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- Tasks: Lead and manage the stunning gardens at Arundel Castle, ensuring a top-notch visitor experience.
- Company: Join the historic Arundel Castle team, steeped in rich heritage and beauty.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, a three-bedroom house on-site, and a chance to work in beautiful gardens.
- Other info: Work with a dedicated team in a dynamic environment with a focus on sustainability.
- Why this job: Be part of a legendary site and make a real impact on its breathtaking gardens.
- Qualifications: Proven horticultural expertise and leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 ÂŁ per year.
Employer: Arundel Castle Trustees Limited
Location: Arundel Castle, Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 9AB
Salary: Competitive salary based on experience
Hours: Full Time
Place Of Work: Onsite
Closing date: Friday 14th May 2026
About the role
Arundel Castle is a restored medieval castle located in Arundel, West Sussex, England. The gardens and landscape (some 38 acres) have been extensively remodelled and enhanced in recent decades, forming an important part of the visitor experience each year between April and October when the Castle is open, starting each season with the famous Tulip Festival.
The Head Gardener Martin Duncan retires this summer, and we seek a successor who will lead a core team of eight including a Deputy, plus junior and seasonal gardeners and volunteers. Reporting to the Castle Manager, there is also regular dialogue with Their Graces the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk and the Castle Trustees.
Key Responsibilities
- To lead all garden operations including all seasonal planting and long-term planning, design, maintenance and landscape maintenance to a consistently high horticultural standard at all times.
- To ensure that the gardens deliver the best possible visitor experience by season.
- To lead and manage the entire gardens team.
- To liaise with the wider Castle teams and to manage external contractors.
- To submit regular reports to the Arundel Castle Trustees.
- To be an ambassador for the gardens, including hosting walks and talks.
- Lead all plant procurement, propagation, and sustainable garden practices to exemplary standards.
- To comply with H&S and environmental regulations.
Qualifications & Experience
- First-hand knowledge of managing a garden of this complexity and scale including excellent plant knowledge.
- A hands-on leader, leading “by example” and capable of setting the culture for the gardens.
- Naturally energetic, action orientated with a “can do” attitude.
- A proven eye for detail.
- The ability quickly to grasp the dynamics of the gardens and wider grounds and to prioritise and deliver current and future opportunities.
- Proven and tested horticultural expertise and appropriate qualifications.
- Team manager and motivator.
- A proven ability to work in a cooperative manner.
- Confident in their own ability.
- Able to manage both operational and project budgets.
- Familiarity with and ability to operate all types of garden machinery and equipment.
- An ability to communicate positively and effectively with various audiences and stakeholders.
- Proven project management skills.
- Appropriate IT literacy (including basic Microsoft Office functions).
What We Offer
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- A three-bedroom house within the Castle grounds.
- Opportunity to lead and work within one of the country’s greatest gardens.
How to apply: All enquiries and applications (CV and covering letter) should be directed to Tim Bowie at Loddon Consulting LLP. Email tim@loddonconsulting.co.uk Telephone 07920 516292
Head Gardener (resident/house provided) in Arundel employer: Arundel Castle
Contact Detail:
Arundel Castle Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Gardener (resident/house provided) in Arundel
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the castle and its gardens inside out! Before your interview, take a stroll around Arundel Castle and really soak in the atmosphere. This will help you speak passionately about how you can enhance the visitor experience.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members if you can. They might share insights about the team culture or what the Trustees are really looking for in a Head Gardener.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you’ve motivated others and tackled challenges head-on.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Arundel Castle.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Gardener (resident/house provided) in Arundel
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Gardening: When writing your application, let your love for gardening shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your horticultural expertise and how you've managed gardens in the past. We want to see your enthusiasm for creating beautiful spaces.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to match the job description. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the responsibilities of the Head Gardener role. This shows us you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on being part of the Arundel Castle team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arundel Castle
✨Know Your Gardens
Before the interview, dive deep into the gardens at Arundel Castle. Familiarise yourself with the different areas, like the Earl’s Garden and the Tropical Garden. Being able to discuss specific plants or design elements will show your genuine interest and expertise.
✨Show Your Leadership Style
As a Head Gardener, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Think about times when you motivated others or resolved conflicts. This will demonstrate your ability to lead by example and foster a positive culture.
✨Discuss Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is key in modern gardening. Be ready to talk about your experience with sustainable practices, plant procurement, and maintenance schedules. Highlight any innovative ideas you have for enhancing the gardens while being environmentally conscious.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the gardens' future plans or how they envision the role evolving. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but also in contributing to the castle's legacy.