Director of Horticulture

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN EDINBURGH; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious horticultural institution in the United Kingdom is seeking a Director of Horticulture to lead the strategic management of significant living collections. The successful candidate will champion horticulture, promote plant conservation, and drive contributions to biodiversity recovery. This senior leadership role requires expertise in horticulture and public engagement, with an aim to influence sustainable landscape management. The position offers a unique opportunity to shape horticultural excellence and generate commercial partnerships. Applications close on 5 January 2026.

Qualifications

• Dynamic leader with a deep understanding of horticulture required.
• Commitment to inclusion and workforce development essential.
• Skills to represent the institution at high levels necessary.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic management of the Living Collections.
• Champion horticulture and promote plant conservation.
• Advance contributions to biodiversity recovery and climate resilience.
• Build horticultural consultancy and commercial partnerships.

Skills

Leadership in horticulture

Strategic management

Public advocacy

Plant conservation

Job description

Director of Horticulture

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is seeking an exceptional individual for the role of Director of Horticulture— a senior leadership position responsible for the strategic oversight and stewardship of one of the world’s most significant living plant collections. This is a unique opportunity to shape and lead horticultural excellence at a globally respected institution, playing a pivotal role in addressing the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change.

We are an internationally renowned centre of excellence in biodiversity science, horticulture, education, and public engagement. With over 13,500 plant species cultivated across four gardens in Scotland—and welcoming over one million visitors annually—our collections and expertise are central to global efforts in plant conservation, ecological restoration, and sustainable development. They also underpin a wide range of educational programmes, community engagement initiatives, and income-generating activities.

As a member of the Executive Team, you will:

• Lead the strategic management and development of our internationally significant Living Collections.
• Champion horticulture as a public advocate, thought leader, and spokesperson—raising the profile of the profession, promoting plant conservation, and inspiring the next generation of horticulturists.
• Advance horticultural contributions to biodiversity recovery, climate resilience, and sustainable landscape management.
• Play a key role in building the organisation’s horticultural consultancy and commercial partnerships—developing mission-aligned services that extend our impact and generate income.

This is a broad and influential role, requiring a dynamic leader with a deep understanding of horticulture, a commitment to inclusion and workforce development, and the confidence and skills to represent the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh at the highest levels.

Further details including a comprehensive job description and person specification can be found on our website via the button below.

Closing date: midday (GMT) 5 January 2026.

Interview date: February 2026.

To arrange an informal discussion about the role, please contact Jennifer Martin at [e-mail]