Director of Horticulture, Floristry and Forestry in Lewes

Plumpton College is a leading provider of land and environmental education in the UK, set within the inspiring landscape of the South Downs National Park. We deliver high-quality vocational and academic programmes from Entry Level through to Master’s degrees across nineteen specialist subject areas, including agriculture, animal science, veterinary science, horticulture, equine studies, wine, and environmental studies. Our work is guided by our core values — Professional, Ambitious, Passionate, Supportive, Progressive and Enterprising — which shape our culture, our expectations, and our commitment to educational excellence. We are proud to foster a culture that expects high standards, encourages innovation, and prioritises the learner experience.

We are now seeking an outstanding and forward‑thinking leader to take on the pivotal role of Director of Horticulture, Floristry and Forestry. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the strategic direction, growth and long‑term sustainability of three of our most innovative and high‑profile curriculum and commercial areas. As Director, you will provide dynamic strategic leadership, ensuring that our Horticulture, Floristry and Forestry provision remains sector‑leading, future‑focused and deeply connected to industry needs.

In This Role, You Will:

• Set and deliver a clear three-year strategic vision, anticipating future skills needs, sector trends, and national policy priorities.
• Build strong, influential partnerships with employers, industry bodies and professional associations, enhancing Plumpton’s reputation as a centre of excellence.
• Lead and inspire managers and teams, driving high performance, developing capability, and delivering consistently outstanding outcomes.
• Ensure outstanding teaching, learning and assessment, championing innovation, learner engagement and high‑quality progression routes.
• Oversee the development of curriculum and commercial activity, ensuring sustainable growth, effective resource utilisation, and delivery against organisational targets.
• Drive quality assurance and continuous improvement, using data and evaluation to inform decision‑making and maintain sector‑leading standards.
• Contribute to wider College leadership, including governance, cross‑college initiatives, external engagement, and strategic development.

This is a strategic role with substantial scope to influence the future of land‑based education at both regional and national levels.

About You:

We are seeking a collaborative, forward‑thinking leader with a strong commitment to shaping the future of horticulture, floristry, and forestry education. You will bring:

• Proven leadership experience, with the ability to inspire teams, develop managers, and drive sustained high performance.
• A track record of delivering improvement, leading change, and achieving strong outcomes.
• Relevant academic or professional qualifications, alongside experience in curriculum leadership, teaching, or assessment.
• Sector expertise and industry insight within one or more of the specialist areas.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build effective partnerships at all levels.
• Resilience, strategic thinking, and a commitment to continuous professional development.

You’ll benefit from:

We offer a competitive salary and a generous benefits package, including 30 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays and efficiency days. The role is eligible for the Teachers’ Pension Scheme, including employer contributions and life assurance. Staff also benefit from high‑quality CPD and professional development opportunities. As a Disability Confident Committed employer and signatory of the Menopause Pledge, we are proud to support an inclusive working environment. New colleagues benefit from a structured induction, a supported six‑month probationary period, and a strong coaching culture led by in‑house Level 5 trained coaches. Employees also enjoy lifestyle and wellbeing benefits, including eligibility for a TOTUM and Blue Light Card, free eye tests, free use of our onsite gym, cycle‑to‑work scheme, discounted Plumpton produce and courses, free onsite parking, and access to our Employee Assistance Programme. Our commitment to wellbeing and community is further demonstrated through active EDI and Sustainability committees, regular staff events and social activities throughout the year.

We reserve the right to interview or close the vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications. Early applications are strongly encouraged. Plumpton College is committed to the promotion of equal opportunities and is dedicated to pursuing non‑discriminatory policies and practices and eliminating unfair discrimination on any basis. Plumpton is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of learners and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Apply now to lead three exciting curriculum areas and make a lasting impact on learners, industry and the wider sector.