Grounds Maintenance Team Leader

We are proud to be recruiting on behalf of a well-respected charity for a Grounds Maintenance Team Leader to join their team at the historic Chiswick House and Gardens. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced horticultural professional — or someone ready to step up into a leadership role — to oversee a small team delivering vital maintenance across one of London’s most beautiful public gardens.

The Role

In this position, you will be responsible for leading day-to-day grounds maintenance activities, ensuring that all work is delivered to a high standard and in line with the management plan provided by the site’s leadership.

You will manage:

One gardener and two trainees, with occasional support from additional trainees and volunteers.

Volunteer days, typically once a month during the summer.

You’ll work closely with the site’s Head Gardener, meeting weekly to agree work plans and adapt priorities based on seasonal or operational needs. Line management and support will come from the charity’s senior team.

The trainees you will mentor are local unemployed job seekers with a passion for horticulture. They will have completed their main qualifications before joining but may pursue further short courses while on the team, usually staying for around six months.

About You

We welcome applications from experienced horticulturalists and those looking to step up into a leadership role. While previous formal management experience is not essential, you should have demonstrable experience mentoring or supporting less experienced staff or apprentices.

You will bring:

Strong horticultural knowledge and hands-on experience in garden maintenance.

A supportive and encouraging leadership style.

A passion for developing others and contributing to the charity’s social mission.

Flexibility and a collaborative approach to team working.

Why Apply?

Lead a close-knit team in maintaining one of London’s iconic gardens.

Support individuals looking to build careers in horticulture.

Be part of a respected charity committed to social and environmental impact.