Lead Gardener
Location: Oakwood Hill, Loughton (covering the Epping region)
Salary: £29,000 - £33,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
Contract: Full-Time
The Opportunity
Do you love to collaborate and help outdoor spaces thrive? We are looking for a Lead Gardener to head up a small, dedicated team of up to five. You will be responsible for undertaking a wide range of horticultural activities while delivering a top-tier grounds maintenance service to our customers and stakeholders across the Epping region.
You'll join a team where you will feel supported, trusted, and appreciated. Our current members come from diverse backgrounds and truly value the unique skills and passions each co-worker brings to the table.
What's in it for you?
Beyond a competitive salary, we offer a market-leading benefits package:
Performance Bonus: Opportunity to earn a cash bonus of up to 15% of your salary.
Generous Pension: Contributions set at 7% of your salary.
Security: Life Insurance cover at 4x your annual salary.
Health: Private healthcare coverage.
Time Off: 25 days annual leave plus all bank holidays.
Your Role & Responsibilities
As the Lead Gardener, you will ensure high levels of customer satisfaction through excellent service and leadership:
Team Leadership: Lead a small team in general grounds maintenance (grass cutting, hedge trimming, shrub pruning, weeding, and chemical applications).
Quality & Safety: Ensure all work meets high standards and strictly follows Health & Safety guidelines and safe working methods.
Equipment Management: Drive and maintain vehicles, machinery, and tools, ensuring all equipment is in good working order.
People Management: Conduct performance reviews, facilitate regular 1-2-1 meetings, and support the wellbeing and development of your team members.
Operational Targets: Ensure all performance targets are met on time and to the correct quality.
What You Will Bring to the Team
Knowledge & Skills:
Communication: Ability to lead a team effectively and remain professional and courteous with the public.
Attitude: A positive "can-do" approach with the ability to prioritize tasks and give clear instructions.
Tech Savvy: Ability to use IT and mobile apps for recording work routes and rounds.
Physicality: Fit and capable of using equipment requiring agility and strength in all weather conditions.
Reliability: Excellent timekeeping and consistent attendance.
Experience & Qualifications (Desirable):
Proven experience leading a small operational team.
Strong background in grounds maintenance (mowers, strimmers, hedge cutters).
Soft landscaping skills (e.g., planting).
Experience with Ransomes Highway 3 or similar ride-on mowing equipment.
Formal horticultural training (e.g., PA1 and PA6).
A full, clean driving license (essential for operating vehicles/machinery).
Please note: A satisfactory DBS check is required for this role.
Apply Today
If you have the experience and believe you would be a great fit for our team, we would love to hear from you