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
10.2023 - 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
06.2021 - 10.2023
- 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
05.2017 - 02.2026
- 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
09.2016 - 04.2017
- Working in the selection department at Southampton RDC as a warehouse picker
Contractor
11.2012 - 05.2016
- 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
01.2001 - 11.2012
- 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
01.1998 - 01.2001
- Full range of warehouse duties including forklift driving, product selection and dispatch preparation.
Driver assistant/navigator
Cavington Distribution
01.1996 - 01.1998
- Route planning, customer liaison and product installation.
Apprentice carpenter
Bitterne Building Contractors
01.1993 - 01.1996
Education
RHS level 2 - Horticulture
Kingston Maurward collage
Dorchester, Dorset 10.2022 - 09.2024
NVQ Level 1 - Carpentry
Southampton City College
Southampton 01.1993 - 01.1996
English, Maths, Science and Technology
Hamble Secondary School
01.1989 - 01.1993
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
10.2023 - Current
RHS level 2 - Horticulture
Kingston Maurward collage
10.2022 - 09.2024
Gardener
self employed
06.2021 - 10.2023
DFS Home delivery
05.2017 - 02.2026
Lidl UK
09.2016 - 04.2017
Contractor
11.2012 - 05.2016
Night-shift manager
Comet Home Delivery
01.2001 - 11.2012
Warehouse operative
Comet Home Delivery
01.1998 - 01.2001
Driver assistant/navigator
Cavington Distribution
01.1996 - 01.1998
Apprentice carpenter
Bitterne Building Contractors
01.1993 - 01.1996
NVQ Level 1 - Carpentry
Southampton City College
01.1993 - 01.1996
English, Maths, Science and Technology
Hamble Secondary School
01.1989 - 01.1993