Deputy Head Gardener - Epsom, Surrey

Royal Automobile Club; Epsom; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury private members club in Epsom is seeking a Deputy Head Gardener to support the Head Gardener in managing the Gardens team. The ideal candidate will possess horticulture qualifications and experience with machinery, showcase excellent interpersonal skills, and ensure high standards in garden maintenance. This role offers a chance to lead and inspire a dedicated team while focusing on sustainability and customer service.

Benefits

Paid overtime

Annual bonus

Complimentary meals provided

Generous pension

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Previous mentoring on horticultural equipment.
• Basic tree inspection.
• Full driving licence required.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Gardener with administration tasks.
• Manage record keeping of mandatory training.
• Work as part of a team that strives for excellence.

Skills

Excellent interpersonal skills

In-depth awareness of health and safety regulations

Computer literacy including Microsoft Office

Education

Horticulture qualifications (diploma or equivalent)

Pesticides spraying licence PA1 and PA6

Land based machinery licence (tractors)

Tools

Operating experience in ride-on and hand-held machinery

Job description

Deputy Head Gardener - Epsom, Surrey

Job Type : Full Time - 40 hours per week

The Royal Automobile Club is an exclusive world‑class private members club, with two stunning clubhouses located in London and Epsom. Providing a first‑class service offering accommodation, dining, banqueting, sports and leisure facilities for the enjoyment of our members and their guests.

A rare and exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Deputy Head Gardener to join us at our Epsom clubhouse, to help lead and inspire a team of dedicated horticulturists, to deliver a clear and coherent vision for the garden’s future direction.

The gardens and woodland feature herbaceous borders, lawns, shrubberies, protected woodland, a lake, extensive wildflower meadows and a newly planted arboretum.

Benefits of working at the Royal Automobile Club

• 40‑hour week with paid overtime
• Annual bonus
• Complimentary meals provided
• Birthday day off
• European RAC cover
• Staff discount in Club shop
• Long Service Awards
• Interest free season ticket loan
• Staff uniform
• Generous pension
• ‘Simply Health’ plan with allowances towards health and dental care
• Employee discounts through ‘Perkbox’
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Twice yearly staff events

About the role

The Deputy Head Gardener will support the Head Gardener in the day to day running of the Gardens team and to support with various administrative support tasks.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Gardener with administration tasks such as plant ordering and planning.
• Supporting with the development of the Gardeners within the Gardens Team.
• Manage the record keeping of all mandatory and relevant training to ensure continued compliance.
• Assist the Head Gardener with all project work.
• Work as part of a team that strives for excellence.
• To be responsible for the Gardens Department when the Head Gardener is not around.
• To assist with the weekend rota.
• Ensure planting schemes are maintained consistently to a high horticultural standard.
• Ensure full compliance with the clubhouse health and safety policy and ensure requirements are adhered to by all staff.
• Ensuring equipment and vehicles are tested, licensed, and serviced.
• Encourage cross departmental collaboration.
• Assisting with members’ Activity Groups, garden visits, enquiries and promoting a high standard of customer service amongst the Gardening Team.
• Sustainability focused to help improve efficiency and reduce our environmental impact.

About you

• In-depth awareness of health and safety regulations.
• Horticulture qualifications (diploma or equivalent).
• Pesticides spraying licence PA1 and PA6.
• Land based machinery licence (tractors).
• Basic tree inspection.
• Full driving licence.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Previous mentoring on horticultural equipment.
• Computer literacy including Microsoft Office.
• Operating experience in both ride‑on and hand‑held machinery.

Club Values: HEARTS

Heritage - Our rich motoring, social, sporting and architectural heritage runs through the fabric and the nature of the Club.

Excellence - Excellence is not an achievement; it is something we strive for every day.

Accountability - Taking ownership of our work, meeting our own high standards, honouring our commitments and acting with professionalism.

Respect - Showing consideration and understanding to our members and colleagues.

Trust – Acting with fairness, honesty and integrity.

Sustainability – Actively contribute to reducing our environmental impact, improving our operational efficiency and continuing to build our reputation.

Please visit our website for more information about our Club Vision and Values.

What to Expect

• All applications will be reviewed.
• Immediate interview dates available.