Senior Horticulture Executive

Full time permanent role with hybrid working

Salary - £35,000 - £40,000 (depending on experience, knowledge & skills)

Are you passionate about commercial horticulture and excited by the opportunity to make a real impact across the industry?

We are looking for a positive, curious and proactive Senior Horticulture Executive to join our team. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to grow their expertise and contribute meaningfully to a thriving and sustainable horticulture sector.

Everything we do at the HTA is about helping our members succeed and, in this role, you will be at the heart of that mission.

You’ll work in a team that values innovation, organisational skills and a collaborative mindset with plenty of scope to learn, contribute ideas and develop your skills.

Why join us?

• A chance to influence industry standards and best practice
• Opportunities to work on cutting-edge research and innovation projects
• Exposure to a wide network of growers, businesses, and influential bodies in horticulture
• A role where your ideas, initiative, and enthusiasm will truly matter
• We are committed to creating an environment where you can develop your skills, grow your career, and make a genuine difference.

What we offer you

• Competitive salary and generous benefits, including 30 days’ holiday (plus bank holidays), pension, health cash plan, life assurance, employee discounts and salary‑sacrifice schemes 
• Structured development, on‑the‑job learning and support from an experienced and encouraging manager
• Hybrid working and a friendly, inclusive working environment

About the HTA

This is a hugely exciting time for the sector and for the HTA.  Gardens and managed green spaces and landscapes have never been more important to the UK – for the economy, for the environment and for the nation’s well-being.   

The HTA has 1,350 members, including garden retailers, growers, landscapers, and suppliers to the garden industry.  The HTA lobbies and campaigns for its members within the horticulture industry and has an excellent reputation.  We provide our members with the opportunity to learn, innovate, and network with others in the industry.

We have an effective political lobbying team working to enable the best conditions for our members to flourish across the UK and our research and insights team provide impactful data to help our members run productive and resilient businesses.

We have been running the National Garden Gift scheme since 1962. These garden gift cards can be bought and redeemed at HTA Garden centre members sites throughout the UK and can also be purchased online and in some supermarket gift card malls.  It is the biggest garden gift card scheme in the country – locking in around £40 million of consumer spend to horticulture and our members’ businesses. 

Our culture

Our culture is built on our values of being Member Focused, Collaborative and Inclusive, Trusted, and Innovative.  We put our members at the heart of everything we do, ensuring their needs and aspirations guide our decisions and actions.  We foster a collaborative and inclusive environment where every team member’s voice is valued, and diverse perspectives drive creativity and success. Trust is central to our relationships, both internally and externally, and we are committed to acting with integrity and transparency in all that we do.  We embrace innovation, continuously seeking new ways to improve and push boundaries, ensuring that we stay ahead of the curve in delivering exceptional service and results.  If you’re looking for a workplace where these values are lived every day, and where you can make a real impact, we’d love you to have you join us.

What you’ll be doing

As Senior Horticulture Executive, you’ll take on a varied and engaging role, working closely with colleagues and members to define, lead and deliver projects in ornamental crop production ensuring they are completed on time and within scope.  You’ll also keep up to date with emerging standards, best practices, and regulations in ornamental crop production, using that insight to provide expert input that supports policy development and government engagement.

This is an office‑based role with hybrid working.  Regular in‑person collaboration with colleagues and members is an important part of the role.

Key responsibilities:

• Contribute to the delivery of horticultural solutions for members in line with the annual plan, including liaising with growers to design content, guidance and training for members and colleagues 
• Develop resources, case studies, and tools that support continuous improvement in horticulture businesses
• Conduct research into emerging trends, innovations, and regulations affecting ornamental crop production
• Assist with the translating of scientific and technical information into clear, practical guidance for growers and stakeholders
• Support in the delivery of HTA’s R&D and knowledge transfer programmes
• Contribute to industry-leading initiatives such as the OHAS certification scheme
• Work closely with members, partners, and colleagues to ensure our solutions are relevant, practical, and valued
• Provide horticultural advice and expertise to inform the HTA’s policy work with government

For full details, please read the Role Profile below. 

What you’ll bring

We are looking for someone who brings a technical grounding in horticulture with a growth mindset. You’ll be someone who enjoys learning, sharing knowledge, and making a positive contribution to a collaborative team.

Experience in areas such as sustainability, certification schemes, or working with industry stakeholders would be a bonus but not essential.

Essential Qualifications, Experience & Skills

• Relevant academic or vocational background - a bachelor’s degree or equivalent vocational qualification/experience in horticulture or a similar discipline such as agriculture/agronomy
• Experience in production horticulture – demonstrated experience of working within, or in close collaboration with, production horticulture businesses
• Strong planning and organisational skills - proven ability to manage workloads, prioritise effectively, and deliver work to agreed timelines
• Effective written, verbal communication and presentation skills
• Research and analytical capability – able to investigate topics thoroughly, evaluate different viewpoints, and draw balanced, evidence‑based conclusions
• Technical understanding of crop production – capacity to interpret technical and scientific information, particularly relating to crop production, and communicate it clearly and engagingly to non‑specialists
• Commercial and operational awareness – understands how technical issues impact business operations, with the judgement to identify when complex matters require escalation or further clarification from manager or colleagues
• Competence with IT systems – able to learn and use IT platforms effectively, including CRM systems and business reporting tools used within the HTA
• Full UK driving license and prepared to drive for meetings and events which might require occasional overnight stays

Desirable Qualifications, Experience and Skills

• Experience of working in the sustainability sector, a membership organisation or society and/or with certifications or standards bodies

How to apply

Please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your interest in the role to: [email protected].  Closing date: 5pm on Friday 19th June.  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged.

The HTA is committed to embedding diversity, equity and inclusion into our culture and our talent processes.  We believe in creating a workplace where our people are treated with dignity and respect, a workplace free of barriers or discrimination.  We will make accommodations upon request for candidates wherever needed and practical throughout the hiring process.

All applicants must have the right to work in the UK, be able to drive and have access to a vehicle.