Senior Garden Manager

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) requires the services of 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. This position requires a postgraduate qualification in horticulture, life sciences, ecology, biology, botany or equivalent postgraduate qualification at NQF level 8. A relevant postgraduate qualification at NQF level 9 will be an added advantage. This position also requires a minimum of ten years of work experience in the relevant field, five years of which should be at middle management level. The successful candidate will be required to acquire a Senior Management Service Pre‑entry Certificate offered by National School of Government, before assumption of duty. The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: 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. The successful candidate must be a strategic thinker with experience in leadership, good management, coordination, administrative and financial management. The successful candidate will be expected to work out of normal working hours including Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays and be on standby duty. The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to maintain sound interpersonal relations/communications with both internal and external stakeholders and have an excellent spoken and written command of English; experience in the application of software tools including (MS Word, MS Project, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet and Outlook) is essential. The candidate must have a valid Code B/EB driver’s licence and must be willing to travel nationally and internationally. Due to operational requirements the successful candidate will be expected to live in the allocated staff residence. Key performance responsibilities include: 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. Application procedure An application form must accompany the CV together with a letter motivating why the applicant should be favourably 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 skills test and competency assessment will be conducted as part of the selection process. Applicants must also provide the full names, addresses and telephone numbers and e‑mail addresses of at least three referees. Failure to submit the requested information and reference number may result in your application not being considered. Personal Information will be processed by SANBI for purposes of assessing your suitability for the advertised position. SANBI may also share your personal information including special personal information with service providers or third parties, both within the Republic of South Africa and in other jurisdictions, to carry out verification of qualifications and other necessary documents, background and reference checks, competency assessment tests, and criminal record checks. In this regard, by virtue of your application, you acknowledge that SANBI’s authorised verification agent(s) and service providers will access your personal information including special personal information to conduct background screening, verification of qualifications and other necessary documents, reference checks, competency assessment tests, and criminal record checks. 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. 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, candidates may consider their applications unsuccessful. Closes Tuesday, 02 December 2025Job type: PermanentSalary: R per annumLocation: Newlands, Cape Town #J-18808-Ljbffr