At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Trebah Garden, ensuring exceptional visitor experiences and organisational sustainability.
- Company: Trebah Garden, a nationally recognised charity and stunning subtropical garden in Cornwall.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a real impact in a beautiful environment with a dedicated team.
- Other info: Inclusive culture welcoming diverse backgrounds; applications close on 4 August 2026.
- Why this job: Join a respected organisation and shape its future while enjoying a unique working setting.
- Qualifications: Experienced leader with strong commercial judgement and people management skills.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
Trebah Garden is one of Cornwall’s most treasured visitor attractions and one of the finest subtropical gardens in the world. Welcoming more than 113,000 visitors each year, Trebah combines horticultural excellence with a thriving charitable and commercial operation encompassing retail, catering, events, education and membership.
We are seeking an outstanding Chief Executive Officer to lead Trebah into its next chapter. Trebah is financially strong, operationally mature and highly respected, so this is not a role requiring major transformation. Our next Chief Executive will build on these strong foundations, providing inspirational leadership to a talented team and ensuring that this remarkable charitable organisation continues to flourish for generations to come.
Reporting to the Chair and Council of Management, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across all aspects of the organisation. You will act as the public face of Trebah, fostering strong relationships with visitors, members, volunteers, partners and stakeholders, while maintaining an unwavering focus on delivering an exceptional visitor experience, organisational sustainability and charitable impact.
We are looking for an experienced, values-led leader with strong commercial judgement and excellent people leadership skills. You may come from tourism, hospitality, leisure, heritage, culture, retail or another customer-focused environment. Whilst an appreciation of horticulture and heritage is important, your ability to lead people, manage complex operations and balance commercial success with organisational purpose is what matters most.
This is a rare opportunity to lead a nationally recognised destination, successful charity and dedicated team in one of the most spectacular working environments in the country. Few leadership roles offer the chance to combine commercial success, environmental stewardship and community impact in such a unique setting.
For full details, please download the candidate brief and contact Anna Jay, Managing Director of Public Leaders Appointments for a confidential discussion.
How to Apply
In order to apply, please submit a CV which should be supported by a covering letter of no more than 3 sides of A4. Your cover letter should outline your motivations for applying, and highlight how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the requirements of our new CEO. Applications to be submitted by midday on Tuesday 4 August 2026 with reference ‘Trebah’. (Applications must include a focused cover letter in order to be considered). Please also provide contact details for two professional references. Referees should be people who can comment authoritatively on you as a person and as an employee and will not be contacted without your prior consent.
Equality, diversity and inclusion are all integral to our organisational ethos and values. It is critically important to us that every Trebah employee works in an inclusive environment which has a culture of mutual regard and respect. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.
Closing Date: Midday, 4 August 2026
Interviews: 8, 9 and 10 September 2026
Locations
Chief Executive Officer in Cornwall, Falmouth employer: TREBAH GARDEN TRUST
Trebah Garden Trust offers an exceptional work environment where passion for nature and community engagement thrives. As a leader in the charity sector, we provide our employees with opportunities for professional growth, a collaborative work culture, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a stunning garden setting. Join us to inspire others while enjoying the unique benefits of working in one of the UK's most beautiful locations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer in Cornwall, Falmouth
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by TREBAH GARDEN TRUST.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like TREBAH GARDEN TRUST.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at TREBAH GARDEN TRUST.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at TREBAH GARDEN TRUST. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer in Cornwall, Falmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of TREBAH GARDEN TRUST. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Chief Executive Officer, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at TREBAH GARDEN TRUST
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of TREBAH GARDEN TRUST. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
