Head Gardener

ECG Limited; Leatherhead; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious private estate in the Surrey Hills seeks a skilled Head Gardener to lead garden management and team training. This full-time position involves overseeing diverse horticultural projects, ensuring sustainable practices, and contributing to estate events. Ideal for passionate individuals wanting to develop their career in a luxurious environment.

Benefits

Access to personal development support

Training opportunities

Contributory pension scheme

Life insurance

Sick pay

Long service awards

Cycle to work scheme

Free on-site parking

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in managing high-end gardens.
• Strong knowledge of plant care and pest management.
• Ability to train and motivate a team.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain a diverse range of gardens.
• Lead a team of 9 gardeners; oversee training and staff rotas.
• Collaborate with consultants on new planting schemes.

Skills

Horticultural management

Team management

Sustainable practices

Organisational skills

Planning and record-keeping

Education

RHS Level 2 or above

NVQ in Horticulture

Tools

Horticultural equipment

Job description

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for a skilled and passionate Head Gardener to join a prestigious private estate located in the heart of the Surrey Hills. Set within 470-acres of formal gardens, parkland, and woodland, the estate is renowned for its architectural heritage, beautifully restored gardens, and luxury hospitality. The estate now requires an experienced gardener with a proven track record of managing a horticulturally diverse garden to assist in the ongoing maintenance and development of the garden and grounds. This is a full-time, permanent position.

The successful candidate will play a leading role in the care and development of a historically significant and visually diverse landscape. The estate features 25-acres of formal gardens, comprising herbaceous and mixed borders, a Mediterranean garden, prairie border, Italianate terrace, kitchen garden, wildflower meadows, cut flower garden, woodlands. The estate also features multiple containers, outside pots as well as wonderful interior displays throughout the property. The Head Gardener will oversee all aspects of garden and landscape management, ensuring the maintenance of formal gardens, topiary, water features, wildflower meadows, and woodland walks to the highest standards. They will also lead the cultivation of the kitchen garden, supplying fresh, seasonal produce to the estate’s culinary team. A commitment to sustainable and organic horticultural practices is essential, with a focus on promoting biodiversity across the grounds.

This is a leadership role, requiring the successful candidate to manage and motivate a team of 9 permanent gardening staff. They will be responsible for staff rotas, training, and performance management, fostering a supportive and high-achieving team environment. The Head Gardener will also contribute to the strategic planning and design of new planting schemes, working collaboratively with landscape consultants and heritage professionals to ensure the gardens remain visually compelling throughout the year. Administrative responsibilities will include managing budgets, procurement, and contractor relationships, as well as maintaining accurate horticultural records, planting plans, and ensuring full compliance with health and safety regulations. The role will also involve supporting estate events and guest experiences, ensuring the grounds consistently reflect the estate’s commitment to excellence and hospitality.

The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in maintaining high-end private estates, with a strong foundation in all aspects of garden maintenance, including kitchen garden cultivation and pest and disease management. Proven ability to train, supervise, and motivate both teams and individuals is essential, alongside excellent organisational, planning, and record-keeping skills. A sound understanding of Health and Safety regulations, including Risk Assessments, COSHH, and Standard Operating Procedures, is required, as is the ability to collaborate effectively with other departments. Competence in the use of horticultural equipment and machinery is expected, with woodland management experience considered an advantage. Candidates should hold a relevant horticultural qualification, such as an RHS Level 2 or above, NVQ in Horticulture, with strong plant knowledge. Desirable qualifications and experience include familiarity with classical garden styles such as Jekyll or Italianate designs, experience in heritage garden restoration, PA1/PA6 pesticide certification, chainsaw operation, and a full UK driving licence. Candidates will be flexible and willing to extend their duties where needed. As such, this is a physically demanding position which requires a fit and strong individual who is comfortable working in all weathers.

This exciting vacancy would be great for someone looking to work in a beautiful part of the country and join the community, making this opportunity a way of life. Working hours are 40-hours per week, Monday – Friday, 7:00am – 3:30pm; with some variation depending upon the season/inclement weather. The Head Gardener is required to work 1 in 8 weekends (4 hours each day) with a day off in the week, following the weekend. Holiday entitlement is 28 days (including Bank Holidays), increasing with length of service.

The client is also dedicated to supporting candidates long-term career development and growth within the estate. Team members benefit from a comprehensive package that includes access to personal development support, recognised qualifications, and a variety of training opportunities. Additional benefits include discounted rates on food and beverage, access to a Hospitality Rewards App offering savings on retail, gym memberships, and cinema tickets. The package also features a contributory pension scheme, life insurance, sick pay, long service awards, a cycle to work scheme, uniforms, free on-site parking, and participation in our employee referral bonus scheme.

For the successful candidate, staff accommodation is available for single occupants. Please note, that the accommodation is not part of the renumeration package.

SALARY: Up to £42,000 DOE

LOCATION: Leatherhead, Surrey

JOB No: EC67693

If this vacancy is of interest, please click ‘Apply for job’ below’ or contact Sophie Sharpe on 01233 733510 or email [e-mail]

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Thank you for the interest you have shown in this vacancy. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not possible to respond to every one. Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your application for this vacancy has been unsuccessful.

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Tagged as: full time, head gardener, Surrey