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- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team of horticulturists in maintaining stunning gardens.
- Company: Join the prestigious Royal Automobile Club with beautiful clubhouses.
- Benefits: Enjoy paid overtime, annual bonuses, and complimentary meals.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on garden sustainability and excellence.
- Qualifications: Horticulture qualifications and experience with health and safety regulations.
- Other info: Immediate interview dates available; great career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
The Royal Automobile Club is an exclusive world‑class private members club, with two stunning clubhouses located in London and Epsom. Providing a first‑class service offering accommodation, dining, banqueting, sports and leisure facilities for the enjoyment of our members and their guests.
A rare and exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Deputy Head Gardener to join us at our Epsom clubhouse, to help lead and inspire a team of dedicated horticulturists, to deliver a clear and coherent vision for the garden’s future direction. The gardens and woodland feature herbaceous borders, lawns, shrubberies, protected woodland, a lake, extensive wildflower meadows and a newly planted arboretum.
Benefits of working at the Royal Automobile Club:
- 40‑hour week with paid overtime
- Annual bonus
- Complimentary meals provided
- Birthday day off
- European RAC cover
- Staff discount in Club shop
- Long Service Awards
- Interest free season ticket loan
- Staff uniform
- Generous pension
- ‘Simply Health’ plan with allowances towards health and dental care
- Employee discounts through ‘Perkbox’
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Twice yearly staff events
About the role:
The Deputy Head Gardener will support the Head Gardener in the day to day running of the Gardens team and to support with various administrative support tasks.
Responsibilities:
- Assist the Head Gardener with administration tasks such as plant ordering and planning.
- Support the development of the Gardeners within the Gardens Team.
- Manage the record keeping of all mandatory and relevant training to ensure continued compliance.
- Assist the Head Gardener with all project work.
- Work as part of a team that strives for excellence.
- Be responsible for the Gardens Department when the Head Gardener is not around.
- Assist with the weekend rota.
- Ensure planting schemes are maintained consistently to a high horticultural standard.
- Ensure full compliance with the clubhouse health and safety policy and ensure requirements are adhered to by all staff.
- Ensure equipment and vehicles are tested, licensed, and serviced.
- Encourage cross departmental collaboration.
- Assist with members’ Activity Groups, garden visits, enquiries and promote a high standard of customer service amongst the Gardening Team.
- Sustainability focused to help improve efficiency and reduce our environmental impact.
About you:
- In-depth awareness of health and safety regulations.
- Horticulture qualifications (diploma or equivalent).
- Pesticides spraying licence PA1 and PA6.
- Land based machinery licence (tractors).
- Basic tree inspection.
- Full driving licence.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Previous mentoring on horticultural equipment.
- Computer literacy including Microsoft Office.
- Operating experience in both ride‑on and hand‑held machinery.
Club Values:
- HERITAGE: Our rich motoring, social, sporting and architectural heritage runs through the fabric and the nature of the Club.
- EXCELLENCE: Excellence is not an achievement; it is something we strive for every day.
- ACCOUNTABILITY: Taking ownership of our work, meeting our own high standards, honouring our commitments and acting with professionalism.
- RESPECT: Showing consideration and understanding to our members and colleagues.
- TRUST: Acting with fairness, honesty and integrity.
- SUSTAINABILITY: Actively contribute to reducing our environmental impact, improving our operational efficiency and continuing to build our reputation.
Please visit our website for more information about our Club Vision and Values.
What to Expect:
All applications will be reviewed. Immediate interview dates available.
Deputy Head Gardener - Epsom, Surrey employer: Royal Automobile Club
Contact Detail:
Royal Automobile Club Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head Gardener - Epsom, Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the club's values and mission. When you walk into that interview, show us how your passion for horticulture aligns with our commitment to excellence and sustainability. It’s all about making that connection!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare some questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the team. Ask about ongoing projects or how the gardening team collaborates with other departments. This shows us you’re not just looking for a job, but a place where you can grow.
✨Tip Number 3
Bring examples of your past work or projects. Whether it’s photos of gardens you've managed or ideas for sustainable practices, showing us your hands-on experience can really set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your enthusiasm for the role can keep you fresh in our minds. Plus, it shows us you’re proactive and genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head Gardener - Epsom, Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Horticulture: When writing your application, let your love for gardening shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your skills and knowledge in horticulture, especially those that align with the role of Deputy Head Gardener.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and responsibilities mentioned in the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to our vision and uphold our club's standards of excellence.
Highlight Your Team Spirit: Since this role involves leading a team, emphasise your experience in mentoring and collaborating with others. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and support their colleagues, so share examples of teamwork in your past roles.
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 this exciting opportunity at the Royal Automobile Club.
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Automobile Club
✨Know Your Horticulture
Brush up on your horticultural knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific plants, gardening techniques, and sustainability practices that align with the club's values. This shows your passion and expertise in the field.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a Deputy Head Gardener, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully mentored or managed others in previous roles. Highlight your ability to inspire and develop a team, which is crucial for this position.
✨Understand the Club's Values
Familiarise yourself with the Royal Automobile Club's values: Heritage, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, Trust, and Sustainability. Be prepared to discuss how you embody these values in your work and how they can guide your contributions to the team.
✨Prepare Questions
Have thoughtful questions ready for your interviewers. Ask about the future direction of the gardens, ongoing projects, or how the team collaborates across departments. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and the club's mission.
