Careers

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Deputy Head Gardener

ROLE SUMMARY

We are a small, friendly and cohesive team who work hard to maintain and develop beautiful gardens across East Sussex and Kent borders. We are looking for an exceptional gardener to join our team to lead on quality, planning, and logistics across all our gardens. The right person will have in-depth experience of working on all aspects of horticulture, and a love of the art and craft of gardening. The job will be varied and often fast-paced, covering multiple sites across the week, where an appreciation for each customer's preferences and aesthetics will inform your approach.

There is plenty of room to utilise a wide range of gardening skills, from hedge-cutting to border design, propagation to plant IDs, soil improvements to complex pruning. As the leader in the gardens your role will include on the job training of team members and supporting them to give their best. Alongside three days of horticultural work there will be time set aside for helping to run the day-to-day operations of the business in tandem with the business owner and our accounts manager. Office tasks will include schedule planning, stock management, lead follow ups and help with quoting.

This is a varied role for someone who wants both the satisfaction of skilled, high-quality garden work and a genuine step into management and business operations.

WORKING PATTERN

Garden work: 21hrs per week - leading and carrying out high-end garden work

Admin & logistics: 4hrs per week - scheduling, client communication, stock ordering, logistics

Hours: 3.5 days a week (25 hours)

Location: Hastings, East Sussex and surrounding areas - own car essential

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Horticultural Garden Work (21hrs)

  • Lead client garden work, both independently and with the team members to set the standard for high quality and care

  • Carry out high-end ornamental horticulture: planting, pruning, border maintenance, seasonal displays

  • Diagnose plant health issues and recommend appropriate treatment

  • Propagation of plants, both on site and at our mini-nursery

  • Maintain the excellent standards our clients expect, with strong attention to detail and finish

  • Build strong, trusted relationships with clients during visits

  • Support and, where needed, guide other team members or contractors on-site

Admin & Logistics (4hrs)

  • Manage client bookings, diary and scheduling systems

  • Order plants, materials and equipment; manage supplier relationships

  • Assist with quotes and forward planning

  • Assist with tool and equipment maintenance and logistics

  • Feedback client and job information to the owner to support business decisions

REQUIREMENTS

Essential:

  • Full, clean UK driving licence

  • RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development, or equivalent qualification

  • Demonstrable experience and skill in ornamental horticulture

  • Strong customer service experience, comfortable representing the business directly with clients

  • Previous experience in a management, supervisory or team-lead role

  • Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage own workload

  • A genuine passion for high standards and quality of finish

Desirable:

  • Garden design or planting scheme experience

  • Experience with scheduling

WHAT WE OFFER

  • Work across a portfolio of beautiful, high-end private gardens, giving real input into how the gardens look and develop

  • Support to grow your skills in horticulture and management

  • Mileage allowance

  • Tools provided

Pay: £17.00 per hour | Expected hours: 25 per week | Work Location: In person

For further information please contact Rachel - gardens@ruttysark.com | 07309 298159