Harkness 1879 Rose Company
Global Digital Content & Social Media Executive
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Full Time | Hybrid Working (3 days office / 2 days home)
Location: Upper Caldecote, Bedfordshire
Help Shape the Future of One of Britain's Most Historic Rose Brands
Established in 1879, Harkness Roses is one of the UK's leading rose breeders, renowned for creating award-winning roses enjoyed by gardeners around the world. Alongside Harkness Roses, we also own and operate Ise Garden Centre, an independent garden centre with exciting plans for future growth.
We are looking for an enthusiastic, creative and ambitious Digital Content & Social Media Executive to join our growing team.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone at the beginning of their marketing career who wants to gain hands-on experience building an internationally recognised consumer brand. You'll have real responsibility from day one, working across digital marketing, content creation, photography, video production, events and brand development.
Our ambition is simple: to build Harkness Roses into one of the world's leading rose brands.
If you enjoy creating engaging content, telling great stories and helping brands grow internationally, we'd love to hear from you.
About the Role
Reporting directly to the leadership team, you will take ownership of the day-to-day management of our social media channels while helping develop our digital presence across both Harkness Roses and Ise Garden Centre.
Working within a small, friendly and supportive team, you'll have the opportunity to make a genuine impact on the future direction of our business.
This role offers an exciting blend of creativity, strategy and practical marketing, with opportunities to work alongside leading retailers, international partners and some of the most prestigious horticultural events in the world.
Key Responsibilities
Social Media Management
- Manage and grow the social media presence of both Harkness Roses and Ise Garden Centre.
- Plan, create and publish engaging content across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest and emerging platforms.
- Develop and maintain a structured content calendar.
- Monitor engagement, respond to customer enquiries and build online communities.
- Track analytics and provide regular performance reports with recommendations for improvement.
Content Creation
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- Photograph and film roses, gardens, products and seasonal content.
- Produce engaging short-form videos including Instagram Reels, TikTok and YouTube Shorts.
- Create compelling visual and written content for websites, email marketing and social media.
- Edit photography and video to a professional standard.
- Tell the story of our heritage, innovation, rose breeding programme and partnerships.
Brand Development
- Support the continued growth of Harkness Roses as an international consumer brand by creating engaging content for:
- Direct-to-consumer sales in the UK
- UK garden centre and retail partners
- International markets including:
- United Kingdom
- Europe
- United States
- China
- Japan
- Working alongside our distributors and international partners to help deliver consistent global messaging while recognising local audiences.
Retail & Partner Marketing
- Support our network of UK garden retailers by:
- Creating promotional social media assets.
- Producing seasonal campaign content.
- Developing product launch materials.
- Helping retailers maximise engagement with the Harkness Roses brand.
Events
- Represent the business at major RHS consumer events, including:
- RHS Chelsea Flower Show
- RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival (where applicable)
- RHS Malvern Spring Festival
- Other consumer gardening events throughout the year.
- Responsibilities will include:
- Live social media coverage
- Photography and video creation
- Interviews and behind-the-scenes content
- Supporting the marketing team before, during and after each event
- Helping showcase new rose launches and promotions
- Some weekend and occasional evening work will be required during show season, with time off in lieu where appropriate.
Marketing Support
- Assist with website content updates.
- Support email marketing campaigns.
- Research social media trends and emerging technologies.
- Work with photographers, designers and external marketing partners.
- Help identify influencer, media and partnership opportunities.
- Use AI tools such as ChatGPT to support content planning, campaign development and creative ideas.
About You
We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, creative, organised and excited by the opportunity to help grow an internationally recognised brand.
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This role would suit a recent graduate or someone with one or two years' experience looking to develop their career within a supportive business.
Essential
- Degree in Marketing, Digital Marketing, Communications, Media, Journalism or a related discipline.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organisational and planning skills.
- Creative flair with an eye for photography and visual storytelling.
- Good understanding of major social media platforms.
- Confident using Microsoft Office and digital marketing tools.
- Willingness to travel throughout the UK for events.
- Full UK driving licence (or working towards obtaining one).
Desirable
- Experience creating content for social media.
- Photography and videography skills.
- Experience using Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud or similar software.
- Knowledge of Meta Business Suite.
- Understanding of SEO and website content.
- Experience using AI tools within marketing.
- Interest in gardening, plants, lifestyle or consumer brands.
What We Offer
- Salary: £28,000–£40,000 (depending on experience)
- Hybrid working (3 days office / 2 days home)
- Company pension
- Staff discount
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Opportunity to attend prestigious RHS Flower Shows
- Opportunity to work with international customers and partners
- Professional camera equipment and software provided
- The chance to help shape the future of two exciting brands
Why Join Harkness Roses?
Harkness Roses has been breeding exceptional roses for over 145 years, but we're only just getting started.
Our ambition is to become one of the world's most admired rose brands by combining our rich heritage with fresh ideas, engaging digital storytelling and world-class customer experiences.
You'll join a small team where your ideas matter, your creativity is encouraged and your work will be seen by gardeners, retailers and partners across the UK, Europe, North America and Asia.
If you're looking for a role where you can grow professionally while helping build an internationally recognised British brand, we'd love to hear from you.
Join us and help inspire the next generation of gardeners around the world.
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