Job Title: General Manager
Location: Marine Life Aquarium, Bray, Co. Wicklow
Reports to: Owner / Board of Directors
About Us
The newly refurbished recently opened Marine Life Aquarium Bray is a leading marine and wildlife attraction offering immersive experiences with aquatic species, reptiles, interactive exhibits, and educational programs. We pride ourselves on delivering an exceptional visitor experience, maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare, and contributing positively to marine education and conservation.
Position Overview
The General Manager will oversee the full operational, administrative, and commercial performance of Marine Life Aquarium Bray. This role requires strong leadership, exceptional organisational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to manage both people and processes effectively. The ideal candidate will have experience in sales growth, marketing, licensing compliance, and staff management within a visitor attraction, hospitality, or regulated environment.
Key Responsibilities
1. Leadership & Staff Management
- Lead and motivate a diverse team, fostering a culture of professionalism, accountability, and excellent customer service.
- Oversee staff recruitment, onboarding, training, performance management, and rostering.
- Ensure staffing levels align with visitor demand and operational needs.
2. Sales, Marketing & Business Development
- Drive revenue through effective sales strategies, promotions, and targeted marketing campaigns.
- Actively chase new business opportunities including group bookings, events, school partnerships, and sponsorships.
- Monitor sales performance, visitor trends, and market conditions and adapt strategies accordingly.
3. Reporting & Administration
- Produce accurate daily, weekly, and monthly performance reports covering sales, operations, and visitor metrics.
- Maintain detailed operational records, ensuring full transparency and traceability.
- Track deadlines and renewals for all licenses, certifications, and regulatory obligations.
4. Licensing & Regulatory Compliance
- Liaise with all relevant agencies regarding:
- Aquarium licenses.
- Fish and aquatic species licenses.
- Zoo licenses.
- Any other regulatory or compliance-related requirements.
- Ensure all permits, inspections, and documentation are kept up to date and filed correctly.
- Maintain full compliance with local, national, and EU regulations governing animal welfare and public attractions.
5. Animal Welfare Oversight
(In conjunction with qualified specialists, aquarists, and animal handlers)
- Ensure the highest standards of welfare for all species on site, including marine life, reptiles, and other exhibits.
- Support qualified staff in maintaining habitats, nutrition plans, health checks, and enrichment programs.
- Ensure proper recording and reporting for all animal care activities.
6. Operational Excellence
- Oversee the daily running of the attraction to ensure a seamless, engaging, and safe visitor experience.
- Maintain the facility’s cleanliness, safety, and presentation at all times.
- Ensure maintenance issues are addressed promptly and preventative upkeep schedules are followed.
7. Customer Experience
- Ensure every visitor has a positive, educational, and enjoyable experience.
- Respond professionally to escalated customer queries or complaints.
- Implement improvements based on visitor feedback and performance insights.
Qualifications & Skills
- Proven experience in a senior management role within an aquarium, zoo, visitor attraction, hospitality, or related regulated environment.
- Strong background in sales, marketing, and achieving revenue targets.
- Experience managing teams, rostering, and staffing requirements.
- Excellent organisational and administrative skills with a strong focus on detail.
- Ability to manage licensing, compliance processes, and agency relationships.
- Knowledge of animal welfare standards and regulatory requirements (advantageous).
- Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary with performance-based incentives.
- Opportunity to lead and shape a growing, high-profile attraction.
- Supportive environment with scope for innovation and impact.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: €39,000.00-€46,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Bike to work scheme
- Employee discount
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Bray, County Wicklow: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Experience:
- Management : 5 years (required)
Language:
- Fluent English (required)
Work Location: In person
