Head Gardener

At The Alnwick Garden we strive to be a beacon of horticulture in the North with exciting opportunities to be planned and delivered by the Head Gardener. The Head Gardener will be part of a proactive senior leadership team invested in each others success with the aims and object of the charity at the heart of everything we do. The position will have access to a generous package includes an appropriate house, pension scheme, and other benefits as well as opportunities to build on existing skills and develop new skills with several opportunities for continuous personal development. As an organisation people are at the forefront of what we do and the Head Gardener will promote a collaborative and supportive environment within the team in line with the values of The Alnwick Garden Duties and Responsibilities To own and have overall responsibility for the Gardening function across The Alnwick Garden and Lilidorei To ensure the horticultural standards of The Alnwick Garden are at the highest possible level To provide leadership to Managers and leaders across the Gardening Team ensuring The Alnwick Garden culture is firmly embedded and universally understood. To effectively line manage all members of the gardening team. This includes regular team meetings and1-1s, and conducting annual appraisals. To develop new and exciting initiatives to increase the number of horticultural visitors, specifically in April, May, June and September. To manage the Health and Safety function within the Gardening Team ensuring gardeners are fully aware of Safe Systems of Work and of their Health and Safety responsibilities to themselves, their colleagues and The Alnwick Garden as a whole. To work with the Strategic Head of People and Culture to develop training plans and budgets which ensure the gardening and facilities teams are sufficiently resourced to achieve the required standards. To work with the Strategic Head of Marketing to ensure messaging around horticulture and horticultural offers, events and activities are communicated effectively. To work with the Strategic Head of Catering, Retail and Hospitality to manage and support the Plant Centre team. To develop the skills, knowledge and ability gardeners and of the Gardening Team as a whole. To plan and budget for major future costs for capital expenditure relating to the Gardening function To provide a visible and accessible presence for employees across both The Alnwick Garden and Lilidorei. To produce and implement a 5 year rolling horticulture plan Act as a role model for all employees and leaders in the organisation in terms of overall approach and conduct acting as an ambassador for the organisation at all times Perrson Specification The successful applicant will have Strong leadership ability with the ability to gain employee buy in at all levels. Excellent understanding of horticulture and how this can drive footfall into The Garden through new features, events and marketing Ability to react to an ever changing environment and find creative solutions to often complex issues. Capable of developing long and short term strategies across multiple functions to achieve business and financial objectives. A strong understanding of resource planning processes in line with budgetary constraints. A background and, where appropriate, qualifications within horticulture. Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people and organisations Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, often with competing deadlines, to successful conclusions Ability to understand the needs of the organisation and how this role contributes to the overall success of The Alnwick Garden. Ability to operate at a Strategic level and work with senior colleagues to deliver on plans and achieve pre determined goals. Outstanding planning and organising ability. A strong understanding of Health and Safety and the relevant legislation. Experience of working with staff collaboratively to address skills and / or knowledge gaps and respond to development opportunities. Proven track record of delivering success in a comparable organisation with a similar level of responsibility Demonstrable experience of working within a Values driven environment and a commitment to embracing and embedding The Alnwick Garden culture and values, and to leading through example behaviourally Our Values Be able to demonstrate and practice: • Trust - We are committed to build relationships of trust between each other and with our customers and beneficiaries. Our relationships will be grown on a foundation of openness and transparency. We will always strive to do what we said we would do and act at all times with honesty and integrity. • Caring - We strive to be compassionate and kind to each other, our visitors and our community. Carefully listening to concerns and feedback is key to formulating a caring response. • Respect - We will always endeavour to respect The Garden, its vision and everyone’s role in the team that makes The Garden successful. • Collaboration - We acknowledge that teamworking is the key to success. We commit to investing in each other’s success and will do what we can to support each other. We will have the strength to constructively challenge each other and will take such challenge as a supportive action. • Positivity - We will strive to ensure that The Garden is always seen as a symbol of positivity with a ‘can do’ mentality. Any challenge can be overcome with commitment, team work and a positive approach. • Accountability - We understand that things may not always go to plan but we will take responsibility for when things go wrong. We will ask for help when needed. We will identify errors as learning opportunities and do all we can to rectify mistakes promptly. • Quirky - We are proudly different and will never shy away from thinking outside the box and trying new things. We will always emphasise creativity and boldness and these traits will be embedded in The Garden’s design and entertainment programmes. • Inclusivity and Accessibility - The Garden is a place for everyone to visit and enjoy regardless of background or viewpoint. We encourage everyone to express themselves and bring new ideas and new ways of working to the workplace. As an organisation we pride ourselves on having open doors and every employee having access to managers and department heads when needed. • Diversity - We are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We recognise that the different perspectives and characteristics our people bring with them can only benefit the organisation. By actively engaging with colleagues, we seek to create a positive environment where everyone from any background can do their best work and will not accept any actions which prevent that.

Location: North East England, GB

Posted Date: 11/20/2025