Head Gardener

Nicholsons; Bicester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Nicholsons seeks an experienced Head Gardener to lead and maintain large private and commercial gardens to the highest horticultural standards. This role blends hands-on gardening with team leadership, client liaison, and seasonal planning to deliver exceptional results.

You will manage a team, plan programmes, and ensure work reflects our environmental values and professionalism. A horticultural qualification and full UK driving licence are preferred.

Qualifications

• Extensive horticultural experience, including managing large or complex gardens.
• Ability to lead, supervise and mentor a team to company standards.
• Excellent client liaison skills with professional communication.
• Strong plant knowledge and a horticultural qualification.
• Valid UK driving licence and ability to trailer equipment.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage large and complex gardens to high standards.
• Plan seasonal work programmes in collaboration with leadership.
• Supervise a team of gardeners, ensuring safety and efficiency.
• Provide expert horticultural advice to clients and maintain relationships.
• Promote sustainable practices and biodiversity.

Skills

Team leadership

Horticultural knowledge

Client liaison

Plant knowledge

Driving licence

Education

Horticultural qualification

Tools

Trailers

Chainsaw

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and knowledgeable Head Gardener to manage and maintain large, established private and commercial gardens to the highest horticultural standards. This role combines hands-on horticultural work with team leadership, client liaison, and seasonal planning. You will be responsible for delivering excellent garden care, leading and developing team members where required, and ensuring all work reflects Nicholsons' quality, professionalism, and environmental values.

Key responsibilities:

• Independently manage large and complex gardens, delivering high-quality horticultural maintenance
• Lead, supervise, and support a team of gardeners, ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently and to company standards
• Plan and coordinate seasonal work programmes in collaboration with the Head of Garden Management
• Communicate professionally with clients, providing expert advice and maintaining strong working relationships
• Promote sustainable horticultural practices, supporting biodiversity, biosecurity, and ecological management

The ideal candidate will:

• Have extensive horticultural experience, including managing large or complex gardens
• Be organised, efficient and able to work independently
• Have a commercial understanding
• Demonstrate experience leading/mentoring others
• Offer strong plant knowledge with a horticultural qualification
• Have confidence working directly with clients
• Have a full, clean UK driving licence & is confident using trailers

Desirable:

• Relevant RHS qualification (e.g. RHS Level 2/3 or equivalent)
• Horticultural specialism
• Experience in high-end private estates or commercial gardens
• Relevant certifications e.g. PA1/PA6, chainsaw etc.

This position is a full-time role, Monday to Friday (40 hours per week) 7:30am - 4:30pm.

At Nicholsons, our commitment to delivering positive environmental change is woven into every aspect of our work, embodying our values of dedication, creativity, and passion for the planet.