Senior Groundsman​/Gardener

Surrey, Guildford , Salary dependent on experience

Location
:
Guildford, Surrey
Employment
:
Full-time, long-term role (minimum 40 hours per week, Monday–Friday, with flexibility required)
Accommodation
:
Live-in only. Two-bedroom cottage with private entrance and gravel garden. Utilities included. Due to the nature of the accommodation and the requirements of the role, this position is suitable for a single individual only, with no dependants. Pets considered.
Start Date
: ASAP (ideally mid-March)
Salary
:
Competitive, dependent on experience

An experienced, hands‑on Senior Groundsman / Head Gardener is required to manage and maintain a private 40-acre estate to an exceptional standard. This role would suit a discreet, hardworking, and highly organised individual with proven experience on private estates, who is confident managing all aspects of estate care and security.

As the position includes living in a cottage adjacent to the main residence, the successful candidate must be naturally quiet, private, and respectful of the principals’ family life, particularly s is a live‑in position only and is not suitable for couples or applicants with dependents. Due to the physical nature of the role, operation of heavy machinery, and the security responsibilities involved, the position is best suited to someone physically robust and confident working independently.

Key Responsibilities:

• Overall care, presentation, and long‑term management of lawns, parkland, woodland, paddocks, driveway, and formal gardens
• Mowing, strimming, pruning, hedge cutting, tree care, and all seasonal garden works
• Maintenance of planting schemes, borders, shrubs, and the kitchen garden
• Upkeep of pathways, gravel drives, hard landscaping, fountains, and outdoor furniture
• Oversight of irrigation, drainage, fencing, gates, and general estate infrastructure
• Operation, servicing, and maintenance of estate machinery and equipment
• Oversight of tennis court and swimming pool maintenance

Animal Care:

• Daily dog walking and general care of dogs and cats when required
• Care of chickens, alpacas, and sheep, including feeding and regular welfare checks

Staff, Security & Additional Duties:

• Supervision of a Junior Groundsman and a part-time Gardener; coordination of contractors
• Responsibility for estate security when the principals are away
• Occasional driving, handyman duties, and assistance with vehicle servicing
• Willingness to occasionally attend the principals’ London residence if required

Candidate Profile:

• Proven experience in a senior grounds, gardening, or private estate role
• Discreet, trustworthy, and exceptionally hardworking
• Confident in managing an estate independently and supervising staff and contractors
• Practical, hands‑on, and physically capable
• Flexible, reliable, and professional at all times
• Animal lover, particularly comfortable with dogs
• Single applicant with no dependants, able to commit to a live-in role on a long-term basis