampton
2016.09 - 2017.04
- Working in the selection department at Southampton RDC as a warehouse picker
Contractor
2012.11 - 2016.05
- Self-employed, on a contract basis, for PS West Builders. Duties include project management, customer liaison and general builder’s assistant tasks.
Night-shift manager
Comet Home Delivery
2001.01 - 2012.11
- Managing a team of eight people, organising the home delivery service from the central warehouse. Duties included logistics planning, human resource management and quality control.
Warehouse operative
Comet Home Delivery
1998.01 - 2001.01
- Full range of warehouse duties including forklift driving, product selection and dispatch preparation.
Driver assistant/navigator
Cavington Distribution
1996.01 - 1998.01
- Route planning, customer liaison and product installation.
Apprentice carpenter
Bitterne Building Contractors
1993.01 - 1996.01
Education
RHS level 2 - Horticulture
Kingston Maurward collage
Dorchester, Dorset 2022.10 - 2024.09
NVQ Level 1 - Carpentry
Southampton City College
Southampton 1993.01 - 1996.01
English, Maths, Science and Technology
Hamble Secondary School
1989.01 - 1993.01
Skills
- Logistics management and planning
- Staff management
- Problem solving and troubleshooting
- Customer relations
- Time management
- Completely reliable
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
Certification
- 2023 Tractor driving
- 2023 Manual handling
- 2023 Trimmer and Brushcutter operations
- 2023 Chainsaw small fell up to 380mm
- 2022 Grass cutters /Ride-on mowers
- 2022 Chainsaw cross cutting and maintenance
- 2022 PA1 Principles of the safe use and application of pesticides
- 2022 PA6 Safe applicationof pesticides to land and water using hand held equipment fitted with hydraulic nozzles or rotary atomisers
- 2017 Driver CPC Card
- 2013 Lead sheet work and lead welding certificate
- 2008 Comet Long Service Award – given for ten years service with no sick days or unplanned leave
- 2000 Forklift Driving Licence
References
- Paul, West, paul@pswest-builders.co.uk, PS West Builders, The Cottage, Bakers Drove, Rownhams, Hampshire, SO16 8AD
- Kate, Hindle, kate.hindle@hughes-syndrome.org, Hughes Syndrome Foundation, Conybeare House, London, SE1 9RT, Guy’s Hospital
Personal interests
In my free time I like to play golf, which I play to a reasonable standard; in the past, my personal best handicap was six. I’ve always enjoyed helping friends improve their game with hints and tips when asked, and have also learned a lot from a range of golfers including absolute beginners., My other hobbies include snowboarding, gardening and baking.
Timeline
Head gardener
Broadlands estates
2023.10 - Current
RHS level 2 - Horticulture
Kingston Maurward collage
2022.10 - 2024.09
Gardener
self employed
2021.06 - 2023.10
DFS Home delivery
2017.05 - 2026.02
Lidl UK
2016.09 - 2017.04
Contractor
2012.11 - 2016.05
Night-shift manager
Comet Home Delivery
2001.01 - 2012.11
Warehouse operative
Comet Home Delivery
1998.01 - 2001.01
Driver assistant/navigator
Cavington Distribution
1996.01 - 1998.01
Apprentice carpenter
Bitterne Building Contractors
1993.01 - 1996.01
NVQ Level 1 - Carpentry
Southampton City College
1993.01 - 1996.01
English, Maths, Science and Technology
Hamble Secondary School
1989.01 - 1993.01