We are looking for an experienced Head Gardener to lead the design, development and maintenance of the grounds at our beautiful new retirement village, The Willowbury, West Malling. You will be creating sustainable, wildlife-friendly landscapes that bring year-round interest to residents and visitors.
As Head Gardener, you will be the creative and operational lead for all groundskeeping activity. You will design long-term landscape plans, uphold high horticultural standards, drive sustainable practices, and ensure our outdoor spaces remain safe, beautiful, and biodiverse.
You will work closely with residents, village teams, and external contractors, inspiring excellence and ensuring the gardening and grounds service delivers both a high-quality resident experience and strong operational performance.
This is a full time role working any 5 days out of 7.
Key Responsibilities
Driving excellence in groundskeeping
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Develop long-term landscape design concepts that enhance biodiversity and align with RVG sustainability goals.
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Lead planning processes with residents to ensure their voices are central to village design.
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Produce and deliver annual maintenance plans for grounds, woodlands, grassed areas, beds, paths, boundaries and outdoor structures.
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Oversee regular grounds inspections, ensuring all structures and trees are safe and well maintained.
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Support budget preparation and monitor grounds expenditure throughout the year.
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Use resident feedback to shape and improve chargeable garden services.
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Work collaboratively with colleagues and contractors, ensuring professional standards, safe working practices, and budget adherence.
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Support new initiatives, forecast resource needs, and evaluate impact and performance.
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Continuously improve groundskeeping processes and operating procedures.
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Manage plant production through the potting shed and seasonal displays, including fresh-cut flowers for public areas.
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Maintain the kitchen garden, supplying chefs with seasonal produce that supports sustainable menu planning.
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Ensure all grounds staff understand the overall plan and are trained and competent in equipment, chemical use and COSHH guidelines.
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Handle resident enquiries and complaints professionally, using feedback to improve services.
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Contribute to a welcoming, community-focused environment where residents feel engaged and valued.
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Take part in duty management shifts as required.
Supervision & leadership
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Plan rotas, allocate work, and ensure adequate cover within budget.
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Set and maintain high standards, with clear team targets aligned to village goals.
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Hold staff accountable for performance, providing coaching and corrective action as required.
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Maintain your own professional development and stay informed of emerging best practice and competitor approaches.
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Ensure a safe, healthy working environment and compliance with all relevant regulations.
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Evaluate team skills and support development through RVG’s formal frameworks.
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Build an inclusive team culture where everyone feels valued and able to thrive.
Skills & Attributes
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Strong planning, prioritisation and organisational skills.
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Ability to build effective partnerships and collaborate across teams.
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Consistent delivery of results, even under pressure.
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A continuous improvement mindset with strong process knowledge.
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Ability to deploy resources efficiently.
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Excellent resident and customer service skills.
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Clear, tailored communication skills.
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Ability to interpret financial information and make sound business decisions.
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Commercial awareness aligned to RVG objectives.
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Effective stakeholder management.
Specialist horticultural skills
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NVQ2 in Amenity Horticulture
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PA1 & PA6 Spraying Certificates
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RHS General Certificate in Horticulture
Experience & Requirements
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3 - 6 years’ experience as a fully competent grounds person.
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2 - 3 years’ experience as a Head Gardener or equivalent leadership role.
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Strong physical stamina and willingness to work outdoors year-round.
