Garden Manager
Sufra NW London
Brent, London
Posted: 23 Apr 2025
Deadline: 19 May 2025
Compensation: £36,565 per annum full-time (£21,939 part-time)
Paid Part-time Permanent
Job description
We are recruiting a Garden Manager to work closely with the Senior Leadership team at Sufra to support the development and expansion of the Community Garden, and to manage the team of garden staff and volunteers. Using the Community Garden as a focal point, the charity has developed an interrelated range of food growing and education projects that seek to engage people of all ages and backgrounds.
Alongside practical educational outdoor experience, the successful candidate will understand how to design educational programmes that are accessible and engaging for a range of audiences, including school children and young people, adults with additional needs, and wider community. Project management and organisational skills are also essential, as well as excellent oral and written communication skills and a flexible, positive and can-do attitude.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
To fully manage St. Raphael’s Edible Garden, and deliver a range of programmes that inspire, educate and engage a wide range of audiences.
General Responsibilities
- Lead on the development of St. Raphael’s Edible Garden as a flagship outdoor space for the whole community to enjoy.
- Provide line management, supervision and support to the Garden Team (Community Grower and Learning and Outreach Officer)
- Supervise current and on-going capital works to improve the infrastructure of the site.
- Develop a regular schedule of activities on St. Raphael’s Edible Garden that reflect the interests of the local community.
- Undertake regular dynamic risk assessments and uphold the highest standards of health and safety to protect users of the site.
- Lead on a robust budget management by monitoring garden expenditure and developing budgets.
- Work with the Programmes Manager in the development and delivery of an annual Action Plan for the garden.
- Assist the garden team in the creation of individual workplans related to their respective roles
- Follow Sufra’s safeguarding policies and respond appropriately to disclosures or concerns which relate to the well-being of a child and adults at risk
Learning & Outreach
- Work with the Programmes Manager to develop, expand and improve Sufra’s learning and outreach programmes for adults, children and young people.
- Oversee external facilitators and/or where necessary deliver accredited training in horticulture and environmental awareness to both adults and children with a range of skill and ability levels.
- Oversee the children and young people’s learning and outreach activities
- Increase engagement and participation in programmes delivered on and off site among a wide range of regular and one-off volunteers, including local residents, children and young people, vulnerable adults, older people, faith groups and corporate/public-sector teams.
- Develop community partnerships to establish other community led growing spaces.
- Promote and champion St. Raphael’s Edible Garden at local events and in different community forums and develop community partnerships for more growing opportunities across the borough.
Volunteer Management
- Co-produce a local community steering group for the garden that meets quarterly and provide members with the opportunity to influence the development of the garden.
- Provide induction, support and supervision to enhance the volunteer programme in the garden and contribute to the personal development and retention of volunteers.
- Ensure there is a robust corporate volunteering schedule of activities which enhance the maintenance of St Raph’s Edible Garden.
Monitoring & Evaluation
- Maintain accurate records of service delivery and outcomes.
- Collect feedback from volunteers and beneficiary groups to improve the facility and develop new programmes of work.
- Provide regular and timely monitoring reports on programme outputs, outcomes and expenditure for funders, the Senior Leadership Team and the Board of Trustees.
Additional Duties
- Take part in supervisions, personal development training and appraisals.
- Undertake any other reasonable duties to support the operations of the charity.
Application information
To apply for this role, please submit the following documents by email to admin@sufra-nwlondon.org.uk.
- An up-to-date CV
- A Covering Letter (no more than 2 sides)
- Equal Opportunities Form (also available on our website) by email to admin@sufra-nwlondon.org.uk.
In your Cover Letter please respond to the following questions;
- Why do you think you are suitable for this role and why do you want to work at Sufra?
- What experience do you have in managing or working in community gardens or similar outdoor spaces?
- As a Community Garden Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing a team of volunteers and staff. Can you describe your experience with line management, including how you motivate, support, and guide team members?
- How do you engage local community members to actively participate in a community garden or similar project? Please describe any strategies you have used to foster a sense of shared ownership within the community.
Please mention Roots to Work when applying for these jobs
About Sufra NW London
Sufra is a charity in North West London that prevents hunger, fights poverty and builds
community. With the help of our volunteers and partners, we coordinate a network of food banks, kitchens, a community shop and café. These act as a gateway for guests to access more holistic support – including welfare advice, asylum support and our award-winning community garden.
