Non-Executive Director

Join the Board of the Horticultural Trades Association as a Non-Executive Director

• Role: Non-Executive Director
• Term: 3 years (with potential for renewal)
• Status: Voluntary (unpaid) – expenses reimbursed
• Location: UK-wide – Board meetings held in various locations

Are you passionate about the future of UK horticulture?  Do you want to help shape the strategy of a sector-leading organisation at the heart of environmental horticulture and garden retail industries?

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) is seeking Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) to join our Board and contribute their insight, experience, and strategic judgement to support our mission: to promote, support, and nurture our industry to ensure a robust and sustainable future.

Click below to jump to the relevant sections:

• About the HTA
• Our culture
• About the role
• What you'll gain
• How to apply

About the HTA

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 & 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.

About the role

As a Non-Executive Director, you’ll play a critical role in overseeing the governance and strategic direction of the HTA. You’ll bring an independent perspective to Board discussions, act as a champion for our members, and support our Executive Team in delivering long-term value to the industry.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a vibrant, future-focused sector while working alongside passionate leaders from across horticulture, business, and governance.

We’re looking for individuals who:

• Have Board-level or senior leadership experience and are familiar with governance, strategy, or organisational oversight
• Have a good understanding of the issues facing the horticultural sector—or a genuine interest in learning
• Bring expertise from one or more of the following areas:
• Commercial horticulture, garden retail, or landscape services
• Finance, audit, or investment
• IT systems and emerging technologies
• Membership organisations or trade associations
• Governance and legal compliance
• Given the structure of our current Board members, expertise in either finance, technology or the grower or landscaping sectors would be particularly useful
• Think strategically, ask the right questions, and constructively challenge
• Have a diplomatic, collaborative approach with a forward-thinking mindset.  Keen to help the HTA evolve and stay relevant to our members.
• Care deeply about member representation, sustainability, and sector growth
• Have management skills and experience, with excellent commercial awareness
• Can commit to attending 4 Board meetings, 1 AGM, and occasional strategy or committee meetings each year

What you’ll gain

• The chance to help steer the UK’s horticultural trade association to benefit all its members
• Opportunities to connect and build relationships with a diverse network of leaders and businesses
• Non-executive director training run by an accredited body.
• Insight into governance and strategy at a national level
• The satisfaction of giving back to an industry you care about

We actively welcome and encourage applications from individuals from all backgrounds and sectors of the industry.  No formal qualifications are required – we value passion, integrity, and real-world experience.

How to apply

To apply for this role, please send your CV and a brief covering letter outlining your interest and relevant experience to [email protected].  We anticipate starting the selection process in July.  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged.

We’re happy to have an informal conversation if you’d like to explore the role before applying.

Be part of the future of UK horticulture. Join us and make a difference.

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.