Business Development Manager - Destination Reserves

Are you a creative and commercially-minded leader who’s passionate about nature, community, and creating unforgettable visitor experiences?

We’re looking for a Business Development Manager to drive forward our exciting Destination Reserves programme, a bold and innovative initiative to reimagine some of Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s flagship nature reserves as vibrant visitor destinations that support conservation, wellbeing, and sustainable income.

About the Role:

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to lead the transformation of how our nature reserves are used and valued, turning them into destination experiences for both local communities and visitors to Cornwall. You’ll shape and deliver an ambitious business development plan to:

• Design and implement income-generating visitor experiences that enhance engagement with nature.
• Develop strategic partnerships with tourism and conservation partners, local businesses and investors.
• Explore and deliver commercial opportunities (such as eco-tourism, events, education and retail) in harmony with conservation priorities.
• Collaborate cross-organisationally to embed innovation, inclusion, and impact.
• Contribute to the long-term sustainability of the Trust by increasing unrestricted income.

About You

We’re looking for someone with:

• A proven track record in business development, enterprise, tourism or visitor experience management, ideally in a charitable or environmental context.
• Strong commercial acumen, creativity, and a passion for nature.
• The ability to think strategically, manage projects from concept to delivery, and engage diverse stakeholders with confidence.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and partnership-building skills.

Most importantly, you’ll be someone who genuinely embodies our values:

• bringing integrity to every relationship and decision,
• thriving through collaboration with colleagues and partners,
• approaching challenges with optimism and creativity,
• leading and supporting others through empowerment, and
• taking clear accountability for delivering positive outcomes for people and nature.

Why Join Us?

Cornwall Wildlife Trust is the leading conservation charity in Cornwall, with over 60 years of protecting and celebrating our region’s incredible wildlife and wild places. You’ll be joining us at a pivotal time as we deliver our 2030 Strategy and build a more inclusive and sustainable future for nature and people.

We offer:

• A flexible, supportive working culture
• Opportunities to make a real impact in Cornwall’s nature recovery
• A passionate and committed team environment
• Generous annual leave and pension scheme
• A role with purpose, creativity, and opportunity for growth

Benefits:

• Cornwall Wildlife Trust operates excellent toil and flexible working policies
• Enhanced company holiday entitlement – starting at 25 days plus bank holidays and rising to a maximum 30 days over a period of time (1 day extra for each year worked after 4 complete years served)
• 3 days Christmas Business Closure for 2025
• All employees have access to the Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 counselling service) and Employee health and wellbeing portal
• Free onsite parking at Five Acres
• Stakeholder pension scheme (subject to eligibility)