Head Gardener

On behalf of our client, we are recruiting for a Head Gardener to maintain a large private garden in Egham, Surrey.

The gardens consist of formal planting immediately adjacent to the garden house, ornamental planting throughout extensive grounds, a vegetable garden, areas of wildflower and large expanses of both formal and rolling lawns. There are also many ornamental and parkland trees, a tennis court and horse paddock.

Having recently undergone a total overhaul of planting schemes and layout, the gardens will require a skilled and knowledgeable professional Head Gardener, who is experienced working in a sensitive environment and for UHNW clientele.

The Head Gardener will be responsible for their continued meticulous maintenance and development, taking ownership of any issues and ensuring to plan ahead - while working closely with the estate to deliver a garden worthy of its calibre. 

Summary of responsibilities and duties:



• Deliver high standards of maintenance and horticulture by developing and implementing a structured programme of work, ensuring the landscape and gardens are maintained and presented to the highest level throughout the year.
• Effectively manage the garden team and provide detailed weekly work reports.
• Liaise with Estate Management to manage and interpret the horticultural needs of each area through plans and schedules for the various zones of the gardens.
• Liaising with security, housekeeping staff and other contractors.
• Manage your time to record and request orders for tools, plant and other necessary equipment and materials including seasonal planting and mulching.
• Ensure all garden equipment and tools are correctly used, maintained and kept in proper working order.
• Ensure the irrigation system is correctly maintained and kept in proper working order.
• Implement safety policies and procedures.
• Manage threats and risks from Pests & Diseases 

Required qualifications:

• Relevant horticultural qualification, preferably Level 3 or above
• Health and safety qualification, e.g. NEBOSH General, or relevant professional qualification
• Experience managing sites and supervising teams, SSSTS/SMSTS etc.
• Advanced level of irrigation knowledge and spraying certificate PA1/PA6
• Up-to-date working knowledge of methods, materials, tools and equipment used in garden maintenance operations.
• Sound knowledge of standard horticultural practices (planting, pruning, fertilising, etc), growth characteristics and identification of a wide variety of plants

Required skills:

• Prior experience in a horticulture role for UHNW clients
• Full clean EU or UK driving licence
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent organisation and team management skills
• Good time management – ability to prioritise tasks; punctuality; working efficiently and with a good idea of how long each task takes to complete.
• Problem solver - ability to identify and resolve issues with speed.
• Resilience – comfortable working in a fast-paced environment whilst maintaining a positive and flexible attitude with an ability to motivate others.
• People leadership and management – confidence to provide clear direction and inspire those around you, promptly and efficiently addressing personnel issues and training and development needs.
• Creative vision.
• Physical aptitude to working outdoors in all kinds of weather conditions.
• High levels of ethical conduct: honesty, trustworthiness, integrity.

Terms and package:

• £45-55k per annum, depending on experience.

• The opportunity to work in a beautiful and unique setting with a varied job role.

• Complete package available at interview.

1. Introductory call with RSL HR department
2. Interview with RSL Management
3. Second interview on site with RSL and client