Jobs

Eden Scott is delighted to be working with Stair Estates, a diversified rural estate in Stranraer in southwest Scotland with a varied let property portfolio; in-hand farming, forestry, tourism and country sports enterprises.

The Estate rental portfolio comprises let farms, grass park lets, cottages, industrial premises and telecoms and renewable leases. In-hand enterprises include forestry, country sports, Castle Kennedy Gardens, and events at Lochinch Castle.

We are seeking a Marketing and Events Manager to join the team and to manage an outstanding historic asset for Stair Estates, leading and delivering the Development and Marketing plan, by growing commercial and business opportunities, within Castle Kennedy Gardens, Lochinch and the wider Stair Estates. To assist the development and management of the Tourism, Event and Wedding Enterprises in line with Stair Estates’ policies, priorities, performance standards and targets to ensure its conservation, enjoyment of the place by visitors and members is maximised and key commercial, financial and development objectives are achieved to make Stair Estate fully sustainable.

The Marketing Manager is a representative of Stair Estates, building trust and confidence in their organisation and its objectives through sound management and delivery across a wide spectrum of activities. You can expect to be “hands-on” dealing with operational issues on-site, working weekends as necessary on a rota basis during the season as well as running a disciplined business, building commercially advantageous relationships within local communities and other partners, investigating and planning for initiatives and developments that help keep the Estate at the forefront of conservation, and a leader in visitor/heritage management.

Responsibilities include management of:

Marketing and promotion of Stair Estates and its family of brands (Lochinch, Castle Kennedy Gardens, River Luce, and Stair Estates). . Developing and implementing the annual promotion and marketing of Stair Estates through the website, online, printed media, local and social media channels. Engaging/networking with Direct marketing organisations (DMO), TIC, tour operators and other related tourist organisations with the aim of engaging as wide and audience as possible. Achieving and exceeding visitor and membership targets
Staff and volunteers (induction, development, performance management and in time recruitment) such that they are fully equipped and motivated to undertake their duties to the required standards and that staffing budgets are adhered to;
Daily operations in conjunction with the Owners, Factor, Giftshop and Tearoom Managers, and the Garden Ranger to implement the annual plan and to maintain and drive the daily operations associated at Castle Kennedy tourism enterprises;
Commercial Activities regularly review and develop commercial activities to make the Estate more sustainable and build commercially advantageous relationships with the wider community; Key areas of focus for the future are Weddings, Holiday Lettings and other activities.
Budgets integration with the Owners and the Factor in the annual budgetary process for each of the tourism enterprises and subsequent monitoring, reporting, pro-active and re-active adjustment to deliver consistently on budget;
Operational work plans – daily, weekly, yearly and longer-term in the context of the overall vision of the estate (and development, implementation, review and management of these action plans) to ensure that activities including commercial aspects are prioritised, planned and implemented to optimise the best use of resources;
Customer service and care from Visitor Centre, House, Garden and Ranger staff/volunteers to ensure that Stair Estates has a reputation for an excellent and quality “visitor experience”;
Weddings and Corporate Events – be responsible for the development and delivery of these activities
Administration to enable activities within the Estate to be undertaken and recorded efficiently, cash handling procedures are adhered to and that membership targets as above are met;
Future development plans – this position will be responsible delivering the relevant aspects of the current development plan and providing strategic input to future development plans at Castle Kennedy Gardens and Lochinch.
Skills and experience required:

A clear understanding of how the Tourism Enterprises, Events and Weddings actively contribute to Stair Estates commercial undertaking; has the knowledge and skill required to generate appropriate commercial initiatives; be competent in a multi-stakeholder environment and in dealing with the wider community; is able to influence and hold the team accountable for contributing to Stair Estates’ commercial work and the achievements of set targets and budgets. This includes selling and promoting Stair Estates’ products and services; functions and events.
Has had experience in the strategic development and delivery of a detailed marketing and communications plan, including printed media, PR as well as responsibility for managing a website and social media.
Experience in retail and visitor services sectors, ideally within another Visitor Attraction, Hospitality, Tourism or similar operation.
Experience working in Marketing and Communications either directly or via the management of external agencies;
A formal qualification in business/commercial / marketing experience would be desirable.
A full, clean driving licence for driving in the UK is essential and own vehicle required

Salary circa £35k dependent on skills and experience plus company benefits.

Accommodation is available at a very reasonable rate and re-locating candidates will be offered this property or another rent free for the first three months.

Eden Scott is dealing exclusively with this client on this vacancy so if you are keen to join this rural business, please submit your CV online.

Application Deadline: Sunday 30/07/2023