Head of Gardens and Parks

Historic Royal Palaces (HRP) is a team of people who love and look after six of the most
wonderful palaces in the world. We create space for spirits to stir and be stirred. We want everyone to feel welcome and accepted. We tell stories about the monarchs you know, and the lives you don’t. We let people explore and we set minds racing. 

We are looking for a new Head of Gardens and Parks to join us at a pivotal time for the
future of our estate. Based at Hampton Court, the role will oversee some of the most
important historic gardens and parks in the country:  Hampton Court Gardens and Home Park; Kensington Palace Gardens; Hillsborough Castle Gardens in Northern Ireland; and the Kitchen Garden at Kew Palace. The role will also provide advice for the new garden in the Moat at the Tower of London. 

The pandemic has brought to the fore the importance of gardens and parks as part of our offer, as local audiences flock to enjoy the beautiful outdoor spaces in our care. It has also led to much change in the way we manage our estate. Building on great work over many years and harnessing the enthusiasm and knowledge of our team, we are looking for someone to develop and deliver a vision and plan for our gardens and estates for the future, maximising the part they play in delivering our cause. 

We want ever more people to find joy and inspiration through them. We want
them to be rich in nature, sustainable and adapted for climate change. We want them to
be managed to the highest horticultural standards whilst building on the tradition of using them to host a series of well-loved major events. We also need them to help us grow the income we need to deliver our cause. We have a great team and are passionate about developing and empowering them. We also want to grow our volunteer base.

A visible leader who is passionate about building teams and inspiring and motivating
others, you will be experienced in running large historic gardens and parks that are open
to the public. 

You’ll have a strong background in horticulture and experience of developing and delivering future plans. You will act as spokesperson for our gardens and parks, so will be an excellent communicator, good at public speaking, and used to managing challenging and complex stakeholder relations. You’ll be an expert in working in a highly collaborative culture, supporting the delivery of other teams whose work is delivered in our outdoor spaces. 

You’ll have proven experience of delivering improvements and efficiencies in the way gardens and parks are run, of improving commercial performance, and of continuously improving the visitor experience. You’ll be able to demonstrate strong experience of coaching and developing members of your team and of working with volunteers.

Other information:    
This role comes with accommodation on site and with the requirement to carry out duty management responsibility on a rota’d basis, including being on call overnight in case of emergency (approx. one weekend in four for duty management and one week in 4 for out of hours on call duty).

Closing date: 5th June 2022