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- Tasks: Lead a passionate team in maintaining and enhancing stunning gardens at Arundel Castle.
- Company: Historic Arundel Castle, a Grade I-listed building with beautiful gardens.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, onsite housing, and the chance to work in a unique environment.
- Other info: Join a dedicated team and enjoy a vibrant working atmosphere.
- Why this job: Be part of a historic site and create memorable experiences for visitors.
- Qualifications: Proven horticultural expertise and strong team management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 ÂŁ per year.
Arundel Castle is a restored medieval castle located in Arundel, West Sussex, England. The castle has been the seat of the Earls of Arundel and the Dukes of Norfolk since the 11th century and is a Grade I‑listed building. 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. The team are settled, committed and hard working.
- 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 (including Estate Forestry Team) 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 including managing garden maintenance schedules, machinery and tools.
- To comply with H&S and environmental regulations (including actively participating as a member of the H&S Committee).
Qualifications & Experience
- First‑hand knowledge of managing a garden of this complexity and scale including excellent plant knowledge.
- Naturally energetic, action orientated with a “can do” attitude.
- The ability to quickly 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 including an ability to provide indicative cost estimates.
- Familiarity with and ability to operate all types of garden machinery and equipment and be able to instruct others on its safe use, maintenance and care.
- An ability to communicate positively and effectively with the various audiences and stakeholders relevant to the gardens and wider grounds.
- 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.
Further information and applications:
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 7th May 2026
Head Gardener in Arundel employer: Professional Gardeners Guild
Contact Detail:
Professional Gardeners Guild Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Gardener in Arundel
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the castle and its gardens inside out! Spend some time visiting Arundel Castle, soaking in the atmosphere, and understanding what makes its gardens special. This will help you connect with the role and show your genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Arundel Castle or similar venues. They can provide insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you. Plus, it’s a great way to learn about the team dynamics and expectations.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your previous gardening projects, especially those that demonstrate your leadership and horticultural expertise. Bring it along to interviews to visually impress the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Gardener 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 Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the Head Gardener role at Arundel Castle. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description. We appreciate when candidates take the time to connect their background with what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant. We value clarity, so make it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our team!
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 helps us keep everything organised. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Professional Gardeners Guild
✨Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific plants that thrive in the gardens at Arundel Castle and how you would manage their care throughout the seasons.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a gardening team in the past. Highlight your ability to motivate others and manage a diverse group, as this role requires strong team management.
✨Understand the Visitor Experience
Familiarise yourself with the visitor experience at Arundel Castle. Think about how you can enhance it through garden design and maintenance, and be ready to share your ideas during the interview.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions about garden operations, budgeting, and health and safety regulations. Prepare to discuss your experience with garden machinery and how you ensure safe practices among your team.