At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the regeneration of historic gardens and manage a small team on an eco-friendly estate.
- Company: Rotherfield Farms LLP, a progressive estate focused on sustainability and community.
- Benefits: Accommodation included, pension contributions, health checks, and access to beautiful woodlands.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to enhancing biodiversity and community well-being.
- Why this job: Shape a thriving ecosystem while inspiring young minds about nature and food production.
- Qualifications: Horticultural qualifications, project management skills, and a passion for engaging with others.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 € per year.
We are looking for an energetic and experienced Head Gardener to lead on and develop the regeneration of 12 acres of historic gardens attached to the main house, including a 1-acre walled kitchen garden on an ecologically ambitious rural Estate. Working to organic and low carbon principles, this role offers the opportunity to shape a living landscape that embraces a future rooted in soil health, biodiversity, and a thriving community and ecosystem.
The successful candidate will lead a small team and, collaborating with the Owner, Estate management team, garden designers and landscape architects, will have the opportunity to innovate, plan and execute garden improvement projects. Rotherfield is evolving in many ways which reflect our values to enhance the estate's natural and ecological assets, and support social and community aims and objectives.
Whilst the gardens have been continually maintained, we will be looking to the Head Gardener to develop a 15-year vision and management plan with a view to enhance soil health and biodiversity and reduce unnecessary maintenance and intervention that can be better engineered. An alternative provision school was set up on the estate last year, and we are keen to expand opportunities for students to learn in the gardens, understanding soil health, food production, and the rhythms of nature.
Background: Rotherfield is a progressive estate, taking the best of the old and the new to create a well-cared for, healthy and self-sufficient community, where employment is not solely dependent on agriculture or local economic conditions. We are on a mission to continuously improve our soils and, in the long run, all outputs (social/economic/environmental) from our regenerative farming system. We believe that the landscape in which the estate community sits should produce the optimal long-term yields of food and other crops, whilst still being home to a diverse range of wildlife and restorative space for the people that live and work in it.
There are over 40 people working at Rotherfield across different teams, including an alternative provision for school refusers, founded last year. A strong group of Team Leaders work together directly with the Owner on our long-term strategy to build ‘a thriving community for today and tomorrow' where every decision is made with H.E.A.R.T (Honesty, Empathy, All in, Readiness and Thoughtfulness) in mind.
Requirements:
- Horticultural qualifications
- Experience in horticulturally diverse gardens
- Good physical fitness
- Excellent plant identification
- Project management (plans, plants, people, budget)
- Strong communication
- People management
- A passion for what you do and the ability to engage others/young people
Benefits:
- Housed/service accommodation included on beautiful estate in South Downs
- Water & council tax paid
- Log contribution
- Generous employer pension contributions
- Employee Assistance Program (confidential counselling service)
- Annual health checks
- Designated woodland access for team use
- Great team!
For a position description please contact the Estate Office on 01420 588207. Applications close: COB Friday 30th January 2026. Interviews: Week commencing 9th February 2026.
Head Gardener employer: ROTHERFIELD FARMS LLP
Rotherfield Farms LLP is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for the Head Gardener to lead the regeneration of historic gardens within a progressive estate in the picturesque South Downs. With a strong commitment to ecological principles and community engagement, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises personal growth, innovative projects, and a healthy work-life balance, all while enjoying beautiful on-site accommodation and generous benefits.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Gardener
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the estate! Before your interview, take some time to research Rotherfield Farms and its values. Understanding their commitment to soil health and biodiversity will help you connect your experience with their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you’re chatting with the team, let your enthusiasm for gardening and community engagement shine through. Share stories about how you've inspired others or led projects that align with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your vision! Think about how you would approach developing a long-term management plan for the gardens. Be ready to share innovative ideas that reflect their eco-friendly principles and enhance biodiversity.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our site. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows your commitment to joining the Rotherfield community.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Gardener
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your love for gardening and the environment shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for soil health and biodiversity, so share any personal experiences or projects that reflect this passion!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in horticulture and project management. We’re looking for someone who can lead a team and innovate, so don’t forget to mention any leadership roles or successful projects you've been part of.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so use bullet points where possible and avoid jargon. This helps us quickly see how you fit the role of Head Gardener.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you 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 position. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at ROTHERFIELD FARMS LLP
✨Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant identification skills and be ready to discuss your favourite species. Rotherfield Farms is looking for someone with a strong horticultural background, so showcasing your knowledge will definitely impress them.
✨Show Your Vision
Prepare to talk about your ideas for the 15-year vision and management plan. Think about how you can enhance soil health and biodiversity while reducing maintenance. This shows that you're not just thinking short-term but are committed to the estate's long-term goals.
✨Team Leadership Skills
Since you'll be leading a small team, be ready to share examples of your people management experience. Discuss how you've engaged others in past projects, especially young people, as this aligns with their community-focused values.
✨Embrace Their Values
Familiarise yourself with Rotherfield's H.E.A.R.T principles: Honesty, Empathy, All in, Readiness, and Thoughtfulness. Be prepared to give examples of how you've embodied these values in your previous roles, as they are key to the estate's culture.
