At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transformation of nature reserves into vibrant visitor destinations.
- Company: Join Cornwall Wildlife Trust, a leading conservation charity with over 60 years of impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: We celebrate diversity and offer accessible application processes for all.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in nature recovery while fostering community engagement.
- Qualifications: Experience in business development or tourism, with strong leadership and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
Closing date: Sunday 6 July 2025
Salary: Up to £50,000 pro rata
Contract type: Fixed term / Working hours: Part time
Location: Cornwall Wildlife Trust HQ, Five Acres, Allet, Truro, Cornwall, TR4 9DJ
Are you a creative and commercially-minded leader who’s passionate about nature, community, and creating unforgettable visitor experiences? We’re looking for a Business Development Manager to drive forward our exciting Destination Reserves programme, a bold and innovative initiative to reimagine some of Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s flagship nature reserves as vibrant visitor destinations that support conservation, wellbeing, and sustainable income.
About the Role:
This is a rare and exciting opportunity to lead the transformation of how our nature reserves are used and valued, turning them into destination experiences for both local communities and visitors to Cornwall. You’ll shape and deliver an ambitious business development plan to:
- Design and implement income-generating visitor experiences that enhance engagement with nature.
- Develop strategic partnerships with tourism and conservation partners, local businesses and investors.
- Explore and deliver commercial opportunities (such as eco-tourism, events, education and retail) in harmony with conservation priorities.
- Collaborate cross-organisationally to embed innovation, inclusion, and impact.
- Contribute to the long-term sustainability of the Trust by increasing unrestricted income.
About You
We’re looking for someone with:
- A proven track record in business development, enterprise, tourism or visitor experience management, ideally in a charitable or environmental context.
- Strong commercial acumen, creativity, and a passion for nature.
- The ability to think strategically, manage projects from concept to delivery, and engage diverse stakeholders with confidence.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and partnership-building skills.
Most importantly, you’ll be someone who genuinely embodies our values:
- Bringing integrity to every relationship and decision.
- Thriving through collaboration with colleagues and partners.
- Approaching challenges with optimism and creativity.
- Leading and supporting others through empowerment.
- Taking clear accountability for delivering positive outcomes for people and nature.
Why Join Us?
Cornwall Wildlife Trust is the leading conservation charity in Cornwall, with over 60 years of protecting and celebrating our region’s incredible wildlife and wild places. You’ll be joining us at a pivotal time as we deliver our 2030 Strategy and build a more inclusive and sustainable future for nature and people.
We offer:
- A flexible, supportive working culture
- Opportunities to make a real impact in Cornwall’s nature recovery
- A passionate and committed team environment
- Generous annual leave and pension scheme
- A role with purpose, creativity, and opportunity for growth
Benefits:
- Cornwall Wildlife Trust operates excellent toil and flexible working policies
- Enhanced company holiday entitlement – starting at 25 days plus bank holidays and rising to a maximum 30 days over a period of time (1 day extra for each year worked after 4 complete years served)
- 3 days Christmas Business Closure for 2025
- All employees have access to the Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 counselling service) and Employee health and wellbeing portal
- Free onsite parking at Five Acres
- Stakeholder pension scheme (subject to eligibility)
To Apply:
Ready to lead this exciting transformation? Please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability to recruitment@cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk by Midnight on Sunday 6 July 2025. If you would like to arrange an informal conversation about the role, please contact Joanne Greaves, Head of People and Culture, at joanne.greaves@cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk.
Download the Recruitment Pack and Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form here. Interviews will be held week commencing the 14 July 2025 at our Headquarters in Allet.
Together, we can create a wilder Cornwall where nature and people thrive.
Disability Confident Employer:
At Cornwall Wildlife Trust, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace that values diversity and champions the unique talents of every individual. As a proud Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to creating an environment where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive and contribute to our collective success.
As part of our commitment to accessibility, we offer alternative formats for the application process, ensuring that individuals with varying needs can apply with ease. Whether you prefer an alternative application form, Braille, large print, or any other format that suits your requirements, we are here to accommodate you.
Moreover, our interview process is designed to be supportive and considerate. We understand that everyone has different requirements, and we are committed to making reasonable adjustments to ensure a comfortable and accessible interview experience. If you have specific needs or preferences, please let us know in advance, and we will do our utmost to accommodate them.
By choosing to be part of our team, you are joining an organisation that prioritises inclusivity and values the unique contributions of every team member. We celebrate diversity and recognise that our differences make us stronger. Apply now to embark on a journey with us, where your abilities are celebrated, and your individuality is embraced.
Equal Opportunities:
We are committed to ensuring transparent and non-discriminatory recruitment and employment. As a progressive charitable organisation, we champion equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristic.
Business Development Manager - Destination Reserves in Truro employer: Cornwall Wildlife Trust
Cornwall Wildlife Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a flexible and supportive working culture that empowers employees to make a meaningful impact on nature recovery in Cornwall. With generous annual leave, a stakeholder pension scheme, and a passionate team environment, you will thrive in a role that combines creativity with purpose, all while contributing to the conservation of our beautiful region. Join us at our headquarters in Allet, where your unique talents will be celebrated and your professional growth nurtured.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager - Destination Reserves in Truro
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Cornwall Wildlife Trust's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to conservation and community engagement will help you align your approach and demonstrate your passion for nature during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the conservation and tourism sectors. Attend local events or workshops related to eco-tourism and conservation to build connections that could support your application and show your proactive interest in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss innovative ideas for visitor experiences at nature reserves. Think creatively about how to enhance engagement with nature and be ready to share your thoughts on potential partnerships with local businesses and organisations.
✨Tip Number 4
Reach out for an informal chat with Joanne Greaves, the Head of People and Culture. This can give you valuable insights into the role and the organisation, while also demonstrating your enthusiasm and initiative to the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager - Destination Reserves in Truro
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in business development, tourism, or visitor experience management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your commercial acumen and passion for nature.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, clearly outline how your skills and experiences align with the role's requirements. Emphasise your leadership abilities and your commitment to conservation and community engagement.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking:Provide examples of past projects where you successfully managed initiatives from concept to delivery. Highlight your ability to engage diverse stakeholders and create innovative solutions.
Reflect the Organisation's Values:In both your CV and cover letter, make sure to reflect the values of Cornwall Wildlife Trust. Show how you embody integrity, collaboration, creativity, and accountability in your professional life.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cornwall Wildlife Trust
✨Show Your Passion for Nature
Make sure to express your genuine love for nature and conservation during the interview. Share personal experiences or projects that highlight your commitment to environmental causes, as this aligns with the values of Cornwall Wildlife Trust.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Prepare examples of how you've successfully developed income-generating initiatives in previous roles. Be ready to discuss your strategic thinking and how you can apply it to enhance visitor experiences at the nature reserves.
✨Highlight Leadership Skills
Be prepared to talk about your leadership style and how you've empowered teams in the past. Discuss specific instances where you've led projects from concept to delivery, showcasing your ability to manage diverse stakeholders effectively.
✨Research the Organisation
Familiarise yourself with Cornwall Wildlife Trust's mission, current projects, and their 2030 Strategy. This will not only show your interest but also help you tailor your responses to demonstrate how you can contribute to their goals.
