Deputy Head Gardener

Royal Automobile Club; Epsom and Ewell; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

An exclusive members club in Epsom is seeking a Deputy Head Gardener to lead a horticulture team, assist with administrative duties, and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. The role requires good interpersonal skills, knowledge of health and safety, and experience with machinery. Benefits include attractive salary, paid overtime, complimentary meals, and annual bonuses. This position offers an opportunity to shape the future direction of the gardens while promoting sustainability within the club.

Benefits

Complimentary meals

Annual bonus

Birthday day off

Long-service awards

Interest-free season ticket loan

'Simply Health' plan with health and dental allowances

Employee discounts

Twice-yearly staff events

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of health and safety regulations.
• Experience operating ride-on and hand-held machinery.
• Basic tree inspection skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Gardener with plant ordering and planning.
• Provide administrative support and maintain training records.
• Support the development of team members and act as head of department when needed.
• Manage the weekend rota and ensure planting meets standards.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety policy.
• Maintain equipment and vehicles.
• Assist with member activity groups and promote customer service.
• Drive sustainability initiatives.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Mentoring skills

Computer literacy

Knowledge of health and safety regulations

Education

PA1 and PA6 pesticides spraying licences

Land-based machinery licence (tractor)

Full driving licence

Job description

The Royal Automobile Club is an exclusive, world-class private members club with clubhouses in London and Epsom. We offer accommodation, dining, banqueting, sports and leisure facilities. An experienced Deputy Head Gardener is needed to join our Epsom clubhouse to lead and inspire a horticulture team, shaping the future direction of our gardens.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Gardener with plant ordering, planning and project work.
• Provide administrative support and maintain records of mandatory and relevant training.
• Support the development of team members and act as head of the department when the Head Gardener is absent.
• Help manage the weekend rota and ensure planting schemes meet high horticultural standards.
• Ensure full compliance with the clubhouse health and safety policy.
• Maintain equipment and vehicles, ensuring they are tested, licensed and serviced.
• Assist with member activity groups, garden visits and queries, promoting excellent customer service.
• Drive sustainability initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

Values

• Heritage – Aligning with the club's rich motoring, social, sporting and architectural heritage.
• Excellence – Striving for continuous improvement.
• Accountability – Owning work, meeting high standards and acting professionally.
• Respect – Considering the needs of members and colleagues.
• Trust – Acting with fairness, honesty and integrity.
• Sustainability – Reducing environmental impact and improving operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of health and safety regulations.
• PA1 and PA6 pesticides spraying licences.
• Land-based machinery licence (tractor).
• Basic tree inspection skills.
• Full driving licence.
• Excellent interpersonal and mentoring skills.
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office.
• Experience operating both ride‑on and hand‑held machinery.

Benefits

• This role offers the following pay range: £36,209.69 (base salary). The final pay will reflect your skills and experience., 40‑hour week with paid overtime
• Annual bonus
• Complimentary meals
• Birthday day off
• European RAC cover
• Staff discount at Club shop
• Long-service awards
• Interest-free season ticket loan
• Staff uniform
• 'Simply Health' plan with health and dental allowances
• Employee discounts via 'Perkbox'
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Twice‑yearly staff events