Head of Landscape

Location : North London
Salary : £70K - 75K doe
Vacancy type : Permanent
Vacancy ID : 50722

FHC are delighted to be partnering with the prestigious Highgate Cemetery to recruit for their new Head of Landscape to join their team.

The Head of Landscape will provide senior leadership for all landscape-related activities across the Cemetery. Working with our long-serving Head Gardener and Sexton, you will draw on their exceptional site knowledge while leading the strategic management of landscape operations, burial area planning, and grave renewal programmes. You will oversee the professional development of the gardening and burials teams and ensure the successful integration of our masterplan implementation with day-to-day cemetery operations.

You will work closely with our Project Team (who will lead on infrastructure and civil engineering aspects of the masterplan) to ensure seamless delivery of our landscape vision whilst maintaining the highest standards of cemetery operations. This is an opportunity to shape the future of one of Londonâ??s most significant heritage landscapes.

You will be working in a supportive environment that values professional development and collaborative working. The role offers the chance to build lasting expertise whilst contributing to the long-term stewardship of this remarkable landscape.

The Trust operates as a collaborative organisation where all senior staff work together to ensure success. While this job description defines core responsibilities, the post holder is expected to support colleagues and contribute flexibly to organisational priorities.

Key responsibilities

Strategic Landscape Management

�           Lead on the horticultural implementation of the landscape masterplan

�           Coordinate with the Project Team to ensure successful integration of new

·        plantings with infrastructure works

�           Develop and implement the Landscape Management and Maintenance Plan and Sustainability Strategy as operational policy

�           Provide strategic oversight of all landscape maintenance and horticultural programmes

�           Oversee the Highgate Cemetery Ash Dieback Management Plan

�           Manage landscape budgets including maintenance contracts, equipment, materials and plants

 

Burial Area Planning and Management

�           Plan the development of new burial areas and manage grave renewal programmes in accordance with the Highgate Cemetery Act to ensure continuous supply of various types of graves

�           Coordinate burial operations with landscape maintenance activities

�           Ensure compliance with cemetery legislation

�           Oversee the strategic aspects of burial rights sales and renewal processes in coordination with the Registrar

�           Monitor condition of listed monuments and structures

�           Manage the Memorial Assessment and Advisory Committee and ensure due regard is paid to the historic significance of memorials

�           Ensure memorial safety inspections are completed as necessary

�           Oversee work of Registrar and Sexton

 

Ecological Management

�           Coordinate with consultant Ecologist and Project Team to deliver and report on ecological gains

�           Ensure compliance with legislation around protected species

�           Ensure that relevant ecological surveys are carried out as required

 

Team Leadership

�           Lead and inspire the gardening and burials teams through a time of organisational change during multi-million pound investment in the landscape

�           Line manage and develop the Head Gardener, Sexton, and Registrar

�           Build team capability through pay review, recruitment, training, and succession planning

�           Coordinate work across gardening and burials teams to ensure efficient operations

�           Recruit new role of Community Engagement Gardener (managed by Head Gardener) and oversee placement programmes

�           Develop and expand volunteer programmes to support landscape operations and provide meaningful engagement opportunities

�           Foster a culture of excellence and professional pride in landscape stewardship

 

Operations Management

�           Oversee cyclical, routine and ad-hoc landscape maintenance across the Cemetery, including paths, walls, railings, drainage and funerary structures

�           Supervise landscape contractors and manage contractor relationships

�           Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations including fire safety

�           Oversee monument safety inspections in coordination with the Sexton

�           Coordinate landscape activities with visitor operations and special events

�           Develop and maintain landscape management databases and records

�           Manage stocks of materials and ensure proper allocation and accounting

�           Maintain hands-on horticultural capability to support team during peak periods and provide practical guidance on-site

 

Horticultural Expertise

�           Provide expert guidance on plant selection, soil management, and horticultural practices

�           Provide practical input on landscape proposals

�           Oversee tree management including surveys and remedial works

�           Implement sustainable and environmentally sensitive landscaping practices

�           Monitor and maintain plant health across diverse cemetery environments

 

Working with others

�           Liaise with Senior Leadership Team on landscape strategy, operations, and coordination of volunteer programmes and public engagement activities

�           Coordinate with other departments to minimise operational disruption

�           Work with external consultants and contractors as required

�           Contribute to business planning and policy development

 

SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE

Essential

â?¢Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â  Minimum 5 yearsâ?? experience in senior landscape management or head gardener role

�           Proven track record of managing teams and developing staff

�           Experience of budget management and contractor oversight

 

Qualifications

�           Formal qualifications in Horticulture, Landscape Management, or related field (minimum RHS Level 3 or equivalent)

�           Full driving licence

 

Skills and Knowledge

�           Strong horticultural knowledge including plant identification, soil management, and maintenance practices

�           Ability to read drawings and maps

�           Health and safety competency appropriate to supervisory role

�           Understanding of sustainable landscape management principles

�           Experience with landscape contractors and service procurement

�           Budget management and financial planning skills

�           Excellent communication and leadership skills

Personal Qualities

�           Strategic thinking with attention to operational detail

�           Strong organisational and planning abilities

�           Collaborative approach to cross-departmental working

�           Empathy for the sensitive nature of cemetery operations

�           Commitment to high standards and continuous improvement

�           Flexibility to work outside normal hours as operational needs require

 

Desirable Requirements

�           Experience of working in Grade 1-registered landscape

�           Knowledge of cemetery operations including burial management and relevant legislation

�           Knowledge of ecological management and biodiversity enhancement

�           Report writing and analytical skills

�           Customer service experience relevant to heritage site operations

�           Experience with apprenticeship programmes and skills development

�           Understanding of project management principles

�           Experience working with volunteers or community groups

 

Please apply with a full CV in the first instance. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 

Please quote 50722 when speaking with one of our consultants.