Chief Executive Officer

Location: Paignton Zoo, Devon (with regular travel to Newquay Zoo and nationally)
Salary: £105,000+ depending on experience (relocation package up to £5,000)
Contract: Full-time, permanent

Help halt species decline. Lead a world-class conservation charity into its next chapter.

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.

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.