Senior Gardener

Senior Gardener

Full-Time 27708 - 27708 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
The Belfry

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Assist in maintaining stunning golf courses and oversee daily operations with a passionate team.
  • Company: The Belfry, a top-rated resort known for its exceptional work culture and community impact.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, mental health support, training opportunities, and generous discounts.
  • Other info: Enjoy career growth, sustainability initiatives, and a vibrant workplace culture.
  • Why this job: Join a supportive team and make a real difference in a beautiful environment.
  • Qualifications: NVQ level 2 or equivalent, supervisory experience, and knowledge of chemical biology.

The predicted salary is between 27708 - 27708 £ per year.

The Belfry has undergone a major expansion and renovation with an investment of over £80 million, marking an exciting chapter in our history. The resort has been transformed with the addition of The Masters Suite, a stunning new event space, a state-of-the-art leisure club plus a host of other enhancements that elevate the Belfry experience like never before. We believe in taking care of our team just as much as we do our guests. That's why we were named in the 2026 Caterer’s Top 30 Best Places to Work and the Sunday Times Top 10 Places to Work 2026.

GREENKEEPING

The Greenkeeping team ensures the world class maintenance of our golf courses and estate, meeting the high expectations of our golfers. The Gardening team meticulously tends to the resort's landscape, creating beautiful surroundings. Mechanics specialise in maintaining our machinery, vital for our world-class courses. With a rich history hosting prestigious events like the Ryder Cup and British Masters, The Belfry is committed to providing an exceptional golfing experience. The annual salary for this role is £27,708.00, plus service charges.

About the role

This role is a senior (level 3) position within our Greenkeeping team and will involve assisting the Deputy Head Greenkeeper in overseeing the daily maintenance of the golf courses i.e. course set up, current work programmes, supervise staff and spraying and fertilisation.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Assisting in the golf courses set-up each morning in line with golf course maintenance standards.
  • Application of fertilisers and chemicals to the golf course where necessary.
  • To undertake spot checks of the golf courses including; tees, fairways, rough, approaches, greens, pitch-marking and holes.
  • To ensure that golf course standards are adhered to by the teams.
  • Supervising the golf course maintenance teams.
  • To undertake the mowing of greens, fairways and tees.
  • Assist the planning each week: cutting schedules, bunker maintenance, hole changing, stock check, i.e. flagpoles, bins, ball washers and towels.
  • General course maintenance.
  • Assist the Head Greenkeeper in supervising any work programmes in place.
  • Carry out other duties that may be necessary from time to time.

About You

Our Greenkeeping team is a group of friendly and hardworking individuals with a passion for what they do and an ability to work individually and as a team. We are looking for someone who will fit in with the culture. In addition, you would need to have:

  • NVQ level 2 (or equivalent) qualifications
  • Relevant machinery training
  • Knowledge of IPM
  • Proven experience in a supervisory role
  • Chemical Biology and Fertiliser Knowledge

Belfry Benefits

Learning & Development

We invest in our people through hands-on coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of in-house training, supported by our online learning hub, The Belfry Campus. Apprenticeships across multiple roles offer nationally recognised qualifications, while our LEAD development programme supports career progression from entry level to senior leadership. We proudly promote from within wherever possible, with clear development pathways to help you reach your full potential.

Your wellbeing matters. In partnership with The Burnt Chef Project, we offer mental health support and funded counselling, alongside life assurance, 24/7 GP access, health cash plans, and menopause support. Wagestream helps you manage your earnings and savings, while our Cycle2Work scheme and discounted gym memberships encourage a healthy lifestyle.

Showing Our Appreciation

We recognise and reward our teams through the Belfry Awards, long service recognition, loyalty rewards, and additional holidays. Enjoy generous discounts across the resort for you, friends, and family, plus everyday savings through Perkbox. Free onsite parking and complimentary meals during shifts are also provided.

Making a Difference

Sustainability and community are at the heart of what we do. Set within 550 acres, we are proud holders of Earthcheck, Green Tourism, and GEO certifications. Our ESG led approach drives meaningful community impact and charitable fundraising, alongside our commitment to environmental stewardship.

Our Values

Working here means being part of a supportive, values driven community. Our Belfry Beliefs - Make a Difference, Own Our Actions, Better Together, and Deliver Every Day - guide how we work, support one another, and succeed together.

Senior Gardener employer: The Belfry

The Belfry in Sutton Coldfield is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises teamwork and professional growth. As a Deputy Head Greenkeeper, you will benefit from ongoing training, competitive salary, and unique perks like meal provisions and recognition rewards, all while working in a stunning environment that fosters both personal and career development.

The Belfry

Contact Details:

The Belfry Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Gardener

Get Hands-On at Local Events

Hit up local horticulture fairs, plant shows, and farmer’s markets. These gatherings are a goldmine for networking and usually attract employers looking for passionate candidates. Chat with the vendors and fellow enthusiasts; you never know who might know about a full-time opening at a place like The Belfry.

Join Gardening Clubs and Online Communities

Become part of local gardening clubs or online forums where like-minded folks share tips and job leads. These communities can often clue you in on upcoming vacancies. Remember, people in these groups often work in the industry and can help us get our foot in the door at places like The Belfry.

Show Off Your Green Thumb

Consider creating a public portfolio showcasing your gardening projects, designs, or any unique plants you've cultivated. A well-documented journey through your horticulture experiences can make you stand out when chasing full-time roles. It’s basically your way of shouting, 'Look at what I can do!' to potential employers.

Apply Early and Often!

The horticulture field can be competitive, especially for full-time roles. Keep an eye on seasonal hiring trends and don’t hesitate to apply as soon as positions open up. Check out our website regularly for openings at The Belfry; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Gardener

NVQ level 2 (or equivalent) qualifications
Relevant machinery training
Knowledge of IPM (Integrated Pest Management)
Proven experience in a supervisory role
Chemical Biology knowledge
Fertiliser Knowledge
Course maintenance skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Green Thumb:In horticulture, it's all about showcasing your hands-on experience. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant gardening, landscaping, or plant care roles you've held. Also, don’t forget to mention any specific skills like plant identification or pest management that make you a great fit for the position at The Belfry.

Include Certifications and Training:If you've got any horticulture-related certifications, such as in organic gardening or landscape design, be sure to include them. This will set you apart from other applicants and show that you’re committed to expanding your knowledge in the field, which is crucial for a full-time role like Senior Gardener.

Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what The Belfry is looking for. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on or challenges you've overcome in previous horticultural roles to demonstrate your suitability for the full-time position.

Be Ready to Talk Numbers:When applying for a full-time role in horticulture, it's helpful to quantify your achievements. Did you increase crop yields or reduce waste in a previous job? Highlight these metrics in your CV to give hiring managers at The Belfry a clear picture of your capabilities!

How to prepare for a job interview at The Belfry

Get to Know Your Plants

Brush up on your plant knowledge! Be prepared to discuss specific species, their growth requirements, and potential pests. Remember, the role involves practical horticultural skills – so don’t be shy about sharing your hands-on experience with various plants and gardening techniques.

Show Off Your Portfolio

If you've worked on garden designs, landscaping projects, or community gardens, bring along a portfolio showcasing your work. Visuals speak a thousand words, and this will help us see your creativity and practical skills in action. Plus, don’t forget to have a few stories about challenges you faced and how you overcame them!

Be Ready for a Plant Quiz

Prepare for some technical questions related to horticulture! We may ask you about soil types, plant propagation methods, or pest management strategies. This helps us assess your depth of knowledge and problem-solving skills – so don’t skip the revision!

Passion for Sustainability

Horticulture often revolves around sustainability practices, so be ready to discuss any experience you have with eco-friendly gardening methods or sustainable designs. This role at The Belfry might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.