Deputy Head Gardener in Lewes

Deputy Head Gardener in Lewes

Lewes Full-Time 32000 - 32000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
ECG Limited

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Assist in managing a beautiful 20-acre garden and lead hands-on gardening duties.
  • Company: Join Glyndebourne, a renowned arts venue with stunning gardens.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary of £32,000 plus excellent company benefits.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a vibrant garden while working in a creative environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in gardening tasks and a passion for plants are essential.
  • Other info: Great opportunity for career growth in a supportive team.

The predicted salary is between 32000 - 32000 £ per year.

We are currently recruiting for a Deputy Head Gardener to join our Gardening Team on a Full Time, Permanent contract. Working across 20 acres of herbaceous borders, a rose garden, exotic garden, vegetable and cut-flower garden, orchards, meadow and lakes. The gardens are maintained to the highest horticultural standards as a family garden, a workplace setting for Glyndebourne staff & company in Lewes East Sussex and as a welcoming space for audience members during the Glyndebourne Festival.

Reporting to the Head Gardener, you will assist with the overall management of the Gardening team. You will support the team with hands-on gardening duties as well as managing the day to day gardening tasks. You will also work alongside the Garden Advisor to assist with project work.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities
  • To assist with the general gardening duties (strimming, mowing, hedge cutting, weeding, planting, pruning and maintaining plant health).
  • To assist the Head Gardener with managing the day to day running of the team (including volunteers).
  • Complete a weekly garden staff meeting to organise and allocate work within the team for that week, to feed back from other meetings (Senior Managers Forum, front of house, etc.) and to give staff a chance to feedback on any suggestions or ideas they have.
  • Complete a weekly garden walk around to assess and distribute any pressing work.
  • Develop and ensure delivery of a short and long term propagation, planting and general maintenance work programme.
  • To liaise with and respond to other teams across Glyndebourne, with any ad-hoc requests.
  • To support the Gardening team with any additional training.
  • To complete tours of the garden for small groups of staff or audience members.
  • To attend the Health and Safety meetings as directed by the Head Gardener and to deputise for him when necessary at other interdepartmental meetings and with outside agencies.
  • To make sure the gardening team works within the current health and safety risk assessment.
  • To complete the cleaning and maintenance of garden machinery and equipment.
  • Perform other reasonable job-related or ad-hoc duties as assigned by the Head Gardener.
Knowledge, Skills and ExperienceEssential
  • Experience undertaking general gardening duties including strimming, mowing, hedge cutting, weeding, planting, pruning and maintaining plant health.
  • Good knowledge of plants and propagation.
  • Previous experience driving a compact tractor and ride on mower.
  • Strong organisational and record-keeping skills.
  • An interest in plants and a good eye for detail.
  • Full driving license.
Desirable
  • Knowledge of machinery maintenance.
  • Previous experience of using a cherry picker.
  • Knowledge of IT.

Salary: £32,000 per annum plus excellent company benefits.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 19 April 2026.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for our vacancies. If relevant to you, please inform us of this in your covering letter. If you have any questions in relation to this, contact a member of the HR team at recruitment@glyndebourne.com.

Deputy Head Gardener in Lewes employer: ECG Limited

Glyndebourne offers a unique and enriching work environment for the Deputy Head Gardener role, set within 20 acres of beautifully maintained gardens in Lewes, East Sussex. Our commitment to horticultural excellence is matched by a supportive work culture that values employee growth, providing opportunities for training and collaboration with passionate colleagues. With competitive benefits and a focus on community engagement during the Glyndebourne Festival, we invite you to be part of a team that nurtures both plants and people.
ECG Limited

Contact Detail:

ECG Limited Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Deputy Head Gardener in Lewes

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Glyndebourne and its gardening team. Understanding their values and projects will help you connect with them during your chat.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Bring examples of your previous gardening work or even photos of your favourite projects. This will give the team a clear idea of what you can bring to the table.

✨Tip Number 3

Ask questions! When you're in the interview, don’t hesitate to ask about the day-to-day tasks or upcoming projects. It shows your interest and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and the team there.

We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head Gardener in Lewes

General Gardening Duties
Strimming
Mowing
Hedge Cutting
Weeding
Planting
Pruning
Maintaining Plant Health
Knowledge of Plants and Propagation
Driving Compact Tractor
Driving Ride-on Mower
Organisational Skills
Record-Keeping Skills
Attention to Detail
Machinery Maintenance

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 skills in maintaining gardens and working with plants. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!

Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to match the job description. Highlight relevant experience like strimming, mowing, and plant health management. This helps us see how you fit into our team!

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to your skills and experiences!

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’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at ECG Limited

✨Know Your Plants

Brush up on your plant knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific plants, their care, and any propagation techniques you’ve used. This shows your passion for gardening and that you’re well-prepared for the role.

✨Showcase Your Experience

Prepare examples from your past gardening roles where you’ve successfully managed tasks like pruning, weeding, or using machinery. Highlighting your hands-on experience will demonstrate your capability to assist the Head Gardener effectively.

✨Teamwork is Key

Since this role involves managing a team, think of instances where you’ve worked collaboratively. Be ready to share how you’ve organised work, communicated with team members, or supported volunteers in previous positions.

✨Health and Safety Awareness

Familiarise yourself with health and safety practices in gardening. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure safety while working with equipment and during team activities. This will show that you take responsibility seriously.

Deputy Head Gardener in Lewes
ECG Limited
Location: Lewes

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