Deputy Head Gardener – Vacancy
We are currently recruiting for a Deputy Head Gardener to join our Gardening Team on a Full Time, Permanent contract.
Working across 20 acres of herbaceous borders, a rose garden, exotic garden, vegetable and cut-flower garden, orchards, meadow and lakes. The gardens are maintained to the highest horticultural standards as a family garden, a workplace setting for Glyndebourne staff & company in Lewes East Sussex and as a welcoming space for audience members during the Glyndebourne Festival.
Reporting to the Head Gardener, you will assist with the overall management of the Gardening team. You will support the team with hands‑on gardening duties as well as managing the day to day gardening tasks. You will also work alongside the Garden Advisor to assist with project work.
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
* To assist with the general gardening duties (strimming, mowing, hedge cutting,
weeding, planting, pruning and maintaining plant health)
* To assist the Head Gardener with managing the day to day running of the team
(including volunteers).
* Complete a weekly garden staff meeting to organise and allocate work within the
team for that week, to feed back from other meetings (Senior Managers Forum, front
of house, etc.) and to give staff a chance to feedback on any suggestions or ideas
they have.
* Complete a weekly garden walk around to assess and distribute any pressing work
* Develop and ensure delivery of a short and long term propagation, planting and
general maintenance work programme.
* To liaise with and respond to other teams across Glyndebourne, with any adhoc
requests.
* To support the Gardening team with any additional training
* To complete tours of the garden for small groups of staff or audience members
* To attend the Health and Safety meetings as directed by the Head Gardener and to
deputise for him when necessary at other interdepartmental meetings and with
outside agencies
* To make sure the gardening team works within the current health and safety risk
assessment
* To complete the cleaning and maintenance of garden machinery and equipment
* Perform other reasonable job-related or ad‑hoc duties as assigned by the Head
Gardener
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Essential
* Experience undertaking general gardening duties including strimming, mowing, hedge cutting, weeding, planting, pruning and maintaining plant health.
* Good knowledge of plants and propagation
* Previous experience driving a compact tractor and ride on mower
* Strong organisational and record-keeping skills.
* An interest in plants and a good eye for detail
* Full driving license
Desirable
* Knowledge of machinery maintenance
* Previous experience of using a cherry picker
* Knowledge of IT
Salary: £32,000 per annum plus excellent company benefits
To find out more information and to apply, please visit our website.
The closing date for applications is Sunday 19 April 2026.
Equal Opportunities
As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for our vacancies. If relevant to you, please inform us of this in your covering letter. If you have any questions in relation to this, contact a member of the HR team at recruitment@glyndebourne.com.
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