Chief Executive Officer (Maternity Cover)

Organisation: Seaweed Scotland (formally SSIA)

Contract Type: Fixed-term part-time (13 months)

Start Date: On or around 1 August 2026

End Date: On or around 1 September 2027

Hours: 3 or 4 days per week (negotiable)

Salary: £27,000–£30,000 per annum (£45-50,000 FTE)

Location: Home-based / Remote (Scotland), with travel as required

Reporting To: Board of Directors, Seaweed Scotland

About Seaweed Scotland

Seaweed Scotland (formerly the Scottish Seaweed Industry Association, SSIA) is the membership organisation and trade body representing the Scottish and UK seaweed sector. We support producers, researchers, policymakers, and innovators working across the full seaweed value chain, from wild harvesting and aquaculture to food, feed, biostimulants, cosmetics, and beyond.

As a small but impactful organisation, we set expectations on industry standards, coordinate where possible research and industry alignment, we deliver events, and build on the evidence base for sustainable seaweed sector growth. We also lead the UK Seaweed Network, a cross-sector partnership with WWF-UK and UCL.

The Role

We are looking for an experienced and motivated individual to cover the CEO role during a period of maternity leave. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a dynamic, fast-growing trade body at a pivotal moment for the UK seaweed industry.

The successful candidate will work closely with the current CEO during a minimum one-month handover period beginning in August 2026, before taking on full responsibility for the organisation from 1st September 2026 until 30th August 2027.

The role is offered on a part-time basis of 3 – 4 days per week and can be performed remotely, with travel to meetings, events, and stakeholder engagements as required.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy and Leadership

Act as the public face and principal spokesperson for Seaweed Scotland during the cover period.
Maintain and advance the strategic direction set by the Board and outgoing CEO, adapting plans as needed in response to sector developments.
Report regularly to the Board of Directors, attending board meetings and providing updates on operations, finances, and sector developments.
Support the organisation’s positioning as Seaweed Scotland.

Operations and Administration

Oversee day-to-day operations and administration of Seaweed Scotland, ensuring financial health and governance compliance.
Manage the organisation’s budget and financial reporting, including use of accounting systems (QuickBooks) and liaison with the Treasurer.
Maintain and manage organisational policies, compliance obligations, and governance documentation.
Manage any contractors, consultants, or support staff engaged during the cover period.

Membership and Stakeholder Engagement

Serve as the primary point of contact for Seaweed Scotland members, responding to queries and maintaining strong relationships across the membership.
Lead membership communications, including newsletters, updates, and the Seaweed Scotland social media channels.
Develop and implement member engagement initiatives to support retention and growth of the membership base.
Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including government bodies and officials (Marine Scotland, NatureScot, Crown Estate Scotland), research institutions, and industry partners.

Policy and Advocacy

Monitor and respond to relevant policy consultations, regulatory developments, and industry intelligence on behalf of Seaweed Scotland and the UK Seaweed Network.
Represent the sector in meetings with government agencies, funders, and regulators, advocating effectively for members’ interests.
Contribute to the work of the UK Seaweed Network, including partnership coordination with WWF-UK, UCL, and the UK Agri-Tech Centre.

Events and Communications

Lead the planning and delivery of Seaweed Scotland’s annual conference and other key industry events.
Manage the Seaweed Scotland website and digital communications, ensuring content is current, relevant, and engaging.
Represent Seaweed Scotland at sector events, conferences, and stakeholder meetings across the UK as required.

Research and Projects

Oversee the delivery of any ongoing funded projects, including reporting obligations to funders such as Crown Estate Scotland.
Support the evidence base for the sector, including coordination of industry data, research outputs, and sector communications.
Engage with research institutions and academics with an interest in the seaweed sector.

Person Specification

Essential

Demonstrable experience in a senior leadership, management, or equivalent role, ideally within a trade association, membership body, or environmental/marine sector organisation.
Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with experience building relationships across government, industry, and research.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to represent an organisation publicly and in formal settings.
Experience of policy engagement, consultation responses, or advocacy work.
Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams and priorities independently.
Experience of financial management and reporting at an organisational level.
A good working knowledge of, or genuine interest in, the seaweed, marine, aquaculture, or wider blue/green economy sector.
Confidence using digital tools including Microsoft Office, Wix website management, communication platforms, and social media.
Experience of managing or reporting on externally funded grants.
Experience with QuickBooks or equivalent accounting software.

Desirable

Existing knowledge of the Scottish seaweed or aquaculture sector and its regulatory landscape.
Experience working with or within a small charity, trade body, or membership organisation.
Familiarity with Scottish marine licensing, aquaculture regulation, or environmental policy.
Postgraduate qualification in a relevant field (marine science, environmental management, rural/coastal economy, food systems, etc.).

Terms and Conditions

This is a fixed-term position for 13 months, offered on a part-time basis. The salary will be pro-rated based on agreed working hours (3 days per week). The role is home-based with the expectation of regular travel to meetings, events, and stakeholder engagements across Scotland and the UK.

A handover period of approximately one month is expected, commencing in early August 2026, during which the incoming cover and the current CEO will work together to ensure a smooth transition.

The post is funded via Seaweed Scotland’s operational budget in coordination with external funders. The employee will be added to the workplace pension scheme and be entitled to 31 days holiday (including bank holidays).

How to Apply

To apply, please send a CV and covering letter by 12th June 2026 outlining your suitability for the role to info@ssia.scot. The covering letter should address the key responsibilities and person specification set out above and explain your interest in the Scottish seaweed sector.

We welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Seaweed Scotland is committed to equal opportunities.

Seaweed Scotland | SC485970 | Registered Office: Albany Chambers, Albany Street, Oban, PA34 4AL