Chief Executive Officer

Public Leaders Appointments; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Wild Planet Trust is seeking a dynamic Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation into a transformative era. The successful candidate will have proven leadership experience in a commercially driven context and a passion for conservation. They will bring innovative strategies to grow visitor engagement and revenue while upholding the Trust’s commitment to animal welfare and public engagement.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in senior leadership of complex organisations.
• Strong strategic and entrepreneurial mindset with a record of driving growth.
• Experience managing capital projects (£1-5m) and achieving revenue diversification.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a long-term vision and strategy for growth.
• Lead Senior Leadership Team, inspiring operational excellence.
• Oversee zoos and nature reserves ensuring animal welfare and visitor experiences.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Thinking

Relationship Building

Fundraising

Innovation

Customer Engagement

Job description

Wild Planet Trust is an education, scientific and conservation charity established in 1955, owning two prominent UK zoos (Paignton Zoo in Devon and Newquay Zoo in Cornwall), three nature reserves, and delivering impactful international conservation projects. We welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, engage communities in conservation education, and care for endangered species both locally and globally.

This is a rare opportunity to align personal purpose with professional leadership, spearheading an organisation dedicated to protecting species and habitats for future generations.

Following significant challenges in recent years, Wild Planet Trust is entering an exciting new era. Under the steady leadership of our interim CEO, we have stabilised operations and are now poised for ambitious transformation. We are seeking a visionary and commercially astute Chief Executive Officer to build on our strong foundations, drive growth in visitor engagement and revenue, and amplify our impact in conservation and education.

The Role

As CEO, you will:

• Develop and implement a bold, long-term vision and strategy to grow the Trust’s reach, revenue, and influence.
• Lead a talented Senior Leadership Team, inspiring innovation, collaboration, and operational excellence.
• Oversee the Trust’s zoos, nature reserves, and international projects, ensuring outstanding animal welfare and visitor experiences.
• Champion fundraising efforts to support capital investment in zoo facilities and conservation programmes.
• Serve as the Trust’s primary ambassador, building relationships with stakeholders, government, partners, and the public.
• Maintain robust governance, compliance, and financial sustainability across all operations.

About You

We are looking for a dynamic leader who combines:

• Proven experience in senior leadership of a complex, commercially driven organisation
• A strong strategic mindset and entrepreneurial flair, with a record of driving growth and innovation.
• Success in managing capital projects (£1-5m) and achieving revenue diversification.
• Outstanding relationship-building skills, with a proven ability to secure partnerships, sponsorships, and stakeholder confidence.
• Insight into customer / visitor attractions or the leisure sector, with a strong commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences.
• A deep personal commitment to conservation, sustainability, and public engagement.

This is a rare opportunity to align personal purpose with professional leadership, spearheading an organisation dedicated to protecting species and habitats for future generations.

How to Apply

Full details are in the attached brief. For a confidential conversation, please contact our recruitment partners at Public Leaders Appointments.

To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter (max. 3 sides of A4 each) explaining your motivation and suitability for the roleby midday on Thursday 14th August 2025, quoting reference Wild Planet.

Wild Planet Trust is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds.

Interviews: 2nd – 4th September 2025 (in Paignton)