Head of Sea Trust

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.

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the development and delivery of the SEA LIFE Trust’s long‑term strategic plan, ensuring alignment with conservation priorities and organisational sustainability.
• Secure Board approval for strategy and growth initiatives, translating vision into actionable business plans.
• Provide leadership across the Trust’s operations, conservation programmes, 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 organisation to media, donors, NGOs, governments, and policymakers.
• Strengthen partnerships with Merlin Entertainments, SEA LIFE attractions, and external conservation organisations.
• 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.

• SEA LIFE Trust Board – Governance, strategic oversight, approval of budgets and strategy
• Chief Legal Officer & Head of ESG – Strategic direction and governance alignment
• Divisional Director CWE – Alignment with Merlin Entertainments strategy
• Trust Senior Leadership Team – Operational delivery across fundraising, finance, and operations
• SEA LIFE Network & Merlin Stakeholders – Fundraising initiatives, campaigns, and awareness
• External Stakeholders (NGOs, Government, Media, Donors) – Advocacy, partnerships, and conservation impact

• Minimum 3 years’ senior international leadership experience, ideally within a charity, NGO, conservation organisation, or multi‑site visitor attraction environment.
• Proven experience managing complex financial environments, including budgets, fundraising targets, and income diversification.
• Strong…