Deputy Head Gardener - Epsom, Surrey

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

Job summary

A prestigious private members club in Epsom is seeking an experienced Deputy Head Gardener to lead a dedicated team and support the Head Gardener with various administrative tasks. Candidates should possess horticulture qualifications and experience with land-based machinery. The role includes fostering team development and ensuring high standards in garden maintenance. Competitive benefits include a 40-hour week, overtime pay, annual bonus, and employee health plans.

Benefits

40-hour week with paid overtime

Annual bonus

Complimentary meals provided

Birthday day off

Staff discount in Club shop

Long Service Awards

Interest-free season ticket loan

Generous pension

‘Simply Health’ plan for health and dental care

Employee discounts through ‘Perkbox’

24/7 Employee Assistance Programme

Twice yearly staff events

Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Gardener with administration tasks such as plant ordering and planning.
• Support 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.
• Be responsible for the Gardens Department when the Head Gardener is not around.
• Assist with the weekend rota.
• Ensure planting schemes are maintained consistently to a high horticultural standard.
• Ensure full compliance with health and safety policies.
• Ensure equipment and vehicles are tested, licensed, and serviced.
• Encourage cross-departmental collaboration.

Skills

Horticulture qualifications (diploma or equivalent)

Pesticides spraying licence PA1 and PA6

Land-based machinery licence (tractors)

Basic tree inspection knowledge

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

In-depth awareness of health and safety regulations

Education

Horticulture diploma or equivalent

Job description

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 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.
• Support 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.
• Be responsible for the Gardens Department when the Head Gardener is not around.
• 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 that requirements are adhered to by all staff.
• Ensure 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.
• Work towards sustainability by improving efficiency and reducing our environmental impact.

Qualifications and Skills

• Horticulture qualifications (diploma or equivalent).
• Pesticides spraying licence PA1 and PA6.
• Land‑based machinery licence (tractors).
• Basic tree inspection knowledge.
• 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.
• In‑depth awareness of health and safety regulations.

Benefits

• 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 Royal Automobile Club

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.

Our Values

Excellence – We strive every day for excellence. Accountability – We take ownership of our work and meet our high standards. Respect – We show consideration and understanding to our members and colleagues. Trust – We act with fairness, honesty and integrity. Sustainability – We actively contribute to reducing our environmental impact, improving our operational efficiency and building our reputation.