Head Gardener req nr Banbury, Oxfordshire, Up to £55k gpa, ASAP start

Head Gardener (Live-in or live-out role)

Near Banbury, North Oxfordshire

Salary: Up to £55k gpa depending on experience

Accommodation: A one-bedroom flat provided for live-in candidates.

An experienced Head Gardener is required to join a private family estate near Banbury, North Oxfordshire. This is an excellent opportunity for a passionate and highly skilled horticultural professional to take responsibility for the care, maintenance and continued development of a prestigious garden environment. Working closely with the Estate owners and leading a small garden team, you will ensure the highest standards of horticultural presentation while supporting sustainable and regenerative gardening practices.

The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of garden maintenance, including planting, pruning, border care, lawn and hedge maintenance, seasonal tasks, plant health, soil management and the ongoing development of planting schemes. You will use your extensive horticultural knowledge to maintain the gardens to an exceptional standard, while managing daily priorities, supporting the garden team and working proactively with the Estate owners and contractors. 

Key responsibilities include maintaining ornamental and productive garden areas, carrying out skilled pruning, managing hedges, lawns and garden features, supporting planting projects, maintaining tools and equipment, keeping accurate garden records and promoting environmentally sensitive gardening practices. 

The ideal candidate will be an accomplished gardener with a minimum of five years’ experience in a similar senior role within a private estate, historic garden or high-quality horticultural environment. You will have excellent plant knowledge, strong pruning and border maintenance skills, experience with productive gardening, confidence using horticultural machinery and the ability to lead and motivate a small team. 

A Level 3 horticultural qualification and full clean UK driving licence are required. Experience operating ride-on mowers and other estate machinery would be advantageous. 

This is a full-time, Monday to Friday role (8am – 4.30pm), with occasional flexibility required for early mornings and weekends to support the family and seasonal demands of the gardens.

Role to commence as soon as the right candidate is found.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Head Gardener to join a dedicated team and contribute to the continued care and development of an exceptional private garden.