Location
Bicester, Oxfordshire

Hours
Full Time - Monday to Friday, 7:30am – 4:30pm (40 hours per week)

Salary
£32,000 - £36,000 per year

About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and knowledgeable Head Gardener to manage and maintain large, established private and commercial gardens to the highest horticultural standards. This role combines hands-on horticultural work with team leadership, client liaison, and seasonal planning. You will be responsible for delivering excellent garden care, leading and developing team members where required, and ensuring all work reflects Nicholsons’ quality, professionalism, and environmental values.

Key responsibilities include:
- Independently managing large and complex gardens, delivering high-quality horticultural maintenance
- Leading, supervising, and supporting a team of gardeners to ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and to company standards
- Planning and coordinating seasonal work programmes in collaboration with the Head of Garden Management
- Communicating professionally with clients, providing expert advice and maintaining strong working relationships
- Promoting sustainable horticultural practices, supporting biodiversity, biosecurity, and ecological management

At Nicholsons, our commitment to delivering positive environmental change is woven into every aspect of our work, embodying our values of dedication, creativity, and passion for the planet.

Experience
- Extensive horticultural experience, including managing large or complex gardens
- Experience leading and mentoring others
- Commercial understanding of horticultural operations

About you
- Organised, efficient and able to work independently
- Confident working directly with clients
- Holds a full, clean UK driving licence and is confident using trailers

Qualifications
- Strong plant knowledge supported by a horticultural qualification
- Desirable: Relevant RHS qualification (e.g. RHS Level 2/3 or equivalent)
- Desirable: Horticultural specialism
- Desirable: Experience in high-end private estates or commercial gardens
- Desirable: Relevant certifications such as PA1/PA6, chainsaw etc.