Programme Operations Manager (Centre & Boat)

The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust has an exciting new job opportunity for a Programme Operations Manager to join our team in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, starting August/September 2025. The role is full-time, 37 hours per week on a 2-year fixed term contract, with the intention to extend subject to funding. 

The Programme Operations Manger is a new position at the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust. We are looking for someone who can lead and coordinate expert teams across two different work programmes, our Hebridean Whale Centre and research boat, Silurian. 

If you are looking for an exciting challenge, based on a beautiful island, with a fantastic team then we would love to hear from you. You do not need maritime experience to succeed in this role.

We are seeking an organised, responsible, and self-motivated person to head our Hebridean Whale Centre operations and lead our boat team.

We are looking for someone with a passion for our seas and wildlife and significant experience in people and project management.

Our ideal candidate will have excellent communication, coordination, and time management skills and be experienced in leading diverse teams.

Based in Tobermory the role includes responsibility for managing the charity’s retail operation and taking the lead on fundraising for the Centre and boat activities. Therefore, proven successful experience of charitable fundraising and knowledge of gift shop/charity retail activities would be an advantage.

The ability to ensure the effective co-ordination and delivery of the charity’s boat and centre operations, on time and within budget, as well as being able to work effectively with the wider team of staff, trustees, volunteers, and external contractors is central to all tasks.

A genuine interest in cetaceans and marine conservation is essential and an understanding of the workings of the third sector would be an advantage.

This is a varied role which differs from season to season and day to day. One day you might be debriefing with our expedition crew aboard our research vessel, the next developing new retail partnerships and promoting the Hebridean Whale Centre.

The role is based in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull which is also where the charity's office, Centre and boat mooring are located. The Programme Operations Manager will work from the office in Tobermory and remotely from home as required to deliver the objectives of the role.

You need to have the right to work in the UK to apply for this role. As a small charity HWDT are unable to sponsor visa applications for international workers at this time. www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-work.