Head of Sea Life Trust

Job Description

What you'll bring to the team

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.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Lead 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.

Sanctuary Development & Conservation Impact

• 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.

Financial Leadership

• 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.

Governance & Compliance

• 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.

Stakeholder & Partnership Management

• 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.

Leadership & Team Development

• 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.

Key Stakeholder Interfaces

StakeholderFocusSEA LIFE Trust BoardGovernance, strategic oversight, approval of budgets and strategyChief Legal Officer & Head of ESGStrategic direction and governance alignmentDivisional Director CWEAlignment with Merlin Entertainments strategyTrust Senior Leadership TeamOperational delivery across fundraising, finance, and operationsSEA LIFE Network & Merlin StakeholdersFundraising initiatives, campaigns, and awarenessExternal Stakeholders (NGOs, Government, Media, Donors)Advocacy, partnerships, and conservation impact

Qualifications & Experience

Experience & Qualifications

• 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.

Key Skills & Competencies

Strategic Leadership

Ability to establish long-term organizational vision and translate it into actionable plans that drive conservation impact and financial sustainability.

Financial & Commercial Acumen

Experience managing multi-million-pound budgets, income diversification strategies, and long-term funding models.

Governance & Compliance

Strong understanding of charity governance, regulatory frameworks, and board reporting requirements.

Stakeholder Engagement

Highly skilled at building trusted relationships with boards, donors, NGOs, government stakeholders, and internal leadership teams.

Communications & Public Advocacy

Confident public spokesperson with experience representing organizations in media, campaigns, and policy forums.

Team Leadership

Proven ability to build, lead, and develop high-performing teams while fostering a collaborative and purpose-driven culture.

Innovation & Problem Solving

Ability to address complex challenges, particularly in sanctuary development and conservation initiatives.

Leadership Behaviors

Soulfully Curious

Leaders who actively seek knowledge, explore diverse perspectives, and remain open to new ideas when navigating complex challenges.

Results Focused

Leaders who set clear goals, monitor progress, and take accountability for achieving outcomes while learning from both successes and failures.

Extraordinary Teammate

Leaders who collaborate across teams, share knowledge openly, and contribute positively to organizational culture.

Develops People

Leaders who actively coach, mentor, and support the growth and development of their teams.

Benefits

We’re growing fast and alongside a fun and friendly environment, we offer a fabulous package and amazing prospects – ideal if you’re already fantastic and want to become even better (our magic can help here). Benefits include Pension, Life Assurance, discretionary company bonus, 25 days’ holiday and, of course, a Merlin Magic Pass which gives you and your friends and family free admission to all of our attractions worldwide, as well as 25% discount in our retail shops and restaurants and 40% discount on LEGO.

Pay Range

Competitive