Senior Horticulturist

Botanically; Greater London; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A sustainable gardening company based in Greater London is looking for a Senior Horticulturist to lead garden maintenance and development. This role involves client management, implementing sustainable practices, and mentoring junior staff. Candidates should have 2-3 years of horticulture experience, strong leadership skills, and a full UK driving licence. The position offers a salary of £32,000 – £36,000 and a range of benefits including private healthcare and a fully electric company van.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Vitality private healthcare

Employer pension contribution of 4%

Qualifications

• Minimum 2-3 years' professional gardening/horticulture experience.
• Full, clean UK driving licence required.
• Proven leadership skills are necessary.

Responsibilities

• Oversee maintenance and development of allocated gardens.
• Mentor junior staff and assist in their training.
• Build strong, trusted relationships with clients.

Skills

Strong plant identification and practical horticultural knowledge

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Leadership or mentoring experience

Ability to manage gardens independently

Education

Level 2 Diploma in Horticulture

Job description

Clients receive outstanding service and proactively engage in additional services

Senior Horticulturist

Full-time | Monday–Friday

£32,000 – £36,000 per annum

Location: South East London

Full, clean UK driving licence required

About Botanically

Botanically is a South East London–based gardening company specialising in eco-friendly, sustainable garden maintenance and planting. We are committed to reducing environmental impact through the exclusive use of hand and electric tools, fully electric vans, and organic, non-toxic gardening methods. Physical pest and weed control is favoured, and sustainable materials are used wherever possible.

Founded by RHS-trained horticulturist Ryan, Botanically combines high-level horticultural expertise with modern, environmentally responsible practices. Our services include garden maintenance and planting design and installation.

We are a growing, close-knit team of knowledgeable, professional gardeners who care deeply about gardens, people, and the environment.

The Role

The Senior Horticulturist plays a key leadership role within Botanically, taking full ownership of a portfolio of complex gardens and contributing to the development of both the maintenance service and the wider business.

This is a senior, hands‑on role combining advanced horticulture, client relationship management, design input, mentoring, and project oversight — while championing sustainable gardening practices throughout.

Key Responsibilities

Garden & Horticultural Leadership

• Full responsibility for the maintenance, development, and long‑term improvement of allocated gardens
• Deliver high‑quality, eco‑friendly garden maintenance with year‑round interest

Design and implement small planting schemes

• Create, plan, and supervise seasonal planting, including bulbs and seasonal bedding, with sustainability at the forefront
• Specify and install standard irrigation systems
• Specify and install standard garden wiring systems
• Implement new and existing sustainable gardening practices

Client & Design Communication

• Build strong, trusted relationships with clients
• Clearly articulate design ideas, planting concepts, and horticultural decisions to clients and senior management
• Liaise with clients, contractors, and suppliers as required
• Identify opportunities to upsell additional services and seasonal offers

Project, Budget & Resource Management

• Monitor and manage budgets and resources for gardening projects
• Ensure projects are delivered efficiently, safely, and to Botanically's standards
• Ensure compliance with health & safety regulations at all times

Leadership & Team Development

• Line management and mentoring of junior staff and assistants
• Propose relevant training courses for yourself and junior team members
• Support the optimisation, development, and potential growth of the maintenance team
• Promote and role‑model Botanically's values through professionalism, presentation, and communication

Operational Responsibilities

• Collection and delivery of plants and materials
• Responsibility for a Botanically electric van (charging, cleanliness, and care)
• Responsibility for tools and equipment stored in the van and lock‑up

What Success Looks Like

• You take full ownership of your gardens and are seen by clients as a trusted horticultural expert
• Gardens under your care thrive, improve year on year, and reflect Botanically's sustainability values
• Clients receive outstanding service and proactively engage in additional services
• Junior staff feel supported, developed, and well‑trained
• Projects are well planned, cost‑aware, safe, and professionally delivered

Requirements & Experience

• Minimum 2–3 years' professional gardening / horticulture experience
• Strong plant identification and practical horticultural knowledge
• Proven leadership or mentoring experience
• Ability to manage gardens independently and proactively
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Full, clean UK driving licence
• Level 2 Diploma in Horticulture preferred (or equivalent experience)

Salary & Benefits

• £32,000 – £36,000 per annum (DOE)
• 25 days holiday per year + bank holidays
• Vitality private healthcare
• Bupa Wellbeing cash plan
• Employer pension contribution : 4% (minimum employee contribution 4%)
• Fully electric company van (kept with the horticulturist)
• 3-month probationary period

Start date: ASAP

Career Progression

Botanically has clear ambitions to grow both the maintenance and design sides of the business. As the company evolves, this role is expected to progress into a Maintenance Manager position, with full responsibility for maintenance teams and strategy.

If this role sounds like the perfect fit for you, we'd love to hear from you