The Assistant Manager, Horticulture job in Saudi Arabia at Rainforest Wild Asia (Mandai Wildlife Reserve) is a unique opportunity for professionals passionate about environmental management, horticulture, and biodiversity conservation. This position plays a key role in maintaining and enhancing one of Asia’s most extraordinary wildlife and nature destinations. If you have a strong background in plant science, forestry, or horticulture, and enjoy working in an outdoor environment with a purpose, this role allows you to combine your expertise with a mission to protect and celebrate nature.
About the Company For Saudi Arabia
Mandai Wildlife Group is the proud steward of Mandai Wildlife Reserve, an internationally recognized wildlife and nature destination that brings visitors closer to the wonders of the natural world. Located adjacent to Singapore’s Central Catchment Nature Reserve, the reserve is home to world-famous wildlife parks, including the Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, Bird Paradise, and Night Safari.
The group’s mission is to inspire people to value and protect biodiversity through meaningful encounters with wildlife. As part of its ongoing rejuvenation plan, Mandai Wildlife Group is integrating five distinct wildlife parks with nature-based experiences, lush landscapes, public green spaces, and a world-class eco-friendly resort. This transformation reflects the organization’s dedication to sustainability, conservation, and environmental education.
At Rainforest Wild Asia, part of this visionary project, the focus is on creating immersive rainforest environments that showcase the richness of Asian biodiversity. Working here means contributing to a legacy of care, learning, and stewardship that supports both the planet and future generations.
Responsibilities
As the Assistant Manager, Horticulture, your key duties include:
- Supporting the Assistant Vice President and Manager in overseeing horticulture operations to maintain landscape design standards.
- Guiding and supervising Horticulture Officers to ensure quality and timely completion of landscaping tasks.
- Assisting in transition planning and coordination with the HR and Animal Care Teams for Rainforest Wild Asia.
- Collaborating with the Development Team, consultants, and contractors for defects liability management (DLP), ensuring smooth project handovers.
- Managing daily ground inspections, liaising with internal and external stakeholders, and ensuring contract compliance with quality outcomes.
- Developing and presenting proposals for landscape enhancements, conservation projects, and development initiatives.
- Conducting design reviews for exhibits, aviaries, and back-of-house areas, including cost and lifecycle analysis.
- Analyzing expenditure, proposing annual budgets, and exploring digitization and innovation to improve horticultural productivity.
- Supervising contractor work, recording performance, and suggesting productivity improvements.
- Preparing and reviewing tenders and quotations in collaboration with the Procurement Department, with cost-benefit justifications.
- Creating PowerPoint presentations for internal and external meetings.
- Performing additional duties assigned by the supervisor when required.
Requirements
Candidates for this position should meet the following criteria:
- Bachelor’s or Diploma degree in Plant Science, Botany, Agricultural Science, Horticulture, Forestry Science, or Environmental Science/Management.
- At least 5 years of relevant local experience for degree holders or 10 years for diploma holders.
- Certified Practicing Horticulturist or ISA Certified Arborist credentials are a strong advantage.
- Proficiency in SESAMi and SAP systems preferred.
- Excellent command of written and spoken English.
- Strong communication and negotiation skills to coordinate effectively with multiple stakeholders.
- Proactive, independent, and comfortable working in outdoor environments.
- Strong planning and organizational skills, with a high sense of urgency and ownership.
- Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Flexibility to work on public holidays and weekends on a rotational basis.
Skills and Benefits
Key Skills
- Horticultural planning and management
- Team leadership and supervision
- Landscape design and cost analysis
- Stakeholder communication and negotiation
- Budgeting and expenditure analysis
- Environmental conservation and sustainability awareness
- Project management and problem-solving skills
- Technical knowledge of horticultural software (SESAMi, SAP)
Employee Benefits
- Permanent, full-time employment in a globally recognized wildlife organization
- Opportunity to work in a nature-rich, conservation-focused environment
- Career growth within a prestigious ecological and sustainability brand
- Hands-on training and professional development in environmental management
- Competitive salary package with performance-based rewards
- Inclusion in a supportive, diverse, and eco-conscious work culture
- Opportunity to contribute to international biodiversity and sustainability projects
