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- Tasks: Lead daily garden maintenance, manage schedules, and deliver top-notch customer service.
- Company: Join a small, reputable garden service company in London and Kent.
- Benefits: Enjoy a fully equipped van, flexible hours, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Opportunities for full and part-time roles available across the Horticultural sector.
- Why this job: Be part of a growing company where your skills are valued and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: 3+ years of garden maintenance experience, UK driving license, and horticultural knowledge required.
Lead Gardener – London & Kent Full-Time | Permanent Opportunity We are working with a well-established and highly regarded garden maintenance company operating across London and Kent, delivering exceptional standards in garden care, irrigation, and soft landscaping to private residential clients. Due to continued growth, our clients are seeking experienced Lead Gardeners to join their team. This is a client-facing, hands-on role suited to a knowledgeable horticulturist who takes pride in their work and enjoys delivering outstanding garden maintenance services. You will be responsible for managing a schedule of pre-booked maintenance visits, working efficiently to maintain high standards while providing an excellent level of customer service. A fully equipped company van will be provided, and you will typically work alongside an assistant, with occasional independent working. Key Responsibilities * Maintain client gardens to an exceptional standard year-round * Carry out all aspects of garden maintenance, including: * Lawn care (mowing, feeding, moss control) * Plant, shrub, and tree care (pruning, pest and disease management) * Hedge cutting and shaping * Weed control, mulching, and planting * Install and maintain seasonal bedding displays * Clean and treat hard landscaping (paving, decking, pressure washing, sealing, oiling) * Operate and maintain irrigation systems * Safely use and maintain a full range of horticultural tools and machinery * Manage and maintain your company vehicle and equipment * Communicate directly with clients in a professional and friendly manner * Accurately complete timesheets, expenses, and process client payments * Handle client keys and security details responsibly * Dispose of green waste in line with local regulations * Carry out seasonal and ad hoc tasks as required Requirements * Minimum 3 years’ experience in a professional garden maintenance role * Strong horticultural knowledge (qualification preferred) * Full, clean UK driving licence (essential) * Excellent client-facing and communication skills * High attention to detail and ability to work to premium standards * PA1/PA6 spraying certificates (desirable) * First Aid training (advantageous) * Reliable, well-presented, and self-motivated * References required What’s on Offer * Opportunity to join a reputable and growing horticultural company * Work on high-quality private residential gardens * Fully equipped company van provided * Supportive team environment with long-term prospects We also have a wide range of opportunities across the horticultural sector. To find out more, please visit freshhortcareers
Lead Gardener employer: Fresh Horticultural Careers
Contact Detail:
Fresh Horticultural Careers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Gardener
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to showcase your hands-on experience in garden maintenance during any conversations or interviews. Highlight specific tasks you've successfully completed, such as lawn care or plant care, to demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the company’s values and services. When you engage with them, mention how your skills align with their mission and how you can contribute to their growth in the London and Kent areas.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your customer service skills. Since this role involves direct communication with clients, think of examples where you've provided excellent service or resolved issues effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
If you have any relevant certifications, such as your Pa1 Pa6 Pesticide Training certificate, be ready to talk about them. This will show your commitment to professional development and safety in horticulture.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Gardener
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant gardening experience, especially any roles where you've managed teams or provided exceptional customer service. Include specific examples of your skills in lawn care, plant maintenance, and client communication.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for gardening and your ability to work as part of a team. Mention your horticultural qualifications and any relevant certifications, such as the Pa1 Pa6 Pesticide Training certificate.
Showcase Your Experience: In your application, emphasise your hands-on experience in garden maintenance and any specific tasks you excel at, like hedge trimming or operating irrigation systems. Use bullet points for clarity and impact.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Fresh Horticultural Careers
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous gardening roles in detail. Highlight specific tasks you've managed, such as lawn care or plant maintenance, and how you ensured high standards in your work.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Since the role involves liaising with clients, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated with clients in the past, especially in resolving any issues.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
As a Lead Gardener, you'll often work with an assistant. Be ready to talk about your experience working in teams, how you motivate others, and how you handle situations when working alone.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions related to horticultural knowledge and practical skills. Brush up on topics like pest control, irrigation systems, and seasonal gardening tasks to demonstrate your expertise.