Policy Manager - Marine
Salary £ 38,000 per annum
Leith, Edinburgh / hybrid
Vacancy listed 07/10/2026
Application deadline 26/10/2026
Details
Job reference number: SWT26/08
Status: full time / fixed term – 18 months
Hours: 35 hours per week

Closing date for applications: Monday 26th October, midnight
Interviews will be held on: Friday 6th November 

The Role:
We are seeking a Marine Policy Manager to lead the Trust's marine policy and advocacy work. You will help to shape and deliver the Trust's strategic policy and wider organisational objectives. Providing leadership for marine policy development, advocacy and partnership working, managing the marine team, and acting as the Trust's principal spokesperson on marine issues. The scope of this role is broad; we are looking for a candidate with strong general knowledge of policy, ecology, conservation, engagement and planning, as well as the ability to identify and focus on the most pressing issues facing Scotland’s marine environment. 

Main objectives:
  • Act as the Trust’s lead expert on marine issues.
  • Manage the Trust’s Sea the Connection Project and marine policy team.
  • Support the marine policy team in developing a national ocean literacy strategy and an online learning hub.
  • Identify priority areas of work, developing future strategy and funding opportunities for our marine work as directed by line manager.
  • Policy advocacy to a range of audiences, including MSPs, the Scottish Government, industries and general public.
  • Influence the development and advancement of marine policy in Scotland through consultation, meetings and workshops. 
  • Play a key role in the coordination and interactions of the policy team both internally and externally, helping the head of policy to ensure strategic alignment across the Trust.
 
The successful candidate will have:
  • Demonstrable, advanced understanding of environmental or marine science, achieved either through a higher qualification (ideally degree) or through working experience in a similar field.
  • Have proven experience in a similar environment or qualifications in a relevant discipline (environmental or marine related science or policy).
  • Have experience or working knowledge with working on marine sector-specific policy (e.g. aquaculture, fisheries…).
  • Have excellent knowledge of marine biodiversity, marine protected areas, climate change impacts and marine planning. 
  • Have knowledge of marine natural capital and ecosystem services, in particular blue carbon.
 
Please click here to review the full job description.

 If you would like more information, please email recruitment@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk.

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The Trust is a passionate employer, proactive about creating a culture of diversity and inclusive workplace that promotes and values equal opportunities for all. We welcome individuals from all networks of life, backgrounds, and experiences.
Benefits

Flexi time/hybrid working
Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and pension schemes
Weekly wellness hour
Generous Sick pay allowance
Enhanced maternity/paternity pay
Training and Development focus

Notes

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