Non-Profit & Social Impact Head, General Management

Role Overview

The Head of the SEA LIFE Trust provides strategic leadership, commercial oversight, and operational direction for one of the world’s leading marine conservation charities. The role is responsible for ensuring the Trust continues to grow as a credible, impactful, and financially sustainable organization while advancing global marine conservation initiatives.

This leader will oversee the strategic development of the Beluga Whale Sanctuary in Iceland and the Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Cornwall, while expanding fundraising, conservation campaigns, and partnerships worldwide. The role also serves as the public voice of the organization—representing the Trust with key stakeholders including NGOs, government bodies, media, and global conservation partners.

Working closely with the SEA LIFE Trust Board, Merlin Entertainments stakeholders, and external partners, the Head of the SEA LIFE Trust will ensure strong governance, financial sustainability, and continued impact across conservation, advocacy, and visitor engagement initiatives.

• The development and delivery of the SEA LIFE Trust’s long-term strategic plan, ensuring alignment with conservation priorities and organizational sustainability.
• Secure Board approval for strategy and growth initiatives, translating vision into actionable business plans.
• Provide leadership across the Trust’s operations, conservation programs, and fundraising initiatives.

• Oversee the continued development of the Beluga Whale Sanctuary in Iceland, ensuring long-term operational sustainability with funding targets exceeding £1M annually.
• Support the strategic development of the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, partnering with the General Manager to drive visitor growth, revenue targets, and operational excellence.
• Expand conservation initiatives and campaigns that raise global awareness of marine protection.

• Lead financial oversight for the Trust’s ~£2M annual turnover, ensuring effective budget management, fundraising performance, and reserves planning.
• Drive diversified income streams through donations, partnerships, campaigns, and SEA LIFE attraction support.
• Ensure responsible allocation of funds toward conservation and operational priorities.

• Ensure the Trust maintains best-in-class charity governance, adhering to Charity Commission regulations and relevant legal requirements.
• Provide oversight and reporting to the SEA LIFE Trust Board, including performance across finance, governance, animal welfare, and visitor KPIs.

• Act as the primary ambassador for the Trust’s mission, representing the organization to media, donors, NGOs, governments, and policymakers.
• Strengthen partnerships with Merlin Entertainments, SEA LIFE attractions, and external conservation organizations.
• Advocate for positive marine conservation policies and initiatives globally.

• Lead and develop the SEA LIFE Trust leadership team across operations, fundraising, and finance.
• Foster a high-performance, purpose-driven culture aligned with the Trust’s conservation mission.
• Support team development, capability building, and long-term succession planning.

• Minimum 3 years’ senior international leadership experience, ideally within a charity, NGO, conservation organization, or multi-site visitor attraction environment.
• Proven experience managing complex financial environments, including budgets, fundraising targets, and income diversification.
• Strong leadership experience managing multi-disciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in complex stakeholder environments.
• Experience developing strategic partnerships and external influence networks.
• Proven track record representing organizations publicly and in media environments.
• Experience engaging with policy makers, donors, and global conservation organizations.
• Strong passion for marine conservation and environmental sustainability.

Ability to establish long-term…