Eden Scott is delighted to be working with the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) who have a new vacancy across the beautiful and outstanding area of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.
The structure of the Highlands and Islands region includes 26 properties including 11 islands and a mix of natural and built heritage key mainland properties.
This NTS area covers 35,000 ha of land, including key countryside properties of Ben Lawers, Glencoe, Kintail and West Affric, Balmacara and Torridon, five National Nature Reserves, 5192 archaeological sites and 45 ancient monuments, as well as protected seabird habitats.
My client is seeking to appoint an Operations Manager – Culloden Cluster.
This is a visible and senior management role where, in addition to the general operations management of the properties in pursuit of their aims and objectives, the post holder will be responsible for the development of the property operating business planning process (working with the Property teams and Business Manager for the region who oversees this process) and utilising key sources of information and needs (e.g. conservation management plan; visitor/market research) to present effective and accountable business plans which underpin the properties financial performances, visitor experience, conservation delivery, reputation and maintenance.
The post will be based at Balnain House, Inverness with line management responsibility for Abertarff House in Inverness, Culloden Battlefield and Hugh Miller’s Birthplace and Museum situated on the Black Isle and reports to the General Manager for the Highlands & Islands region.
Key responsibilities cover the following areas:
Enterprise and trading – Building back to post-COVID, the Operations Manager is the business leader for the property, working with the support of the property managers and regional management team will plan and deliver innovative product and sales opportunities, integrated with the heritage site and particular visitor profile for that property / market.
People Management – Coaches and mentors property teams and staff who directly report to the post to ensure they are fully equipped and motivated to undertake their duties to the required Trust standards, policies, rules, values, delegated authorities, and objectives.
Promoting Heritage – Supports and coaches property staff to develop and promote their properties use and potential as a life-long learning resource, in line with the Trust’s ‘Education Principles’ and as part of its charitable aims (Access, Learning and Enjoyment).
Marketing, Membership and Supporter Development – drives business development and marketing of the property to maximise income generation. Working as part of a coordinated regional team and planning agenda, work with Customer and Cause colleagues centrally to optimise the visibility and promotion of the property.
Financial Management, Compliance and Scheme of Delegation – Responsible for budget preparation and control. Working closely with the Business Manager to devise effective plans, objectives and solutions and monitor performance (financial, project delivery, initiatives). Ensures that the property remains within budget and acts within delegated financial authorities, wider schemes of delegation and adheres to Trust rules, policies, and procedures.
Health, Safety, and the Environment – Undertakes responsibility under the Health and Safety.
Strategic Development of the NTS – Champions and supports the strategic development of the Trust, through participation in national initiatives, projects and working group activity as required and appropriate.
Staff and Volunteer Leadership – Leading, inspiring, and coaching property teams and individuals to ensure that they are fully equipped and motivated to undertake their duties to the required Trust standards, policies, rules, values, delegated authorities.
Stakeholder Management – Establishing and maintaining a network of localised external stakeholders (e.g. communities, business leaders, donors and supporters, affinity organisations) with whom synergy can benefit the property and wider Trust.
Key skills and experience required:
Extensive experience in managing a large-scale heritage/hospitality operation.
Direct experience of property management where customer services and trading are primary features (e.g. retailing, hospitality, foods, and leisure).
Responsibility for operating revenue budgets for all three properties with a total transactional value of c. £6.6m per annum.
Significant team management, mentoring, facilitating and coaching experience. Formal operational management training within services environment desirable.
Demonstrable experience of business development and business planning, notably: revenue development, partnerships and affinities, new trading, concept development, change management.
Effective complex and high-profile stakeholder management experience, notable examples: media, local government.
Line management experience of staff groups, including supervisory staff.
Demonstrable experience of managing Health and Safety in the workplace; formal training or personal development in this area desirable.
Experience of responsibility for marketing and promotional planning and delivery, or participation in marketing and promotional initiatives – desirable.
Heritage sector experience highly desirable.
This role oversees some of the most iconic places in Scotland and so a full, clean driving license for driving in the UK essential.
Excellent competitive salary dependent on experience circa £43,050 to £47,667 with significant company benefits.
Eden Scott are dealing exclusively with this client on this vacancy so to be considered for this exciting opportunity with a truly unique and best in class employer, please submit your CV online clearly stating salary expectation or to sally.rae@edenscott.com and for an informal chat or to receive the full role information pack and job description please email or call Sally on 07776 662506.
Closing date for applications 12.00 noon on Friday 3rd June 2022.
