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