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