UK Seaweed Programme Manager
Contract length: Until 30 June 2027
Contract type: Fixed-term, part-time (4 days per week)
Salary: £30,000–£33,000
Closing Date: 15 October 2025
The Scottish Seaweed Industry Association (SSIA) is seeking a UK Seaweed Programme Manager to lead the organisation’s expansion into England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This part-time role (4 days per week, remote) will run until June 2027 and offers a salary of £30,000–£33,000. Applicants must be based in England or Wales.
About the Organisation
The SSIA is the trade body representing Scotland’s seaweed sector and increasingly, the wider UK. It brings together producers, processors, researchers, and stakeholders to promote sustainable growth, innovation, and collaboration. The SSIA champions seaweed’s role across food, feed, fertilisers, health, and climate solutions, working to position the sector as a vital part of the resilient blue economy.
Role Overview
Reporting to the CEO, the UK Seaweed Programme Manager will develop and coordinate a UK-wide programme of membership, events, policy, and communications. They will ensure the sector is represented, connected, and supported to grow sustainably across all devolved nations. An advisory group of sector professionals will guide and provide oversight for the programme.
The overarching aim of this role is to position the UK seaweed sector as a recognised, innovative, and sustainable industry with strong visibility in policy, funding, and markets.
Key Responsibilities
Expand and grow UK-wide membership, representing the full value chain.
Design, facilitate, and deliver UK-wide workshops, events, and knowledge exchange activities.
Lead policy engagement on areas such as novel foods, healthy eating, net zero, and seaweed innovation.
Support delivery of the annual seaweed conference, including rotating UK-wide locations.
Oversee communications and outreach, including website, newsletters, social media, and press.
Build relationships with policymakers, regulators, funders, and stakeholders across the UK.
Identify market opportunities and connect members with funding and commercial pathways.
Align UK-wide activities with SSIA’s strategic objectives, complementing Scottish initiatives.
Provide regular updates to the CEO, Advisory Board, and members.
Undertake travel within the UK and internationally to attend meetings and events.
Qualifications & Experience
Strong knowledge of the UK policy landscape in food, environment, climate/net zero, or the blue economy.
Proven track record in programme or project management, stakeholder engagement, and policy advocacy.
Experience in organising and delivering events, workshops, or conferences.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
Competence in website and social media management.
Ability to work independently while collaborating with a wider team.
Background in sustainable industries, aquaculture, marine policy, or related fields is desirable.