Tay and Earn Trust
Tay and Earn Trust

Charity registered in Scotland SC044062

Tay and Earn Trust is a Scottish registered charity, established in June 2013, dedicated to the conservation, sustainable management and enjoyment of the River Tay and River Earn catchments and the communities connected to them.

Current vacancies

Top job! Chief Executive Officer

  • Part time
  • £50,000 pro-rata
  • On site: Willowgate Activity Centre, Perth
  • Closing 20th January 2026

About Tay and Earn Trust:

Tay and Earn Trust is a Scottish registered charity, established in June 2013, dedicated to the conservation, sustainable management and enjoyment of the River Tay and River Earn catchments and the communities connected to them.

Rooted in one of Scotland’s most significant river systems, the Trust works to protect and enhance the natural environment while supporting people to engage with, learn from and benefit sustainably from these landscapes. Their work spans environmental conservation, education, community development and wellbeing, reflecting the interconnected nature of healthy rivers, resilient communities and sustainable futures.

At the heart of the Trust’s mission is the conservation, regeneration and improvement of the environment, flora, fauna and fish associated with the Tay and Earn river systems. They promote responsible stewardship of these natural assets, supporting research and practical action that contribute to long-term ecological health and biodiversity.

The Role of CEO:

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will have overall responsibility for the strategic, operational, and cultural leadership of Tay and Earn Trust, ensuring the organisation is financially sustainable, well-governed, and delivering high-quality, impactful projects across its catchment.

You will lead the development and delivery of the Trust’s long-term strategy and business plans, translating vision into measurable outcomes and ensuring alignment with the Inner Tay Masterplan. As the Trust’s senior executive, you will secure and diversify income, strengthen partnerships, and oversee the delivery of major capital and community projects. Acting as the Trust’s principal ambassador, you will build strong relationships with funders, local authorities, statutory bodies, and community stakeholders to raise the Trust’s profile and influence.

This is a dynamic leadership role where strategic thinking, operational expertise, and exceptional relationship management are critical. You will provide robust governance, compliance, and risk oversight, supporting Trustees in fulfilling their statutory duties while maintaining high standards of transparency, accountability, and regulatory compliance. You will also lead a small senior management team, establishing a positive, inclusive, and values-driven organisational culture while ensuring staff wellbeing, professional development, and accountability.

The Trust are seeking a candidate with proven experience in senior leadership within a charity, public, or mission-led organisation. You will bring a strong track record in developing and delivering multi-year strategies, managing complex projects, and securing a diverse range of funding. You will be confident operating in a regulated environment, with a deep understanding of charity governance, risk management, and compliance. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are essential, with the ability to build credibility with Trustees, partners, funders, and stakeholders, and to inspire, motivate, and develop staff across the organisation.

The successful candidate will be a visible and effective ambassador for the Trust, capable of strengthening strategic partnerships and advancing the Trust’s impact in the Tay and Earn catchments. This is a unique opportunity to lead a passionate team, shape the delivery of transformative projects, and make a lasting difference to the communities and environments served by Tay and Earn Trust.

Shortlist

Activity Centre Manager

  • Full time
  • £38,000 – £42,000
  • On site: Willowgate Activity Centre, Perth
  • Closing 20th January 2026

Tay and Earn Trust is a Scottish registered charity, established in June 2013, dedicated to the conservation, sustainable management and enjoyment of the River Tay and River Earn catchments and the communities connected to them.

Rooted in one of Scotland’s most significant river systems, the Trust works to protect and enhance the natural environment while supporting people to engage with, learn from and benefit sustainably from these landscapes. Their work spans environmental conservation, education, community development and wellbeing, reflecting the interconnected nature of healthy rivers, resilient communities and sustainable futures.

About Willowgate:

The centre is part of the Tay and Earn Charitable Trust that promotes development and use by the community of the Tay and surrounding areas whilst protecting and nurturing the environment.

Nestled on the banks of the River Tay in Perth, Willowgate Adventure Centre is a vibrant hub for outdoor activity and learning. They offer paddle sports, archery, bushcraft, land-based adventures, and educational programmes, working with schools, community groups, families, and corporate clients.

Their mission is simple: to create experiences that inspire confidence, connection, and personal growth. As they enter a new phase of development, the Trust are seeking a leader who shares their passion for adventure, excellence, and innovation.

The Role of Activity Centre Manager:

Reporting to the senior management team, the Activity Centre Manager will have overall responsibility for the operational management, development, and day-to-day leadership of the centre, ensuring the delivery of safe, high-quality, and commercially successful activities.

You will oversee all aspects of centre operations, including activity delivery, staffing, facilities, equipment, and logistics, while ensuring every guest experience meets the highest standards of safety, quality, and customer service. You will lead a multidisciplinary team of instructors and operational staff, creating a positive, professional, and safety-led culture, supporting their training, development, and performance.

This is a hands-on, dynamic role where operational excellence, proactive problem-solving, and strong organisational skills are critical. You will ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, licensing, and safeguarding requirements, maintaining robust systems for risk assessment, incident management, and emergency planning. You will also work closely with the senior management team to achieve business targets, optimise income, and support the ongoing development of the site, facilities, and equipment.

You will bring strong operational and people-management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop staff while ensuring high standards of performance, safety, and customer experience. Excellent organisational, financial, and administrative skills are essential, alongside the ability to manage complex, competing priorities. You will have strong interpersonal skills, with experience building and maintaining positive relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholders.

The successful candidate will be flexible, resilient, and willing to work hands-on, including outdoors in all weather conditions and during peak periods, including weekends. You will hold a full UK driving licence, relevant first aid qualifications (or willingness to obtain), and appropriate industry certifications. This is a unique opportunity to lead a dedicated team, shape the delivery of exceptional activity experiences, and making a lasting impact on the centre's visitors, staff and wider community. You will play a pivotal role in driving operational excellence, growth, and sustainability, ensuring every activity is delivered safely, reliably, and memorably.

Shortlist