At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Trebah Garden, ensuring exceptional visitor experiences and organisational sustainability.
- Company: Trebah Garden, a nationally recognised charity and stunning subtropical garden in Cornwall.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a real impact in a beautiful environment with a dedicated team.
- Other info: We value diversity and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Join a respected organisation and lead its next chapter in a unique setting.
- Qualifications: Experienced leader with strong commercial judgement and people management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Trebah Garden is one of Cornwall’s most treasured visitor attractions and one of the finest subtropical gardens in the world. Welcoming more than 113,000 visitors each year, Trebah combines horticultural excellence with a thriving charitable and commercial operation encompassing retail, catering, events, education and membership.
We are seeking an outstanding Chief Executive Officer to lead Trebah into its next chapter. Trebah is financially strong, operationally mature and highly respected, so this is not a role requiring major transformation. Our next Chief Executive will build on these strong foundations, providing inspirational leadership to a talented team and ensuring that this remarkable charitable organisation continues to flourish for generations to come.
Reporting to the Chair and Council of Management, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across all aspects of the organisation. You will act as the public face of Trebah, fostering strong relationships with visitors, members, volunteers, partners and stakeholders, while maintaining an unwavering focus on delivering an exceptional visitor experience, organisational sustainability and charitable impact.
We are looking for an experienced, values-led leader with strong commercial judgement and excellent people leadership skills. You may come from tourism, hospitality, leisure, heritage, culture, retail or another customer-focused environment. Whilst an appreciation of horticulture and heritage is important, your ability to lead people, manage complex operations and balance commercial success with organisational purpose is what matters most.
This is a rare opportunity to lead a nationally recognised destination, successful charity and dedicated team in one of the most spectacular working environments in the country. Few leadership roles offer the chance to combine commercial success, environmental stewardship and community impact in such a unique setting.
For full details, please download the candidate brief and contact Anna Jay, Managing Director of Public Leaders Appointments for a confidential discussion.
How to Apply
In order to apply, please submit a CV which should be supported by a covering letter of no more than 3 sides of A4. Your cover letter should outline your motivations for applying, and highlight how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the requirements of our new CEO. Applications to be submitted by midday on Tuesday 4 August 2026 with reference ‘Trebah’. (Applications must include a focused cover letter in order to be considered). Please also provide contact details for two professional references. Referees should be people who can comment authoritatively on you as a person and as an employee and will not be contacted without your prior consent.
Equality, diversity and inclusion are all integral to our organisational ethos and values. It is critically important to us that every Trebah employee works in an inclusive environment which has a culture of mutual regard and respect. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.
Closing Date: Midday, 4 August 2026 Interviews: 8, 9 and 10 September 2026
Locations
Chief Inclusion Officer in Cornwall, Falmouth employer: TREBAH GARDEN TRUST
Trebah Garden Trust offers an exceptional work environment where passion for nature and community engagement thrives. As a leader in the charity sector, we provide our employees with opportunities for professional growth, a collaborative work culture, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a stunning garden setting. Join us to inspire others while enjoying the unique benefits of working in one of the UK's most beautiful locations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Inclusion Officer in Cornwall, Falmouth
✨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 TREBAH GARDEN TRUST.
✨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 TREBAH GARDEN TRUST.
✨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 TREBAH GARDEN TRUST; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Inclusion Officer in Cornwall, Falmouth
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 TREBAH GARDEN TRUST.
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 Chief Inclusion Officer.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what TREBAH GARDEN TRUST 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 TREBAH GARDEN TRUST a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at TREBAH GARDEN TRUST
✨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 TREBAH GARDEN TRUST might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.