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UK Seaweed Programme Manager

Company Description

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The Scottish Seaweed Industry Association (SSIA) is the trade body representing the interests of the seaweed sector in Scotland and, increasingly, across the wider UK. Established to support sustainable growth, innovation, and collaboration, the SSIA brings together producers, processors, researchers, and stakeholders to strengthen the role of seaweed in food, feed, fertilisers, health, and climate solutions. Through engagement, events, and knowledge exchange, the SSIA works to position seaweed as a vital part of a resilient blue economy.

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Role Description

 

This is a part-time (4 days per week), remote role for a UK Seaweed Programme Manager. A successful applicant would need to be located in England or Wales.

 

This role reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Scottish Seaweed Industry Association (SSIA). The UK Seaweed Programme Manager will lead the expansion of SSIA’s reach and activities into the wider UK (England, Wales, and Northern Ireland). The postholder will develop and coordinate a UK-wide programme of membership, events, policy, and communications, ensuring that the seaweed sector across the UK is represented, connected, and supported to grow sustainably.

 

The post will be guided by an advisory group, comprised of professionals from all devolved nations, to ensure that the programme reflects the priorities, challenges, and opportunities across the UK. This group will provide strategic oversight and advice, helping the Programme Manager to balance regional interests, maintain transparency, and ensure fair representation in policy, events, and membership development. The advisory group will act as both a sounding board and a governance safeguard, ensuring the role delivers real value across the whole of the UK seaweed sector.

 

The overarching aim of this role is to position UK seaweed as a recognised, innovative, and sustainable industry, with strong visibility in policy, funding, and markets.

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To apply please email info@ssia.scot with your CV and cover letter.

Deadline 15th October 2025

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Contract length: from start date to 30th June 2027.

Contract type: fixed term / part-time (4 days)

Salary: £30,000 - £33,000

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Responsibilities

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  • Drive the growth of UK-wide membership, ensuring representation across the full value chain and fostering collaboration between regions.

  • Design, facilitate, and deliver UK-wide workshops, events, and knowledge exchange activities, building visibility and momentum for the sector.

  • Lead on policy engagement in areas such as novel foods, healthy eating, net zero targets, novel seaweed applications, and funding mechanisms.

  • Support the CEO in delivering the annual seaweed conference, including exploring UK-wide rotating locations.

  • Oversee communications and outreach for UK Seaweed, including website management, newsletters, social media, and press engagement.

  • Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, regulators, funders, and other key stakeholders across the UK.

  • Identify market pull and innovation opportunities, connecting members with funding and commercial pathways.

  • Ensure UK-wide activities are aligned with the SSIA’s strategic objectives and compliment Scottish initiatives without duplication.

  • Provide regular reports and updates to the CEO, Advisory Board, and members on progress, challenges, and sector opportunities.

  • Undertake reasonable travel across the UK, and globally, to attend meetings, workshops, and events.

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Qualifications

 

  • Strong knowledge of the UK policy landscape relating to food, environment, climate/net zero, or the blue economy.

  • Proven experience in programme or project management, stakeholder engagement, and policy advocacy.

  • Demonstrated ability to plan and deliver events, workshops, or conferences.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience in outreach and media engagement.

  • Competence in website and social media management.

  • Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a wider team.

  • Background in sustainable industries, aquaculture, marine policy, or related sectors is desirable.

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