Head of Professional Programmes- Surrey/Manchester

Location:          Bridgewater / Wisley / flexible. (Hybrid/flexible working)

Hours:             37.5 pw

Contract:          Permanent

Are you passionate about developing horticultural skills in others? Do you believe in supporting people to grow to generate positive change for environment, people and economy?

Overview of the Role: 

We are looking for a Head of Professional Programmes to join our dynamic and friendly team. This new role sits within our new Learning and Public Engagement division, and will work with professional learners from beginner to degree level to promote careers, upskill individuals and build horticulture for the future.

The Head of Professional Programmes is one of five new senior management roles within the division, revised to create a step change in RHS Learning and Public Engagement and to meet the RHS strategy goals. This is an exciting time to be joining the UK’s leading gardening charity, to inspire and empower more people to grow.

As Head of Professional Programmes you will be responsible for:

• Leading the planning, direction and development of RHS-wide professional and formal programmes including RHS Qualifications, RHS work-based learning, the Master of Horticulture award and continuing professional development


• RHS careers programmes including New Shoots


• Building and maintaining productive external relationships in the professional learning sphere


• Working on UK-wide horticultural education advocacy and policy


• Contributing to industry-wide educational initiatives and programme development


• Monitoring and improving programmes


• Safeguarding

To work for the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is to join a thriving charity, whose mission is to be there for everyone on their lifelong adventure with gardening. Everything we do is built on the transformational power of gardening – and the benefits it brings to people, places and our planet.

And we couldn’t do this without our people. We’re proud of the knowledge, enthusiasm and ideas that each one of our team members brings. From working across our social media channels, to volunteering in the RHS Gardens, from serving customers in our garden centres to running national marketing campaigns, we believe that every member of the RHS team should have the opportunity to make a difference.

Details of our great benefits can be found here.

Safeguarding and Inclusion

The RHS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expects all personnel to share in this commitment. We are an inclusive employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Please note:  We may review applications as soon as we receive then so if you see a vacancy that you are interested in, please apply straight away as the vacancy will be closed as soon as we hire the right candidate. Should you require any additional support with making your application please contact People Services on peopleservices@rhs.org.uk or 01483 226 530.