Job title: Lead Gardener
Job type: Permanent
Emp type: Full-time
Industry: Groundskeeping & Maintenance
Salary type: Annual
Salary: negotiable
Location: Epping, UK
Job published: 02-03-2026
Job ID: 45206

Job Description

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!