Senior Garden Manager

Senior Garden Manager South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) Referral deadline: 02 December 2025 Region: Cape Town Salary: R per annum Type of employment: Full‑time Reference Number: GKBC/2025/016 Job type: Permanent Location: Newlands, Cape Town. The successful candidate will be expected to live in the allocated staff residence. The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) requires a self‑motivated, innovative, business focused and results‑driven individual who will lead and direct a team in the efficient strategic and operational management of an internationally renowned National Botanical Garden. The successful candidate will ensure the conservation and appreciation of the natural, cultural and historic values of the Botanical Garden through the development and implementation of strategic and operational plans and programmes, consistent with statutory responsibilities and corporate policies. Roles and Responsibilities Manage the operations of the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, its associated Estates and infrastructure. Foster strategic partnerships with local, national and international stakeholders. Increase garden‑based income through marketing and tourism initiatives and source funding for sustaining the operations. Represent the Garden on various management committees, as appropriate. Improve workplace safety, health and environment. Manage financial resources, budget and garden development projects. Human Capital Development and implementation of SANBI’s sustainable transformation agenda. Qualifications and Requirements This position requires: A postgraduate qualification in horticulture, life sciences, ecology, biology, botany or an equivalent postgraduate qualification at NQF level 8. A relevant postgraduate qualification at NQF level 9 will be an added advantage. Minimum of 10 years of work experience in the relevant field, of which 5 years should be at middle‑management level. The successful candidate must acquire a Senior Management Service Pre‑entry Certificate offered by the National School of Government before assumption of duty. Competencies Ability to lead a diverse team in the management and administration of a nature‑based and eco‑tourism facility, with sound and sustainable business principles. Strategic thinker with experience in leadership, good management, coordination, administrative and financial management. Expected to be available during normal working hours, including Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays and on standby duty. Excellent interpersonal relations/communications with internal and external stakeholders and strong spoken and written command of English. Proficient with software tools including MS Word, MS Project, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet and Outlook. Valid Code B/EB driver’s licence and willingness to travel nationally and internationally. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. SANBI reserves the right not to fill this position. All applications will be considered with the understanding that, in terms of the SANBI Employment Equity Plan, preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups. How to Apply An APPLICATION FORM must accompany the CV, together with a letter motivating why the applicant should be favorably considered for this position, and certified qualifications confirming that the minimum qualifications are met (applicants lacking evidence of meeting minimum qualifications and relevant experience will not be considered). A competency test will be conducted as part of the selection process. Applicants must also provide the full names, addresses and telephone numbers and if possible e‑mail addresses of at least three referees. Failure to submit the requested information and reference number shall result in your application not being considered. Contact Mr Vusumuzi Mncwango on (012) 002 5252 / 082 737 2125 for any queries. Applications consisting of the completed application form, motivation letter, concise CV and certified qualifications should be submitted via e‑mail to . Candidates are expected to be available for selection interviews on a date and time as determined by SANBI. If no response has been received within 30 days of the closing date, applicants must consider their applications unsuccessful. #J-18808-Ljbffr