Gardener jobs in Leigh-on-Sea

We are seeking an exceptional Head of Horticulture to lead the transformation and ongoing management of a prestigious 20-acre estate garden.

This is a rare opportunity for an experienced horticultural professional to create and deliver a long-term vision, elevating the gardens to a standard comparable with leading RHS gardens such as Hyde Hall. We are looking for a hands-on leader with outstanding plant knowledge, a passion for excellence, and the ability to build, inspire, and manage a high-performing team.

The successful candidate will take ownership of the estate’s horticultural strategy, driving improvements in plant collections, landscape presentation, biodiversity, seasonal interest, and visitor experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver a multi-year horticultural masterplan for the estate.
• Lead and manage all horticultural operations across the 20-acre site.
• Recruit, train, motivate, and develop the gardening team.
• Establish and maintain exceptional standards of horticulture, presentation, and plant health.
• Oversee planting schemes, landscape enhancement projects, and garden restoration programmes.
• Manage tree, shrub, herbaceous, and seasonal planting collections.
• Develop soil improvement, irrigation, and sustainability programmes.
• Manage budgets, procurement, contractors, and supplier relationships.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety and environmental best practice.
• Report regularly to the estate owners/directors on progress, priorities, and investment opportunities.

About You

You will be an accomplished horticultural professional with a proven track record of delivering excellence in high-quality gardens, estates, parks, or visitor attractions.

Essential

• Extensive horticultural experience in gardens of significant scale and quality.
• Strong plant knowledge across trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, and seasonal displays.
• Proven experience managing and developing horticultural teams.
• Experience planning and delivering garden improvement projects.
• Excellent organisational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Strong understanding of soil health, irrigation, pest and disease management.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable

• RHS Level 3 or above, Degree, Diploma, or equivalent horticultural qualification.
• Experience gained with RHS, National Trust, English Heritage, private estates, or comparable organisations.
• PA1/PA6 certification.
• Health & Safety qualification (IOSH or equivalent).
• Experience managing substantial horticultural budgets.

What Success Looks Like

Within the first 12 months, you will have:

• Completed a full horticultural and landscape audit.
• Established clear standards and maintenance programmes.
• Built and developed the gardening team.
• Created a phased improvement plan with measurable outcomes.
• Delivered visible improvements in plant health, presentation, and overall garden quality.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy. We are committed to investing in the gardens and creating one of the finest privately managed horticultural estates in the region. The successful candidate will have the autonomy, resources, and support required to realise that ambition.

To apply, please submit your CV together with a covering letter outlining your experience in developing and managing high-quality gardens and horticultural teams.

Application question(s):

• Please can you confirm your salary expectations.
• For contacting purposes please confirm your email address.
• Please confirm your postcode.
• Please confirm your notice period

Licence/Certification:

• RHS Level 3 (preferred)
• PA1/PA6 certification (preferred)

Work Location: In person