Head Gardener in Chester

Join to apply for the Head Gardener role at Chester Racecourse

Job Overview

Chester Race Company are delighted to offer an excellent opportunity for a dedicated professional to join our Maintenance team as a Head Gardener. This is a permanent position that will play a pivotal role in delivering the horticultural vision, maintenance, and development of all landscaped and green areas across Chester Racecourse and associated sites.

Reporting to the Maintenance Manager, the successful candidate will bring proven horticultural expertise, exceptional attention to detail, strong organisational ability, and a work ethic that reflects pride in maintaining the highest standards of presentation. This position is vital in providing an exceptional backdrop enhancing our visitor experience, supporting major race days, corporate events and functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Horticultural Management
  Oversee the planning, planting, cultivation, and maintenance of all ornamental gardens, hedges, flower beds, trees, and natural areas.
• Develop and implement seasonal planting schemes and long‑term landscaping plans aligned with the raceway’s brand and visitor experience.
• Ensure all green spaces are presented impeccably for race days, hospitality events and media coverage.
• Operational Management
  Conduct routine inspections to identify maintenance needs, plant health issues, pests and diseases.
• Manage greenhouse, nursery or storage areas where applicable.
• Oversee the use, care and servicing of horticultural machinery and tools.
• Ensure all work complies with Health & Safety, environmental and COSHH regulations.
• Budgeting & Procurement
  Manage horticultural budgets, including plants, materials, equipment and external contractors.
• Source high‑quality plants and supplies, building strong relationships with nurseries, suppliers and contractors.
• Maintain accurate stock levels and ensure cost‑effective purchasing.
• Event Support
  Coordinate ground preparation and presentation for major race days and non‑race events.
• Work collaboratively with maintenance, grounds and events teams to ensure seamless delivery.

Essential Requirements

• Proven professional experience in horticulture, grounds management or estate gardening at a senior level.
• Strong horticultural knowledge, including plant husbandry, soil management and turf care.
• Competence with gardening machinery and tools.
• RHS Level 2 or equivalent.
• Full Clean UK Driving Licence.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience working in a large public venue, sporting environment or heritage landscape.
• Knowledge of irrigation systems and landscape design.
• PA1/PA6 pesticide application certification.
• First Aid certification.

Skills and Attributes

• Driven – takes pride in delivering consistently high standards.
• Proactive – anticipates issues and takes initiative.
• Detail‑oriented – maintains all landscaped areas to a premium standard.
• Highly organised – able to plan and prioritise during busy race periods.
• Forward‑thinking – brings creative ideas and impactful displays.
• Adaptable – comfortable using new technologies and digital tools.

About Chester Race Company

Chester Race Company Ltd is one of the North West’s best‑known and most‑admired brands. It is an evolving organisation with a broad portfolio but retaining horseracing at its core. The Company operates three racecourses – Chester, Bangor‑on‑Dee and Musselburgh in Scotland. At Chester, we also own and operate a hotel, a vibrant pub and have other property interests in the city, not to mention our in‑house caterers, Horseradish and our staffing brand – Thyme People. With that much diversity in our business, no two days are the same.

Benefits

• Enhanced employer pension contribution (7%)
• Medical cash plan (Medicash individual)
• Opt‑in to our Private Medical Insurance scheme, currently via Aviva
• 31 days holiday per year, inclusive of bank holidays (increasing with length of service)
• Free onsite city centre parking
• Free chef‑prepared lunch daily
• Local restaurant and gym discounts
• Free tickets for selected race days across the group
• Access to a wellbeing app
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and sickness policies
• Continuous professional development

Salary

£34,000 per annum

Hours of Work

37.5 hours per week, standard working hours are 08:00 – 16:30. Evening and weekend work is expected in line with business needs with the ability to work occasional irregular hours during race events and busy periods. This is with a flexible working system that allows time to be accrued and booked.

Location

This role is based at Chester Racecourse and Bangor on Dee Racecourse. A reliable commute to both racecourses is essential.

Application

If you feel like this is the perfect fit for you, please apply with your CV attached today. All applications will be collated and assessed upon the closing date by the recruitment team and the hiring manager for the role.

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Chester Racecourse by 2x