Senior Horticulturist

• Clients receive outstanding service and proactively engage in additional services

Senior Horticulturist

Full-time | Monday–Friday
£32,000 – £36,000 per annum 
Location: South East London
Full, clean UK driving licence required

About Botanically

Botanically is a South East London–based gardening company specialising in eco-friendly, sustainable garden maintenance and planting. We are committed to reducing environmental impact through the exclusive use of hand and electric tools, fully electric vans, and organic, non-toxic gardening methods. Physical pest and weed control is favoured, and sustainable materials are used wherever possible.

Founded by RHS-trained horticulturist Ryan, Botanically combines high-level horticultural expertise with modern, environmentally responsible practices. Our services include garden maintenance and planting design and installation.

We are a growing, close-knit team of knowledgeable, professional gardeners who care deeply about gardens, people, and the environment.

The Role

The Senior Horticulturist plays a key leadership role within Botanically, taking full ownership of a portfolio of complex gardens and contributing to the development of both the maintenance service and the wider business.

This is a senior, hands-on role combining advanced horticulture, client relationship management, design input, mentoring, and project oversight — while championing sustainable gardening practices throughout.

Key Responsibilities

Garden & Horticultural Leadership

• Full responsibility for the maintenance, development, and long-term improvement of allocated gardens

• Deliver high-quality, eco-friendly garden maintenance with year-round interest

• Design and implement small planting schemes

• Create, plan, and supervise seasonal planting, including bulbs and seasonal bedding, with sustainability at the forefront

• Specify and install standard irrigation systems

• Specify and install standard garden wiring systems

• Implement new and existing sustainable gardening practices

Client & Design Communication

• Build strong, trusted relationships with clients

• Clearly articulate design ideas, planting concepts, and horticultural decisions to clients and senior management

• Liaise with clients, contractors, and suppliers as required

• Identify opportunities to upsell additional services and seasonal offers

Project, Budget & Resource Management

• Monitor and manage budgets and resources for gardening projects

• Ensure projects are delivered efficiently, safely, and to Botanically's standards

• Ensure compliance with health & safety regulations at all times

Leadership & Team Development

• Line management and mentoring of junior staff and assistants

• Propose relevant training courses for yourself and junior team members

• Support the optimisation, development, and potential growth of the maintenance team

• Promote and role-model Botanically's values through professionalism, presentation, and communication

Operational Responsibilities

• Collection and delivery of plants and materials

• Responsibility for a Botanically electric van (charging, cleanliness, and care)

• Responsibility for tools and equipment stored in the van and lock-up

What Success Looks Like

• You take full ownership of your gardens and are seen by clients as a trusted horticultural expert

• Gardens under your care thrive, improve year on year, and reflect Botanically's sustainability values

• Clients receive outstanding service and proactively engage in additional services

• Junior staff feel supported, developed, and well-trained

• Projects are well planned, cost-aware, safe, and professionally delivered

Requirements & Experience

• Minimum 2–3 years' professional gardening/horticulture experience

• Strong plant identification and practical horticultural knowledge

• Proven leadership or mentoring experience

• Ability to manage gardens independently and proactively

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Full, clean UK driving licence

• Level 2 Diploma in Horticulture preferred (or equivalent experience)

Salary & Benefits

• £32,000 – £36,000 per annum (DOE)

• 25 days holiday per year + bank holidays

• Vitality private healthcare

• Bupa Wellbeing cash plan

• Employer pension contribution: 4% (minimum employee contribution 4%)

• Fully electric company van (kept with the horticulturist)

• 3-month probationary period

• Start date: ASAP

Career Progression

Botanically has clear ambitions to grow both the maintenance and design sides of the business. As the company evolves, this role is expected to progress into a Maintenance Manager position, with full responsibility for maintenance teams and strategy.

If this role sounds like the perfect fit for you, we'd love to hear from you