The Project / Background In 2018 Kew’s strategic objective for Wakehurst was to be a ‘world-leading botanic garden’ which requires purpose and ambition beyond the local leisure market – an approach epitomised by the transformative and celebrated Millennium Seed Bank, constructed in 2000. To grow this vision further and make it reality, Kew have spent the last four years developing a robust masterplan for Wakehurst, which sets out a clear strategic path to grow the site into a world leading botanic garden with a focus on science and education. The aim is to transition the site from the local to the national stage becoming an exemplar attraction and world leader in horticultural research. While the Millennium Seed Bank represented a modern and strategic investment in science at Wakehurst, the sites aging greenhouses and plant nurseries fall well short of current research and conservation standards. Their location in the Walled Garden also blocks possible engagement and restoration projects with potential to unlock increased visitation and new audiences. Therefore, replacing these structures has been identified as the first step in delivering the Wakehurst Masterplan, allowing Kew to further capitalise on the capabilities of the Millennium Seed Bank and open new and internationally important avenues for science and horticultural research. Consequently, the Wakehurst Conservation and Research Nursery project was launched in 2020 with aim of constructing new energy efficient and controllable greenhouses to create a state-of-the-art conservation and research nursery. The project is now well advanced and is a flagship development for the organisation. Funding is secured, outline plans have been drawn-up and approval for the development has been sought from the statutory authorities. The project is set as a strategic priority for Kew and is now well placed for delivery. The Estates team have therefore begun the search for a Senior Project Manager to lead the completion of the design and the delivery of the project. The Role The Senior Project Manager for the Wakehurst Masterplan will play a lead role in the planning, development and delivery of the proposed Conservation and Research Nursery. The post holder will be a highly skilled, client-side project manager with significant experience of delivering complex construction projects (including significant M&E packages) on protected and constrained sites. Acting as client representative, the role requires expert communication skills and an ability to manage a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders. Alongside this specific project the post holder will support the early-stage development of future phases of the
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