General Manager

Prospectus is delighted to be partnering with our client to appoint their next General Manager.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a respected national organisation whose work sits at the intersection of food sustainability, biodiversity, community wellbeing and environmental stewardship.

For more than 90 years, the organisation has championed allotments as vital green spaces that bring people together, support nature, improve health and wellbeing, and help communities grow fresh, local food. Today, the Society represents approximately 125,000 affiliated members and works with allotment associations, local authorities, policymakers and community groups across England and Wales to protect and enhance allotment sites for future generations.

As General Manager, you will be the public face of the organisation and the driving force behind its day-to-day leadership. Reporting to the Management Committee, you will lead a dedicated staff team, work closely with volunteers and regional representatives, and help shape the future direction of the Society at a time when interest in sustainable food production, climate resilience and access to green spaces has never been more important.

This is a highly visible and varied role. You will oversee the Society's operations, governance, finances and staff, while building strong relationships with members, partners and stakeholders.  You will help ensure that allotments continue to play a central role in addressing some of society's most pressing challenges, from food insecurity and environmental sustainability to community cohesion and nature recovery.

We're looking for an experienced leader who combines strategic thinking with emotional intelligence and practical delivery. You will be comfortable balancing competing priorities, engaging with a passionate membership base, and working effectively with a committed Management Committee. Most importantly, you will share the Society's belief that allotments are about far more than growing vegetables. They are places where communities flourish, biodiversity thrives and sustainable living becomes a reality.

You may come from the environmental, sustainability, membership, charity, horticultural or public sectors, but above all you will bring:

• Experience of leading a small or medium-sized organisation, team or operational function.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.
• Experience supporting boards, committees or trustees and navigating governance structures.
• Sound financial and operational management capabilities.
• The confidence to represent an organisation publicly and act as an ambassador for its mission.
• A genuine commitment to sustainability, community engagement and the protection of green spaces.

Knowledge of horticulture, community growing or allotments would be welcomed but is not essential.

If you are excited by the opportunity to lead a national organisation that is helping communities grow food, protect nature and create healthier, more sustainable places to live, we would love to hear from you.

How to Apply
To apply, please submit your CV together with a covering letter outlining your motivation for applying and your experience of leadership within a small or medium-sized organisation.

Should your experience be suitable, Prospectus will arrange an initial briefing conversation to discuss the opportunity in more detail.

At Prospectus, we are committed to supporting all candidates throughout the recruitment process. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity status. If you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage of the process, please contact Catherine Bunting at Prospectus.