Director of Finance & Corporate Services

As the UK’s largest gardening charity, our vision is a world where gardening is embraced as a way of life – a source of joy and fulfilment, building healthier lives, stronger communities, and thriving environments. Everything we do is built on the transformational power of gardening and the benefits it brings to people, places and our planet. Known globally for our iconic RHS Gardens, Flower Shows, and pioneering science research, we welcome over 3 million visitors per year, many from our base of over 626,000 members. Our new strategy outlines our mission to be there for everyone, every step of the way on their lifelong adventure with gardening - including beginners, children, city dwellers and those without access to a garden.

We are seeking an exceptional leader to join our team as the Director of Finance and Corporate Services who will help us build on our remarkable achievements as well as to help us continue to shape and evolve our strategy. This pivotal role will be key in shaping the strategic financial direction of the RHS, providing robust, consistent and expert financial management and commercial focus, business analysis and drive. You will be responsible for managing a turnover of over £120m, large-scale reserves and significant investments as well as providing leadership and direction for the finance, health and safety and legal functions.

The RHS wishes to encourage applications from senior leaders drawn from a wide variety of backgrounds. You will be a qualified, strategic leader with a track record of leading in a complex, multi-faceted organisation. You will have experience of managing critical organisational support functions, a high degree of commercial awareness and business acumen as well as strong resource, financial and programme management skills. You will bring deep expertise in strategic financial planning, financial practice and accounting standards. You will be an experienced people leader and manager, have strong communication and interpersonal skills and success in creating, leading, inspiring and motivating a high performing, multi-disciplined team and collaborating with a wide range of colleagues and stakeholders. We are seeking an individual who embodies our commitment to inclusivity, innovation, sustainability, and excellence, and who will lead with integrity and vision. Perhaps most importantly you will have a clear understanding and passion for the RHS purpose and mission.

If you are motivated to help to us achieve our vision, you can apply or download further information on the required qualifications, skills and experience for the role at Perrett Laver: Director of Finance & Corporate Services quoting reference 7378 in your application. The deadline for applications is 9am BST Monday 8th July.

We are committed to developing a fully diverse and inclusive organisation, which attracts and retains talented employees and volunteers from all sectors of society and is therefore representative of not only the people that we currently engage with, but those with whom we seek to engage in the future.

More information on RHS’s commitment to diversity and inclusion can be found here.

The RHS operates a hybrid working model. The position will primarily be based at the RHS Wisley, with an element of travel required to the RHS’ sites across the UK. The compensation and benefits will be commensurate with the seniority of the role.

Perrett Laver will conduct an executive search process in parallel with the public advertisement of the role. For a conversation in confidence, please contact Research Associate Anna Murphy Anna.Murphy@perrettlaver.com

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