At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead marketing for two iconic zoos, driving visitor numbers and creating engaging campaigns.
- Company: Join a passionate team at Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days of holiday, free zoo entry for family, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive culture that champions equality and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in conservation while shaping memorable visitor experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in marketing, strong leadership skills, and a creative mindset.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The Role
We’re looking for a passionate, creative and commercially minded Head of Marketing to lead the marketing for Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo.
Setting the direction for the marketing function across two iconic attractions, you will drive visitor numbers, grow revenue, build brand awareness and ensure campaigns are as engaging and inspiring as the experiences we offer.
Working alongside a talented marketing team, you will bring fresh ideas, create standout campaigns, and maximise new digital opportunities to connect with audiences from first‑time visitors to loyal supporters and members.
By staying ahead of leisure, tourism and tech trends, you will help shape visitor products – tickets, memberships and events – and ensure they meet customer needs while supporting commercial goals.
Every day will mix high‑level strategy with hands‑on delivery: long‑term brand planning, performance review, event launches and content production that brings our conservation stories to life.
You will also elevate the profile of both zoos, building strong relationships with tourism partners, media contacts and industry organisations, ensuring every interaction inspires people to visit, support and champion our work.
As a hands‑on, onsite leader in a seven‑day business, you’ll also be part of the duty‑management rota, working occasional weekends and bank holidays to support smooth operations.
Candidate Profile
We’re looking for a confident, hands‑on marketing leader with experience in leisure, hospitality, visitor attractions or any other customer‑focused environment.
- A degree in Marketing, Communications, Business or a related field, plus evidence of ongoing professional development.
- Proven experience leading a marketing team or function, ideally within a commercial, visitor attraction, leisure, tourism or retail environment.
- A strong track record of creating and delivering marketing strategies that drive revenue, visitation or customer growth.
- Hands‑on experience running multi‑channel campaigns across digital, print, PR, social, email and outdoor media.
- Confidence managing marketing budgets and maximising return on investment.
- Skilled in using data and analytics to guide decisions, improve performance and report on results.
- Experience working with external agencies and collaborating across departments.
- Strong brand management experience, ensuring consistent and high‑quality visual identity.
- Able to build relationships, manage stakeholders and represent the organisation externally.
- Experienced in monitoring performance and driving continuous improvement.
- An inspiring leader who can motivate, develop and performance‑manage a team.
- Commercially minded, with the ability to spot and drive revenue opportunities.
- Excellent communicator with strong influencing and relationship‑building skills.
- Analytical, solutions‑focused and confident interpreting data and KPIs.
- Highly organised, able to juggle multiple campaigns, deadlines and budgets.
- Creative and able to turn ideas into effective marketing activity.
- Strong attention to detail and excellent organisational skills.
- Confident using marketing and digital tools such as CRM systems, email platforms, analytics software and social media management tools.
Benefits
Enjoy 33 days of paid holiday pro‑rata (including Bank Holidays) and access to top‑tier training – from First Aid to driving a tractor.
Your family can join the adventure with free zoo entry for loved ones and substantial discounts on food and retail while you’re on site.
Free on‑site parking and an Employee Assistance Programme support wellbeing.
Other workplace perks include paid staff spaces, opportunities for cross‑department collaboration, and a supportive team culture.
Equality and diversity
We proudly champion equality of opportunity for all our team members.
We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities, including but not limited to age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage or civil partnerships.
Inclusion is part of our culture – everyone deserves the chance to thrive here.
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Head of Marketing in Paignton employer: Wild Planet Trust
At Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters creativity and collaboration within a vibrant work culture. As the Head of Marketing, you will enjoy generous benefits such as 33 days of paid holiday, free zoo entry for your family, and opportunities for professional development, all while working in a supportive environment that champions equality and diversity. Join us in making a meaningful impact on conservation and visitor engagement in a role that combines strategic leadership with hands-on delivery.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Marketing in Paignton
✨Show Your Creative Side
In marketing communications, standing out is key. Get creative with your application! Consider designing a mini-campaign or pitch that highlights your skills and understanding of the brand. Tailor it for Wild Planet Trust and show them what you can bring to the table.
✨Engage in Marketing Communities
Get involved in local or online marketing communications groups. Check out platforms like Meetup for events and workshops. Networking here can lead to hidden job openings and valuable insights into the industry trends—this is where we often discover what companies like Wild Planet Trust are looking for.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to showcase your passion for marketing communications. Share insights, articles, and your own content that resonates with the industry. Tagging or interacting with Wild Planet Trust on these platforms can catch the eye of recruiters and show you're genuinely interested in them.
✨Attend Industry Events
Keep an eye out for marketing conferences and workshops. These are great places to meet potential employers face-to-face and make connections that could land you a full-time role at Wild Planet Trust. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Marketing in Paignton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft an Impactful Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Focus on your passion for marketing communications and how your previous experiences can benefit Wild Planet Trust. Make sure to mention specific campaigns or projects you’ve worked on that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:As you're diving into a marketing communications role, your writing ability is crucial. Include samples of your work, like blog posts, press releases, or social media campaigns in your application. This lets us see your style and how you engage with different audiences.
Tailor Your CV to Marketing:Your CV should highlight relevant marketing skills and experiences! Include specific tools or platforms you’ve used, like Google Analytics or social media management software. Mention any certifications or workshops related to marketing that you've completed – they can give you an edge!
Demonstrate Your Understanding of Wild Planet Trust:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about Wild Planet Trust’s marketing approach or any recent campaigns that caught your attention. This can reveal your enthusiasm for the role and your genuine interest in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wild Planet Trust
✨Showcase Your Creative Campaigns
Get ready to flaunt your portfolio! Include examples of previous marketing campaigns you've worked on, especially those that showcase your creativity and strategy. Recruiters at Wild Planet Trust will be keen to see how you conceptualise and execute campaigns, so highlight any measurable outcomes to back up your claims.
✨Know Your Digital Tools Inside Out
If you’re heading into a marketing-communications role, make sure you're comfortable discussing key digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Hootsuite. Expect some technical questions about how you've used these tools in the past, as they'll want to gauge your hands-on experience and how you analyse data to drive marketing decisions.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
At Wild Planet Trust, they may throw some scenario-based questions your way, aimed at testing your problem-solving skills in real-life marketing situations. Think through potential challenges you’ve faced, how you navigated them, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcome.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Marketing
As you’re applying for a full-time position, show that you're not just looking for a job, but a career in marketing. Talk about the latest trends in marketing communications, your favourite campaigns, and why they inspire you. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out and demonstrate that you’re committed to growing within the field.
