We are seeking a passionate and experienced horticultural professional on a fixed term, one year post, to lead the management of the Princess of Wales Conservatory at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. The iconic glasshouse contains ten distinct climate zones and a hugely diverse range of plants from across temperate and tropical regions of the world.

As manager of the Princess of Wales Conservatory, you will be responsible for the strategic day-to-day management of the glasshouse environment, plant collections, and diverse horticultural team of staff, students and volunteers. You will ensure exceptional plant health, deliver an inspiring visitor experience, support Kew’s scientific, conservation and educational work, and lead the delivery of Kew’s renowned annual Orchid Festival.

Join us on our journey as protectors of the world’s plants and fungi.

Contract start date: 8 June 2026

Contract end date: 1 year from start date

• Managing a team of botanical horticulturists, supporting the development of work programmes to deliver the horticultural activities necessary for the upkeep of the collections and plantings in the areas they manage. 
• Develop and enhance the living collections in line with the Living Collections Strategy and Living Landscape plans to enhance visitor experience and in support of Kew’s mission.
• Identify training requirements and facilitate the delivery of these within the teams they manage, setting and sharing best practice with regards to horticultural standards, collections management in support of professional development.
• Monitor and review performance of horticulturists in team, in support of building effective, professional teams.
• Manage team to deliver Kew’s annual Orchid Festival.
• Responsible for health and safety and safeguarding within their area and contribute to this across the wider team. 
• Lead by example to ensure relevant health and safety assessments are followed and documentation is completed.
• Input into relevant policies where appropriate.

For the full job description, including the key areas of responsibilities and accountabilities, please click the 'apply now' button.

We are dedicated to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to interview disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.

• National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 3 or higher in Horticulture, or equivalent, such as Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Diploma in Horticulture, level 3. 
• Demonstrable experience of managing a horticultural team, including volunteers, including all aspects of performance management. 
• Experience caring for a range of tender plants in a glasshouse setting. 
• Significant experience of using horticultural skills and techniques to manage an area or collection. 
• Significant experience in the use of horticultural machinery, pest and disease management, irrigation and nutrition and appropriate health and safety procedures. 
• Previous experience of planning, building and maintaining high quality displays. 
• Confident in the use of and able to train colleagues on a range of horticultural tools and machinery safely and effectively. 
• Confident to lead the delivery of a full range of manual horticultural tasks in line with health and safety requirements. 
• Experience in the control of horticultural pests and disease in a glasshouse environment.