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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, complimentary meals, and generous pension plans.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on garden sustainability and member experiences.
- Qualifications: Horticulture qualifications and excellent interpersonal skills required.
- 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. We love seeing candidates who genuinely connect with what we stand for!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare some questions about the gardens and the team. This shows us you're not just interested in the role but also in how you can contribute to our vision. Plus, it gives you a chance to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for horticulture!
✨Tip Number 3
Bring along examples of your previous work or projects. Whether it's photos of gardens you've managed or innovative ideas you've implemented, showing us your hands-on experience can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at the Royal Automobile Club!
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 enthusiasm for horticulture. We want to see how you can inspire our team and contribute to the garden's future.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to match the job description. Highlight relevant qualifications and experiences that align with the Deputy Head Gardener role. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in joining our team.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the position.
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 gives you a chance to explore more about our club and what we stand for.
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 vision. 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 their current projects, team dynamics, or future plans for the gardens. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
