Horticultural manager

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:

• horticulture and management
• commercial horticulture
• horticulture and plant science

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

You could work towards this role by doing a college course in a relevant subject like:

• Level 3 Diploma in Horticulture
• Level 3 Certificate in Practical Horticulture
• Level 4 Diploma in Horticultural Practice

You can also complete Royal Horticultural Society qualifications.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
• 1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

You can work towards this role by starting with a horticulture supervisor advanced apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

There are no set entry requirements but it may help you to get in if you have:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

You could work your way into this role by starting out as a horticultural worker and applying for promotion when you've got more experience and qualifications.

Some larger companies have graduate management trainee schemes for the fresh food, produce and arable industries.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a horticultural manager from The Royal Horticultural Society and Grow Careers.

You'll need:

• knowledge of biology
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• business management skills
• analytical thinking skills
• the ability to motivate and manage staff
• the ability to sell products and services
• excellent verbal communication skills
• customer service skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Your day-to-day duties may include:

• preparing and updating operational and business plans
• keeping records and managing budgets and accounts
• analysing costs
• developing new products and markets, and negotiating with suppliers
• designing layouts and developing planting programmes
• scheduling the planting and harvesting of crops
• managing pest, disease and weed control programmes
• making sure health and safety regulations and procedures are followed
• recruiting and managing a skilled and trained workforce

You could work in an office or at a garden centre.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.