Director of Horticulture

The Director of Horticulture will need to be a visionary and inspiring leader driven by a passion for exceptional horticulture, a love of the natural world and the desire and ability to deliver memorable, regenerative horticulture landscapes that have a profound impact on people, coupled with programmes and initiatives fit for today's rapidly evolving world. You will be responsible for developing the horticulture strategy, directing the horticulture management team, leading horticulture initiatives at the Eden Project destinations and in projects, and working collaboratively with senior team members across the Eden Project to deliver our mission. You will lead the horticultural direction of the living landscapes at Eden Project Cornwall (EPC) comprising 15ha of Outdoor Gardens and covered Biomes (housing landscapes and crop displays of the Humid Tropic and Warm Temperate regions), the living plant collections, an 80ha Outer Estate and Growing Point, our on-site nursery. At EPC, the role directs a team of 4 to 6 managers, who in turn manage a team of circa 50 horticulturists, to enable the delivery of stunning, healthy, contemporary living landscapes. The Eden Project is growing and we are progressing with design and development of horticultural landscapes at our new destinations in Morecambe and Dundee. You will take overall responsibility for the horticulture at these locations, in both the design and delivery phase. The role will also advise on the horticulture in international destinations and projects. You will be a key member of the senior team working with colleagues to bring your horticulture skills, knowledge and experience to a range of strategic initiatives including our nature-based learning and community programmes and nature recovery projects and to workstreams within experience development, science engagement interpretation You will be responsible, with other colleagues, for representing the Eden Project on the world stage sharing and learning knowledge and skills.

• Be a strategic thinker with the proven ability to develop and deliver a forward-focussed horticulture strategy
• Be an empathetic, inspiring leader, a well-connected horticultural networker and an engaging communicator
• Have excellent, proven knowledge of contemporary horticultural practices and gardening on a large scale both outdoors and under cover.
• Have sound business acumen, budget management and project management skills and experience supporting fundraising.
• Be passionate about horticulture and its role in securing a climate- and nature-positive future.
Requirements and responsibilities
• Master's degree in horticultural discipline (or equivalent) desirable
• At least 10 years' experience in the field of botanical gardens, estate and glasshouse management, and/or commercial horticulture, ecology and/or landscape, preferably a mix.
• Strong decision-making skills; responsibility for directing the long-term vision, strategic direction, medium-and long-term planning, masterplans and team structure
• Strong leadership skills and experience and a supportive, inclusive and visionary style
• Collaborative approach; working with colleagues to represent Eden on the world stage, drawing on and contributing to global expertise, the latest thinking and topical research
• Driving license essential. The job holder will also be required to travel nationally and internationally to work on specific assignments or projects.
  
  The Eden Project is an environmental educational charity and social enterprise. Our mission: 'To demonstrate and inspire positive action for the planet'. We are at a really exciting point in our development and need an exceptional Director of Horticulture to join our senior team to ensure horticulture, gardens and gardening are at the heart of what we do. We believe that horticulture, regenerative practice and horticultural showmanship are vital to move us forward on our journey and help deliver the mission that drives us. We have big ambitions - there has never been a more important time for people to appreciate and care for the planet and each other., This is a critical appointment for the Eden Project, working as part of our senior team to demonstrate, communicate and inspire positive change through the platform of world-class horticulture - an exciting and unique opportunity for you to make your mark, make a difference and to help Eden Project achieve its mission and vision.