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Contract type: Fixed-term – 4 months (starting as soon as possible)
Working hours: Full-time (35 hours per week)
Location: Edinburgh (onsite), hybrid working may be available
Salary: £33,454 plus benefits
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) is a world-leading botanic garden, conservation charity and visitor attraction. Through our four gardens and internationally recognised collections, we inspire people to value, protect and enjoy plants and the natural world. We also deliver a vibrant programme of events that connects thousands of visitors with our work each year.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly organised Events Coordinator to join our Events team and support the delivery of RBGE's exciting events programme, including our flagship winter event, Christmas at the Botanics. Working closely with colleagues, partners and contractors, you will support event logistics, helping to deliver safe, welcoming and memorable visitor experiences while ensuring smooth day-to-day event operations.
This varied and hands-on role will involve supporting event planning and delivery, coordinating staffing and operational arrangements, managing ticketing and customer enquiries, liaising with contractors and stakeholders, , and helping to maintain high standards of health and safety. You will also play a key role in supporting on-site event operations during installation, live event delivery and de-rig periods.
We are seeking someone with experience of delivering public-facing events, excellent organisational and communication skills, and a passion for creating outstanding visitor experiences. You will enjoy working collaboratively, thrive in a fast-paced environment and be looking for an opportunity to contribute to one of Scotland's most popular seasonal events.
RBGE is unable to sponsor applicants without the right to work in the United Kingdom for this role. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure eligibility to work in the United Kingdom for the duration of the appointment.
To apply please email recruitment@rbge.org.uk with:
• your CV
• a covering letter outlining the skills, knowledge and experience you’d bring to the post
• a completed equal opportunities questionnaire: EOQ form
Closing date: 9am on Tuesday, 15 September 2026
Interview date: 23 September 2026
Recruitment Information: Job description and person specification
If you have not heard from us within 2 weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been shortlisted. No recruitment agencies please.
Contract type: Fixed-term opportunity of up to 6 months. Contract length will vary depending on the successful candidate's start date, with all contracts ending by 31 March 2027.
Working hours: Full-time (35 hours per week)
Location: Edinburgh (onsite)
Salary: £27,366 plus benefits
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) is a world-leading centre for plant science, conservation and horticulture. Home to internationally important living collections, RBGE plays a vital role in protecting plant biodiversity, inspiring visitors and supporting research, education and conservation both in Scotland and around the world.
We are looking for three Horticulturists to join our team, with opportunities available in our Nursery and Outdoor Living Collections. These roles will support the Edinburgh Biomes programme through the relocation, establishment and ongoing care of nationally important plant collections, helping to protect and enhance our landscapes while contributing to major redevelopment projects.
You will undertake a wide range of practical horticultural activities, including planting, propagation, pruning, collections care, landscape reinstatement, grounds maintenance and the safe operation of horticultural equipment. Working closely with colleagues across the Garden, you will also help safeguard living collections, support sustainable working practices and contribute to an exceptional visitor experience.
RBGE is unable to sponsor applicants without the right to work in the United Kingdom for this role. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure eligibility to work in the United Kingdom for the duration of the appointment.
To apply please email recruitment@rbge.org.uk with:
• your CV
• a covering letter outlining the skills, knowledge and experience you’d bring to the post
• a completed equal opportunities questionnaire: EOQ form
Closing date: 9am on Wednesday, 16 September 2026
Interview date: Tuesday, 29 September 2026
Recruitment Information: Job description and person specification
If you have not heard from us within 2 weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been shortlisted. No recruitment agencies please.
About Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a world-leading centre for plant science, horticulture, conservation, education, and public engagement. Founded in 1670 as a physic garden for the study of medicinal plants, it attracts around one million visitors each year and holds one of the world’s most diverse botanical collections. We have four gardens in Scotland; Benmore, Dawyck, Edinburgh and Logan.
Through a wide network of national and international partnerships, we pursue our mission to Explore, Conserve and Explain the World of Plants, addressing global biodiversity loss and climate change.
RBGE is funded by Scottish Government Grant-in-Aid and self-generated income, reflecting our dual role as a public institution and an enterprising organisation. The continued growth of commercial activity, philanthropic support, and consultancy work is a key strategic priority for ensuring long-term sustainability and impact.
The Opportunity
With a new Regius Keeper in post, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is seeking an exceptional Director of Finance & Corporate Services to play a pivotal role in strengthening how the organisational leadership can provide impact in the ongoing development and execution of the Botanics strategy.
This is a strategically critical leadership team role, responsible for ensuring that ambition is matched by affordability, capability and delivery discipline. You will provide authoritative financial stewardship while integrating Finance, Digital, People and Culture into a coherent, high‑performing Corporate Services function.
The remit is broad, influential and evolving. As a trusted adviser to the rest of the Executive and Board, you will bring clarity to complex choices, give confidence over risk and performance, and enable evidence‑led decision‑making that delivers value for money and measurable impact.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Representation
- A member of our Executive and Senior Leadership teams, supporting effective, collaborative leadership and delivery of RBGE’s strategy and operations.
- Lead and develop skilled, motivated Finance, Digital, People and Culture teams and promote efficient, equitable working practices.
- Serve as a Director for RBGE legal entities such as the Botanics Trading Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of RBGE acting as our commercial trading arm.
Strategy, Finance, and Corporate Planning
- Lead all financial operations, strategic and operational planning, including business and financial planning and performance reporting.
- Support income diversification and work with the Executive Team to identify new revenue opportunities to support our charitable aims.
- Contribute to procurement, planning and delivery of major capital programmes aligned to budget and priorities.
Governance, Risk, and Policy
- Act as Company Secretary, supporting Board and Committee governance and meeting preparation.
- Serve as Senior Information Risk Owner, ensuring compliance with information governance requirements.
- Oversee governance, legal and risk matters, including new ventures.
- Support corporate policy development and maintain awareness of the wider policy.
People and Culture
- Lead an effective people function, continuing to position RBGE as an employer of choice whilst also continuing to deliver our People Strategy through driving workforce planning, skills development, and continuous improvement.
- Oversee our work in health and wellbeing, diversity, culture, and resourcing and retaining talent.
Digital & Technology Services
- Provide strategic leadership for technology, data systems, and cybersecurity.
- Oversee digital strategy, CRM, ticketing, e-commerce, and data governance to enhance the visitor experience.
About You
- Strong financial acumen and ideally a qualified accountant or with equivalent knowledge/experience.
- Strong proven senior leadership in multi disciplinary corporate services, particularly a blend of Finance, Digital, and People & Culture.
- Relevant previous experience e.g. of ensuring effective delivery and outcomes in a large public body/charity such as a heritage body or a visitor attraction, or a university, or similar.
- Strong people skills - excellent leader, including high level people management, and excellent stakeholder communications with an ability to build high performing teams.
- Experience as part of a multi-disciplinary Executive team, with Board-level engagement skills.
- Experienced in the development and monitoring of budgets and business plans.
- A strong background in strategic and operational planning and performance, and knowledge of management information systems.
- Proficient in external statutory reporting and audit.
- Familiarity with current human resource practices.
- Familiarity with current procurement practices.
- Knowledge and experience of leading/advising effective and transparent governance.
How to apply
Applications should be submitted via CV and Covering note to applications@fwbltd.com
For further information or a confidential discussion, contact Walker Wares at the same email address or call the Edinburgh office on +44 131 539 7087. Further information on the role can be found at FWB.com.
About Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a world-leading centre for plant science, horticulture, conservation, education, and public engagement. Founded in 1670 as a physic garden for the study of medicinal plants, it attracts around one million visitors each year and holds one of the world’s most diverse botanical collections.
We have four gardens in Scotland; Benmore, Dawyck, Edinburgh and Logan. Through a wide network of national and international partnerships, we pursue our mission to Explore, Conserve and Explain the World of Plants, addressing global biodiversity loss and climate change.
RBGE is funded by Scottish Government Grant-in-Aid and self-generated income, reflecting our dual role as a public institution, charity and an enterprising organisation. The continued growth of commercial activity, philanthropic support, and consultancy work is a key strategic priority for ensuring long-term sustainability and impact.
The opportunity
RBGE is seeking to appoint an inspiring and forward-thinking Director of Horticulture to join its Executive Team at an exciting point in the organisation's development. Reporting to the Regius Keeper, this pivotal leadership role will shape the future of horticulture across RBGE's four gardens, champion the stewardship and development of its globally significant Living Collection and strengthen connections with partners in Scotland and internationally.
Combining strategic leadership with operational oversight, you will lead talented horticultural teams across the organisation, act as Custodian of the National Living Collection and play a leading role in ensuring RBGE remains at the forefront of conservation horticulture, biodiversity recovery and climate resilience. You will also contribute to the wider leadership of the organisation, helping to shape the next phase of RBGE's strategic direction and its ongoing work to deliver real impact in response to the biodiversity and climate emergencies.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the strategic direction of horticulture across RBGE, develop long-term plans for the organisation's four gardens and ensure they continue to evolve in response to climate change and conservation priorities.
- Provide leadership for the care, development and curation of RBGE's internationally important Living Collection, maintaining the highest standards of horticultural excellence.
- Lead and develop horticultural teams across RBGE, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement while ensuring the expertise, leadership and capacity required to sustain and enhance the Living Collections and garden landscapes for the future.
- Drive innovation in conservation horticulture, working closely with scientific colleagues to support biodiversity conservation, species recovery, plant health and climate adaptation initiatives.
- Lead and contribute to organisational strategic projects, including Edinburgh Biomes and wider capital development programmes.
- Act as a visible advocate for horticulture, representing RBGE across professional networks, government, conservation organisations, media and public forums both nationally and internationally.
- Promote horticulture as an exciting and inclusive career, supporting skills development, training and engagement with future generations of horticultural professionals.
- Lead the development of horticultural consultancy activity and identify mission-aligned opportunities that support both impact and long-term financial sustainability.
- Contribute as a member of the Executive Team to organisational strategy, governance, performance and culture.
Person specification
- Proven senior leadership experience within horticulture, ideally gained within a botanic garden, conservation, heritage landscape or similarly complex environment.
- Exceptional leadership and people management capability, with experience of leading and developing large, multidisciplinary teams.
- A recognised qualification in horticulture, plant science or a related discipline.
- Extensive expertise in living collections management and conservation horticulture.
- Outstanding communication, influencing and advocacy skills, with the ability to act as an effective ambassador at senior stakeholder, policy and media level.
- Strong strategic and commercial awareness, including experience of budget management, organisational planning, risk management and leading change.
- A collaborative and inclusive leadership style, with a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
- A passion for the future of horticulture and a commitment to widening access to horticultural careers and skills.
- Experience of master planning for gardens or conservation sites, consultancy development, biodiversity policy or multi-partner conservation projects would be advantageous.
Watch our film to discover more about the opportunity to lead horticulture at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
How to apply
Applications should be made by way of CV and covering letter, and submitted by 09:00 on Friday 16 October via applications@fwbltd.com
For a confidential discussion, please contact Kirsten Hendry at FWB on 0131 539 7087 or at applications@fwbltd.com
About Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a world-leading centre for plant science, horticulture, conservation, education, and public engagement. Founded in 1670 as a physic garden for the study of medicinal plants, it attracts around one million visitors each year and holds one of the world’s most diverse botanical collections.
We have four gardens in Scotland; Benmore, Dawyck, Edinburgh and Logan.
Through a wide network of national and international partnerships, we pursue our mission to Explore, Conserve and Explain the World of Plants, addressing global biodiversity loss and climate change.
RBGE is funded by Scottish Government Grant-in-Aid and self-generated income, reflecting our dual role as a public institution and an enterprising organisation. The continued growth of commercial activity, philanthropic support, and consultancy work is a key strategic priority for ensuring long-term sustainability and impact.
The opportunity
RBGE is now seeking to appoint a Director of Income Generation & External Affairs to join its Executive Team at a pivotal moment in the organisation's development. As RBGE prepares to launch its next Corporate Strategy, this key leadership role will bring together commercial income generation, philanthropy, marketing, communications, public affairs and wider stakeholder engagement to strengthen profile, influence and long-term financial sustainability. Reporting to the Regius Keeper, you will provide strategic leadership across a diverse portfolio of talented teams across the spectrum of external engagement, including engagement with the Botanics Foundation and oversight of the Botanics Trading Company.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and delivery of strategies to drive sustainable growth across both philanthropic and commercial income streams.
- Oversee and strengthen RBGE's fundraising capability, including major donor engagement and relationships with trusts, foundations and corporate supporters.
- Play a leading role in shaping and delivering the next phase of the Edinburgh Biomes capital campaign.
- Develop and implement integrated communications, marketing and public affairs strategies that enhance RBGE's profile, influence and public engagement.
- Build meaningful relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, supporters, partners and audiences to advance RBGE's mission.
- Provide strategic leadership for the Botanics Trading Company as a Director on the Board, identifying and delivering opportunities for commercial growth.
- Develop new income-generating opportunities across retail, catering, events, venue hire, consultancy and commercial partnerships.
- Contribute as a member of the Executive Team to organisational strategy, performance, governance and stakeholder engagement.
- Lead, inspire and develop a high-performing multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation and achievement.
- Support the long-term financial sustainability of RBGE through a balanced approach to income generation, external engagement and commercial development.
Person specification
- Significant experience of securing philanthropic and/or commercial income and delivering sustainable growth through diverse revenue streams.
- A proven track record of developing and implementing successful marketing, communications and stakeholder engagement strategies
- Experience of building and sustaining influential partnerships across a wide range of stakeholders, including funders, supporters, commercial partners and public sector organisations.
- Success in leading, motivating and developing high-performing multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong commercial acumen, combined with strategic thinking and the ability to identify opportunities, assess priorities and deliver measurable outcomes.
- Exceptional communication and relationship management skills, with the credibility to engage effectively with senior stakeholders, boards, partners and external influencers.
- Experience of operating at senior leadership level within a complex organisation, including responsibility for budget management, strategic planning and organisational performance.
- A collaborative and inclusive leadership style, with the ability to inspire confidence, build consensus and represent an organisation externally.
- Experience of both philanthropic and commercial income generation would be advantageous.
- Experience gained within science, education, environmental, conservation or similarly mission-led organisations would be beneficial.
How to apply
Applications should be made by way of CV and covering letter, and submitted by 09:00 on Monday 5 October via applications@fwbltd.com
For a confidential discussion, please contact Kirsten Hendry at FWB on 0131 539 7087 or at applications@fwbltd.com
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a world-leading centre for plant science, horticulture, conservation, education, and public engagement. Founded in 1670 as a physic garden for the study of medicinal plants, it attracts around one million visitors each year and holds one of the world’s most diverse botanical collections.
We have four gardens in Scotland; Benmore, Dawyck, Edinburgh and Logan.
Through a wide network of national and international partnerships, we pursue our mission to Explore, Conserve and Explain the World of Plants, addressing global biodiversity loss and climate change.
RBGE is funded by Scottish Government Grant-in-Aid and self-generated income, reflecting our dual role as a public institution and an enterprising organisation. The continued growth of commercial activity, philanthropic support, and consultancy work is a key strategic priority for ensuring long-term sustainability and impact.
The Opportunity
RBGE is now seeking to appoint a Head of Finance at a pivotal moment in the organisation’s development. As RBGE prepares to launch its next Corporate Strategy, this key role will provide leadership and ensure delivery of finance, corporate governance and risk functions to underpin the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s mission, strategy and long-term sustainability.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Management
- As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, contribute to the delivery of RBGE’s Corporate Strategy and Plans.
- Lead and continuously improve finance, corporate governance and risk services to meet organisational needs.
- Represent RBGE externally on finance, governance and risk matters through professional networks and sector forums.
Financial Planning and Management
- Lead financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and performance reporting for the Senior Leadership Team, Executive Team, Board and Scottish Government.
- Provide financial reporting and advice to subsidiary companies and the Botanics Foundation.
- Develop and deliver long-term financial plans, annual budgets and operational plans through an effective business partnering approach.
- Work closely with key stakeholders on workforce planning, pay policy and capital investment implications.
- Oversee payroll and pension administration services.
- Drive continuous improvement in planning, budgeting and forecasting processes.
- Provide financial advice on major projects, business cases and investment appraisals.
- Maintain effective financial systems, controls and oversight of operating, capital, restricted and grant-funded budgets totalling £35-40m per year.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant taxation requirements.
Financial Accounting and Treasury
- Advise the Director of Corporate Services and the Regius Keeper / Accountable Officer on significant financial matters and ensure compliance with relevant financial and public sector frameworks.
- Provide financial advice to Trustees, senior leaders and budget holders.
- Lead production of the Annual Report and Accounts and ensure timely completion of audited financial statements.
- Oversee statutory accounts for subsidiary companies and the Botanics Foundation.
- Ensure effective treasury management, financial controls and tax governance.
- Manage relationships with external investment managers.
Procurement, Legal and Grant Management
- Act as account manager for legal services across RBGE, subsidiary companies and the Botanics Foundation.
- Lead procurement policy and strategy, ensuring compliance, value for money and organisational understanding.
- Oversee financial management and reporting of statutory, research and charitable grants.
Governance, Audit and Risk
- Ensure effective governance arrangements for RBGE, subsidiary companies and the Botanics Foundation, including company secretariat services.
- Support the Audit Committee and oversee business assurance and internal audit improvement activities.
- Manage service agreements between RBGE, subsidiary companies and the Botanics Foundation.
- Lead the development of organisational risk management and reporting.
- Liaise with Scottish Government and other external stakeholders on areas of responsibility.
Team Development
- Lead, develop and support Finance, Corporate Governance and Risk staff through effective workforce planning, performance management and coaching.
- Undertake any other duties appropriate to the role as requested by the Director of Corporate Services.
Person Specification
Essential
- Qualified accountant with experience of providing financial support within a multi-faceted organisation with a mix of commercial and grant funded income streams
- Experience of working within and knowledge of Scottish Government accounting standards
- Strong leadership skills developed in managing a finance team
- Experience in delivering complex management information to senior management and at Board level
- Good working knowledge of business risk management
- Experience of developing and applying ‘good governance’ principles across an organisation
- Strong influencing skills
- Good communication skills, both verbal and written
- Ability to multi-task in a busy working environment
Desirable
- Experience of working with charity finances and in a partial exemption VAT environment, along with a thorough understanding of SORP and charity accounting, VAT and corporation tax
- Experience working within Scottish public sector procurement standards
- Previous experience in working collaboratively as part of a multi-disciplinary leadership team
How to apply
Applications should be made by way of CV and covering letter, and submitted by 09:00 on Monday 28 September via applications@fwbltd.com
For a confidential discussion, please contact Lisa Berlinghof at FWB on 0131 539 7087 or at applications@fwbltd.com
Contact our recruitment team
If you have any questions, or require any documents in an accessible format, please email recruitment@rbge.org.uk or get in touch by using the enquiry form below.
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