General Manager

Job Description

What you'll bring to the team

The SEA LIFE Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary is the world’s first dedicated facility created to provide a more natural home for former captive beluga whales. Located in the breathtaking Westman Islands, Iceland, the sanctuary is at the heart of pioneering marine welfare, conservation, and community engagement.

The sanctuary is also home to an aquarium in our visitor centre, and Iceland’s only Puffin Rescue Centre, which takes in pufflings (baby puffins) and puffins found locally needing help.

https://belugasanctuary.sealifetrust.org/

SEA LIFE Trust is a charity that is supported by Merlin Entertainments, one of the world’s leading visitor attraction operators that is committed to creating memorable experiences and driving impactful ocean conservation. SEA LIFE Trust and the sanctuary are also supported by a range of trusts and foundations, fellow whale welfare experts, and corporate partners.

The Opportunity

Be part of a pioneering whale sanctuary leading the way for others to follow.

We’re seeking an exceptional General Manager to lead both the day-to-day operations of the sanctuary and the delivery of key strategic projects essential to its continued growth and success.

While we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and nationalities, we are especially interested in hearing from Icelandic candidates or individuals already based in Iceland, given the sanctuary’s deep connection to the local environment and community.

Key Responsibilities

Sanctuary Operations

• Oversee all aspects of sanctuary management, ensuring exceptional animal welfare, safety, maintenance and regulatory compliance.
• Lead and develop a dedicated, multidisciplinary team in a unique and remote island environment.
• Curate and deliver outstanding guest experiences and drive SEA LIFE Trust conservation and education goals.
• Financial management of the sanctuary adhering to agreed budgets and financial processes

Project Leadership

• Manage and support a range of strategic and operational projects, including infrastructure, conservation initiatives, and seasonal sanctuary developments.
• Work closely with internal and external partners to drive long-term progress and innovation.
• Ensure projects are executed on time, within budget, and to the highest sustainability and welfare standards.

Qualifications & Experience

You will be successful in this role if you bring:

• Proven leadership and people management experience in a related field such as visitor attractions, zoological operations, aquariums, conservation, or project-based environments
• Strong project management capability and a track record of delivering complex initiatives.
• A deep passion for animal welfare and environmental conservation.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build trusted relationships with local authorities & stakeholders, local contractors, Merlin Entertainment’s teams, and international partners.
• The resilience and adaptability required for remote island operations.
• Budget management and reporting experience and accountability.
• Professional level written and spoken English language.
• Icelandic residency, eligibility to work in Iceland, Icelandic language or knowledge of Icelandic culture are all highly desirable, though not essential (visa sponsorship is available for outstanding international candidates).

Benefits

• A unique leadership role at a globally recognised marine sanctuary
• The opportunity to shape both daily operations and future development projects
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Relocation and visa support where required
• Exceptional career development opportunities through our relationship with Merlin Entertainments
• The chance to contribute directly to marine welfare and Icelandic conservation initiatives

Posted Salary Range

Competitive