Head Gardener - Lead Historic Gardens (Hybrid)

Horticulture Jobs; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Enhanced holiday entitlement

Employer pension contributions

Annual pay reviews & bonuses

Critical illness cover & life/assurity

Family friendly policies and benefits

Staff discounts and palace membership

Job summary

Historic Royal Palaces is seeking a Head Gardener based at Hampton Court Palace, with oversight of Kensington Palace and Kew Palace kitchen gardens. You will lead planning, maintenance and development of historic landscapes, directing a team to deliver high horticultural standards for visitors.

The role requires strong horticultural knowledge, experience managing large gardens, and strategic leadership to ensure climate resilience and sustainability across the site.

Qualifications

• Strong horticultural knowledge and proven experience managing large gardens, estates, parks or historic landscapes.
• Ability to lead and motivate a team, set clear objectives and develop staff.
• Experience in planning, budgeting, stakeholder engagement and health & safety compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage planning, maintenance and development of the historic landscape at Hampton Court Palace, with oversight of Kensington Palace and the Kew Palace kitchen gardens.
• Administer, plan and deliver daily, annual and long-term work programmes with high standards of horticulture.
• Manage large annual operational budget and contribute to resource planning and governance, ensuring safety compliance.

Skills

Horticultural knowledge

People management

Budget management

Operational planning

Job description

Historic Royal Palaces is seeking a Head Gardener based at Hampton Court Palace, with oversight of Kensington Palace and Kew Palace kitchen gardens. You will lead planning, maintenance and development of historic landscapes, directing a team to deliver high horticultural standards for visitors.

The role requires strong horticultural knowledge, experience managing large gardens, and strategic leadership to ensure climate resilience and sustainability across the site.