At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead international partnerships and drive growth for a prestigious rose brand.
- Company: Join David Austin Roses, a globally admired heritage brand in horticulture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, generous holiday, and travel opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a collaborative culture and exceptional career development in a beautiful countryside location.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a family-owned business with a focus on quality and relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing commercial relationships in premium sectors.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Seymour John is delighted to be partnering exclusively with David Austin Roses in the appointment of a Senior Commercial Partnerships Manager. This is a retained search assignment and represents a rare opportunity to join one of Britain’s most admired heritage brands, helping shape the future of its international Cut Roses business.
For over sixty years, David Austin Roses has been globally recognised for breeding some of the world’s most celebrated roses. Alongside its renowned Garden Roses business sits a growing international Cut Roses division, built around a carefully selected network of licensed growers supplying premium floral markets worldwide. As the business enters its next phase of development, we are seeking a commercially minded partnership leader to strengthen these strategically important relationships and help drive sustainable long-term growth.
The Opportunity
Reporting directly to the Company Director, you will take ownership of David Austin’s international grower and licensing partnerships across Ecuador, Colombia, Kenya and other key global markets. This is not a traditional sales role. Instead, it combines commercial partnership management, international relationship leadership, market insight and brand stewardship within a premium global business. You’ll work closely with senior stakeholders across Commercial, Marketing and Breeding functions, helping to ensure the David Austin brand continues to be represented at the highest possible standard around the world.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading strategic relationships across the international grower network
- Managing pricing discussions, portfolio performance and commercial planning
- Driving greater visibility around royalties, variety performance and growth opportunities
- Supporting new variety launches and market introductions
- Gathering commercial and market insight to influence future decisions
- Representing David Austin Roses at international trade events and industry exhibitions
About You
We’re interested in speaking with commercially credible individuals who thrive in relationship‑led environments. You may already be working within:
- Horticulture or floriculture
- Premium FMCG
- Luxury goods
- Wine & Spirits
- International distribution
- Branded licensing
- Specialist B2B partnership environments
You’ll bring experience managing strategically important commercial relationships and possess the confidence to operate across international markets and cultures. Most importantly, you’ll understand how to balance commercial performance with long‑term brand value.
Why David Austin Roses?
This opportunity offers far more than a traditional commercial management position. You’ll join a globally recognised, family‑owned business where quality, reputation and long‑term relationships sit at the heart of every decision.
Highlights include:
- Working directly with one of the world’s most respected horticultural brands
- International travel across Latin America, Africa, Europe and the USA
- Genuine influence and visibility within the business
- Ownership of a focused, high‑value commercial portfolio
- Hybrid working and an exceptional Shropshire countryside location
- A collaborative, values‑led culture built around craftsmanship, integrity and long‑term thinking
Package
- £50,000 - £65,000 depending upon experience
- Hybrid working (4 days office / 1 day remote)
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Pension contributions
- Employee discounts
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Learning & Development opportunities
- International travel opportunities
Senior Commercial Partnerships Manager employer: Trades Workforce Solutions
David Austin Roses is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work with one of Britain's most cherished heritage brands in a role that combines commercial partnership management with international relationship leadership. With a strong focus on quality and long-term relationships, employees benefit from a collaborative culture, hybrid working arrangements, and the chance to travel internationally while contributing to the growth of a globally recognised brand in the beautiful Shropshire countryside.
Contact Details:
Trades Workforce Solutions Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Commercial Partnerships Manager
✨Get Hands-On at Local Events
Hit up local horticulture fairs, plant shows, and farmer’s markets. These gatherings are a goldmine for networking and usually attract employers looking for passionate candidates. Chat with the vendors and fellow enthusiasts; you never know who might know about a full-time opening at a place like Trades Workforce Solutions.
✨Join Gardening Clubs and Online Communities
Become part of local gardening clubs or online forums where like-minded folks share tips and job leads. These communities can often clue you in on upcoming vacancies. Remember, people in these groups often work in the industry and can help us get our foot in the door at places like Trades Workforce Solutions.
✨Show Off Your Green Thumb
Consider creating a public portfolio showcasing your gardening projects, designs, or any unique plants you've cultivated. A well-documented journey through your horticulture experiences can make you stand out when chasing full-time roles. It’s basically your way of shouting, 'Look at what I can do!' to potential employers.
✨Apply Early and Often!
The horticulture field can be competitive, especially for full-time roles. Keep an eye on seasonal hiring trends and don’t hesitate to apply as soon as positions open up. Check out our website regularly for openings at Trades Workforce Solutions; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commercial Partnerships Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:In horticulture, it's all about showcasing your hands-on experience. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant gardening, landscaping, or plant care roles you've held. Also, don’t forget to mention any specific skills like plant identification or pest management that make you a great fit for the position at Trades Workforce Solutions.
Include Certifications and Training:If you've got any horticulture-related certifications, such as in organic gardening or landscape design, be sure to include them. This will set you apart from other applicants and show that you’re committed to expanding your knowledge in the field, which is crucial for a full-time role like Senior Commercial Partnerships Manager.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Trades Workforce Solutions is looking for. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on or challenges you've overcome in previous horticultural roles to demonstrate your suitability for the full-time position.
Be Ready to Talk Numbers:When applying for a full-time role in horticulture, it's helpful to quantify your achievements. Did you increase crop yields or reduce waste in a previous job? Highlight these metrics in your CV to give hiring managers at Trades Workforce Solutions a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Trades Workforce Solutions
✨Get to Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge! Be prepared to discuss specific species, their growth requirements, and potential pests. Remember, the role involves practical horticultural skills – so don’t be shy about sharing your hands-on experience with various plants and gardening techniques.
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
If you've worked on garden designs, landscaping projects, or community gardens, bring along a portfolio showcasing your work. Visuals speak a thousand words, and this will help us see your creativity and practical skills in action. Plus, don’t forget to have a few stories about challenges you faced and how you overcame them!
✨Be Ready for a Plant Quiz
Prepare for some technical questions related to horticulture! We may ask you about soil types, plant propagation methods, or pest management strategies. This helps us assess your depth of knowledge and problem-solving skills – so don’t skip the revision!
✨Passion for Sustainability
Horticulture often revolves around sustainability practices, so be ready to discuss any experience you have with eco-friendly gardening methods or sustainable designs. This role at Trades Workforce Solutions might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
