Head Gardener – Live In – Vacancy

An exciting opportunity for an experienced hands-on Head Gardener to take the helm of the historic gardens at Titsey Place. Set around a beautiful Listed Manor House near Oxted, the 15-acre gardens — including a Victorian walled garden, lakes, terraces and woodland — are central to the visitor experience and present a rewarding opportunity to shape their future

Titsey Place is seeking a hands-on and experienced Head Gardener to lead the continued care, restoration and development of its historic gardens to an exceptional standard, for the enjoyment of visitors and the resident family.

Titsey Place is a Listed Manor House set within a large rural estate near Oxted, Surrey. The 15 acres of historic gardens include a Victorian walled garden, rose garden, formal gardens, lakes, orchards, terraces and woodland. Open to the public during the summer months, the gardens are a key visitor attraction.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and manage the gardening team (equivalent of three full-time staff) and volunteers
• Oversee year-round maintenance of all garden areas
• Develop seasonal planting schemes and enhance visitor impact
• Support garden restoration and conservation projects
• Manage glasshouses, plant health, soil care, pruning, propagation and irrigation
• Manage the Victorian kitchen garden, including production of annual flowers, fruits, herbs and vegetables
• Maintain tools, machinery and equipment
• Work collaboratively with estate colleagues on events and visitor engagement
• Engage with visitors through garden tours, visitor initiatives and by providing updates for social media
• Ensure health and safety procedures are up to date for staff, volunteers and visitors

About You

Essential

• Proven experience in a senior horticultural role (Assistant or Head Gardener level)
• Strong plant knowledge and seasonal awareness
• Organised, flexible and able to adapt to changing priorities
• Passion for garden restoration, creativity and visitor experience
• RHS Level 2 qualification or equivalent
• Enjoys public engagement and conducting garden tours
• Physically fit and confident working at height (ladders)
• Full UK driving licence
• Basic IT skills and financial management skills, including the ability to work within an agreed budget
• First Aid at Work certificate or willingness to obtain

Desirable

• Chainsaw certification
• RHS Level 3 or higher qualification
• Experience with basic hard landscaping
• Contractor and tradespeople management
• Experience in historic and/or public gardens
• Garden design knowledge

Salary, Hours & Accommodation

• Salary commensurate with experience – up to £45k DOE
• Attractive live-in estate cottage provided
• Full-time role: 8am–5pm, Monday to Friday. One weekend worked per month

Website – https://www.titsey.org/

Please provide your CV and a covering letter to the Managing Agent: Rachel Patch.

This private advert is being managed directly by the employer. English Country Gardeners are not involved in the hiring process and are therefore unable to share any additional information on this role. If you have any questions regarding this position, the best course of action is to apply for the job which will open a line of communication with the employer.

If you would like to view more information on the Professional Gardeners Guild, please click here and the Royal Horticultural Society, please click here

For more gardener roles please click here

Tagged as: full time, head gardener, Live In, Private Advert, Surrey