Head of Horticulture, Shuttleworth Botanic Garden

Context

Concept work on The Shuttleworth Botanic Garden (SBG) in the Isle of Man started in 2011. The early years allowed us to identify key elements and objectives that will enable the accomplishment of this ambitious, international botanical landscape project. We are proud that SBG has become a member of Botanic Gardens Conservation International. While still in its infancy, the garden is in an exciting period of development.

Our extensive landscapes will provide areas in which to:

• showcase and conserve plants from temperate biomes around the world;
• study genetic diversity and the effects of climate change on plants; and
• provide fantastic educational and recreational opportunities for a wide range of people.

Several large landscape construction projects are underway; involving earth moving and the creation of large, natural rock and water features. At the same time, other significant landscape areas are being designed.

Due to growth in the project’s scope and number of employees, coupled with some internal reallocation of responsibilities, a Head of Horticulture is required to lead this fundamental phase of implementation.

Role Summary

SBG seeks a dynamic leader who is driven by passion, expertise in plants and embracing the importance of botanic gardens. An inquisitive mind, attention to detail and the ability to innovate will allow success in this role and contribute to developing the project and colleagues. This role requires an inspirational person who can create a high-performing culture in strong teams and foster collaboration both within the organisation and with external partners.

Our collections, landscapes and various partnerships require time, specialist skills and dedication. The Head of Horticulture will commit to this diverse, long-term project and be at the heart of realising the vision of creating a globally recognised botanic garden in the Isle of Man.

SBG offers unrivalled opportunities for personal and professional development, achievement and experience. A strong element of legacy is associated with this position that will last well into the future, both in terms of personal achievement and contributing to a major new botanic garden.

Key Responsibilities

The Head of Horticulture will provide strategic leadership and guidance of all horticulture and conservation activities.

• Serves on the leadership team of SBG; participating in strategic and annual planning and organisational and departmental goal setting. Collaborates professionally, effectively and empathetically, wherever necessary, with colleagues in the leadership team and across the organisation to ensure that the garden’s objectives are met.
• Builds the reputation of SBG as a globally recognised leader in horticulture.
• Participates fully in the ongoing evolution of the SBG Living Collection Policy.
• Ensures that collections are maintained to high standards.
• Contributes to the success of practices that develop, maintain and manage sustainably the garden in all of its aspects.
• Ensures a tailored approach to designs, displays and other plantings in each biome of the garden that balances beauty and importance.
• Ensures that collections are promoted and utilised for scientific and educational goals and guest experience.
• Supports development, application and periodic review of the plant curation and collections plan. Provides leadership and guidance in executing the collections plan, collections curation activities and maintenance of the collections.
• Plays a lead role in fostering partnerships with local and international collaborators.
• Represents SBG to outside organisations and interacts with professional counterparts at other institutions.
• Collaborates to develop horticultural education and training programs for staff and other groups.
• Ensures support for activities that use the collections for education, research or conservation and ensures that usage is properly documented for fundraising and development purposes.
• Provides support for cooperative research projects involving researchers inside and outside SBG.
• Adheres to phytosanitary policies and objectives to include the risks associated with potentially invasive species and pathogens.
• Has ultimate ownership of all relevant departmental budgets.
• Provides guidance and supervision to direct reports.
• Hires, manages and develops staff in conjunction with human resources.
• Ensures the department is compliant with health and safety policies and procedures.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidate will have had an outstanding career to date based on deep knowledge of plants and a passion for connecting people with them through horticulture and related fields. We are seeking an individual with extensive experience in horticulture and demonstrable management capability. This individual should be able to develop and implement objectives and strategies for their area of responsibility and contribute fully to those of colleagues.

The Head of Horticulture must show sound reasoning and judgement when organising, managing and motivating others and in building meaningful partnerships. They will have the ability to negotiate optimal outcomes among opposing viewpoints within and outside the organisation and to compromise when necessary. The ability to listen and give advice, to respect the views and abilities of others, to collaborate with integrity, consistency, and good judgment and a sense of humour are important. They exhibit a high level of emotional intelligence with a demonstrated ability to build trust and credibility. Humility, rooted in respect for others, is expected.

The ability to navigate complexity, coupled with principled, strategic and business decision-making in a fast-paced environment must be evident. Solid skills in budgeting, operations and business management are expected. This leader is an effective ambassador who can convey SBG’s vision; motivating partners and inspiring public support for its work.

Minimum requirements include:

• Master’s degree (MSc) or PhD in horticulture, ecology or a closely related biological field from a leading university;
• eight years or more experience in a horticultural or closely related role; and
• at least five years of management experience.

Supervisory experience, including the management of living collections, in public gardens or a similar organisation or environment, is also preferred.

The Isle of Man is a special place to live and offers a rich blend of outdoor, sporting, cultural and social activities. National and international events take place on the island each year that attract visitors from all over the world. Above all, tranquillity and supportive communities on the island mean that the quality of life for individuals or families is unrivalled.

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