Management

The post will lead the delivery of a major national partnership project exploring the cultural and historical relationship between Scotland and cinema.

V&A Dundee and Screen Scotland (the Strategic Partners) are seeking a Programme Lead who will strategically drive the national partnership opportunities, manage stakeholders and oversee the operational aspects of the project’s development. The post holder will play a pivotal role in shaping partnership agreements and external relationships, acting as the central point of contact between the Strategic Partners, the project’s Creative Consultant and a growing network of partners and collaborators.

Internally, the Programme Lead will work alongside the curatorial and production teams to manage resource, timelines and budget, chair organisation-wide Project Team Meetings and support cross-organisational communications. They will join a small, focused team as the project moves from research and development into operational delivery, and will work with colleagues across the organisation as well as partner organisations, a reference group and external stakeholders.

We welcome applications from individuals currently working within the Scottish screen sector and would be pleased to consider secondment opportunities.

Head of Exhibitions & Design | Full time | 35 hours | Permanent
Full Time Salary: £64,762 – £73,428
Hours: 35 hours per week | Monday – Friday
Location: National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh | Hybrid | Occasional national and international travel

National Museums Scotland is one of the leading museum groups in Europe with one of the largest and most diverse collections in the world.

As an organisation our values are Creative, Inclusive, Collaborative and Forward-thinking.

We are looking for an experienced and collaborative leader with a passion for creating exceptional audience experiences to join our Exhibitions & Design team.

Benefits of joining us as our Head of Exhibitions & Design include:

Annually alongside your salary, National Museums Scotland contributes 28.97% of this towards you being a member of the Civil Service Pension Scheme
A generous annual leave of 28.5 days – rising to 33.5 after 5 years, plus an additional 8 paid days public holidays
Free access to national (and international) museums and exhibitions
A range of wellbeing benefits including Employee Assistance Programme 24/7
Access to all the above and more from day one of employment.

About the Head of Exhibitions & Design role:

In this role, you will lead National Museums Scotland’s exhibitions and design activity, working with colleagues across the organisation to create inspiring, audience-focused experiences that bring Scotland’s National Collection to life. Through strategic leadership, creative collaboration and excellent project delivery, you will help shape how millions of visitors engage with our museums, collections and stories.

As Head of Exhibitions & Design at National Museums Scotland you will:

Be responsible for the development, planning and delivery of a strategically driven, engaging and coordinated programme of world class exhibitions and their touring
Take overall responsibility for a programme of investments in our permanent displays coordinating a series of capital investments and refreshment projects.
Be responsible for the delivery of high quality and effective interpretation of visitor content outputs across National Museum Scotland sites.
Lead and maintain high standards of design quality, consistency and coherence across National Museum Scotland sites, including exhibitions, permanent displays, brand development, and communication channels

Skills and experience we’re looking for in our Head of Exhibitions & Design:

Significant experience of managing high profile exhibition and permanent display projects in a museum, visitor attraction or heritage attraction environment
Experience of dealing with a diverse range of people management issues, commensurate with senior manager-level responsibilities
Proven ability to provide strategic leadership and direction for complex exhibition, design and visitor-focused programmes
Ability to champion innovation, creativity and continuous improvement while maintaining organisational standard.
Please be sure to view relevant attachments for this role (available on our Careers Portal: careers.nms.ac.uk) for full details of the position.

The expected closing date for this role is 16/11/2026 (16 NOVEMBER 2026).
The Selection Event is likely to take place either WC 23/11/2026 or W/C 07/12/2026 (7 DECEMBER 2026).

Eden Scott is delighted to be working with the National Trust for Scotland, Scotland’s leading conservation and membership charity. They protect and share places, landscapes and collections of national significance so that they can be enjoyed for generations to come.

Fundraising is central to achieving the charity’s ambitions. In 2025/26, the Fundraising & Philanthropy team raised more than £15 million against a target of £11.9 million. The Trust is finalising a new five-year fundraising strategy to accelerate high-value fundraising, strengthen long-term supporter relationships and embed a culture of philanthropy across the organisation.

This is an opportunity to join a successful and high-performing team, and to help turn an ambitious fundraising strategy into sustained income and organisational impact. Reporting to the Head of Fundraising & Philanthropy, the Deputy Head of Philanthropy will lead an experienced group of fundraising managers, coordinate delivery across a diverse portfolio and connect supporters with some of Scotland’s most significant places, landscapes and collections.

The Head of Fundraising & Philanthropy leads the Trust’s fundraising strategy and sets its strategic direction providing senior operational leadership, translating that strategy into coordinated plans, priorities and measurable results across the fundraising portfolio.

The postholder leads and develops five Fundraising Managers, oversees major campaigns and appeals, and ensures that resources, budgets, data and activity are aligned with the strategy and wider organisational priorities.

Key accountabilities include:

Strategy, performance and organisational leadership:

Support the Head of Fundraising & Philanthropy to implement the fundraising strategy, translating its direction into coordinated annual plans, priorities, targets and performance measures.

People leadership:

Lead, coach and develop five Fundraising Managers, setting clear expectations and holding them accountable for agreed objectives and results.

Supporter experience and fundraising standards:

Lead the development and delivery of a consistent supporter journey that strengthens stewardship, retention and long-term value.

Campaigns and income growth:

Under the strategic leadership of the Head of Fundraising & Philanthropy, direct the planning, delivery and evaluation of major campaigns and appeals to achieve agreed project and income targets.

Financial, data and operational oversight:

Oversee the development and management of income and expenditure budgets, forecasts and recovery plans across the fundraising portfolio.

Stakeholder engagement and representation:

Develop trusted relationships with senior leaders, colleagues and internal stakeholders so that fundraising is integrated into organisational planning and decision-making and represents the National Trust for Scotland at relevant events, conferences and networking opportunities.

Key skills and experience required:

Senior-level experience of leading multidisciplinary fundraising teams and delivering sustained income growth.
A strong track record of translating strategy set by senior leadership into costed plans, priorities, targets and measurable results.
Substantial knowledge of several fundraising disciplines and the ability to lead effectively across a broad portfolio.
Experience of leading complex, high-value campaigns or appeals involving multiple internal stakeholders.
Proven ability to lead, coach and develop experienced managers.

This role offers an excellent competitive salary within a range of £58,132–£63,603 with significant company benefits.

Can be based anywhere across the Central belt of Scotland with occasional travel across Scotland for meetings and events.

Eden Scott is dealing exclusively with the Trust on this vacancy so to be considered for this exciting opportunity, please submit your CV online and for an informal chat or to receive the full role information pack please call Sally on 07776 662506.

Closing date is 5.00pm Monday 9th November 2026 with interviews w/c 16 November 2026

Visitor Experience Manager

Inveraray Castle, Argyll Estates

An extraordinary opportunity to shape the future and expand the offering of one of
Scotland’s most iconic and visited historic castles.

About Inveraray Castle and Argyll Estates

Nestled on the shores of Loch Fyne in Argyll, Inveraray Castle has been the ancestral home of the Dukes of Argyll and Clan Campbell since the 18th century and remains their family home today.
A Category A listed Gothic Revival masterpiece, the Castle combines remarkable architecture, historic interiors and centuries of Campbell heritage with a warm and accessible visitor experience.
Argyll Estates extends across approximately 200 km² of Argyll & Bute, encompassing forestry, farming, renewable energy, holiday cottages and a caravan park. It is a progressive working estate, firmly rooted in its history and traditions.

The Opportunity

We are looking for an energetic, capable and commercially minded Visitor Experience Manager to help lead, develop and grow the visitor operation at Inveraray Castle. Working closely with the Duchess of Argyll, as well as the Duke, Factor and wider Estate team, you will take responsibility for the day-to-day visitor operation while helping to identify new opportunities to increase visitor numbers, develop relationships and enhance the Castle’s appeal.

This is a broad, hands-on role encompassing the Castle visitor experience, guiding, shop, tearoom, gardens, marketing and digital activity as well as relationships with tour operators, coach companies, cruise operators and other tourism partners.
We are not necessarily looking for someone who has already held overall responsibility for a major visitor attraction. This could be an excellent next step for an experienced deputy, assistant manager or operational No. 2 who is ready to take on greater responsibility and develop their career.
You will need the confidence to bring forward ideas and find new contacts, whilst being willing to learn new systems, ask for help when you need it and master the practical detail required to keep a busy visitor attraction running successfully. Clear, timely communication with colleagues at every level will be essential to success in this role. You will be expected to keep the right people informed, raise issues when they arise and ask for guidance when needed.

The Team and Culture

Inveraray is a highly collaborative environment where kindness, professionalism and long-term relationships matter. Many members of the team have worked at the Castle for a considerable time and bring invaluable knowledge and experience. Building strong relationships with them will be fundamental to your success.
You must be a genuine team player, comfortable working with colleagues across every
department and at every level of responsibility. There will be times when you lead and others when you support a colleague or simply help get something done.

Key Responsibilities

Visitor Experience and Operations
During the visitor season, from March to October, you will:
• Help lead the day-to-day operation of all visitor areas, including but not limited to
guiding, retail, catering, parking and visitor access.
• Ensure consistently high standards throughout the Castle, gardens, shop and tearoom.
• Help organise, motivate and support a team of approximately 46 people, comprising
around 40 seasonal and six permanent members of staff.
• Work closely and communicate effectively with the Head Guide, Shop and Tearoom
Manager and other colleagues on staffing, programming and service.
• Be visible and accessible throughout the season, dealing calmly and practically with the challenges of a busy seasonal visitor attraction.
• Work with the Marketing Executive to streamline the Castle’s offering both internally
across the Estate and externally to the global visitor market.
• Learn and confidently operate the Castle’s key administrative and operational systems,
including banking, ticketing and web management systems.

Developing the Business

An important part of the role will be helping Inveraray Castle reach new visitors and develop it’s existing relationships.
You will:
• Maintain and develop relationships with existing tour operators, coach companies, cruise operators and tourism partners.
• Research and identify new tour operators and potential partners in the UK and
international markets.
• Identify practical opportunities to increase visitor numbers and revenue, contributing
ideas for exhibitions, programming and improvements to the visitor experience.
• Along with the Marketing Executive, help develop the Castle’s digital presence and
visitor communication.
• Support appropriate awards and accreditation, including organisations such as Visit
Scotland, ASVA and Green Tourism, and help maintain a strong reputation across visitor
review platforms.
• Use visitor information, feedback and commercial data to understand what is working
and where improvements can be made.

We do not expect the successful candidate to arrive with every contact or every answer. We do expect them to have the curiosity and initiative to find them.

People and Leadership

You will:
• Help recruit, train, motivate and retain an excellent seasonal team.
• Support and manage permanent visitor-facing staff throughout the year.
• Prepare rotas and help ensure appropriate staffing throughout the season.
• Provide approachable, collaborative leadership and work constructively with colleagues in the Castle and wider Estate.
• Be prepared to listen, learn and understand how Inveraray works before introducing
change.

Winter Programme and Planning
Between November and March, the focus shifts towards preparation and development for the following season.
You will:
• Learn about the role in its entirety in preparation for the Summer season. This knowledge will be crucial to ensure systems are second nature and accurate when the Castle becomes far busier.
• Recruiting and training for the forthcoming season including a thorough review of the
previous season to identify practical improvements.
• Along with the Marketing Executive analyse data from the previous season to identify
effective use of resource, both in maintaining and growing revenue stream.
• Progress improvements to signage, interpretation, visitor flow and digital systems,
coordinating with Estate colleagues as required.
• Working closely with the Marketing Executive both on the website development and
advertising initiatives for visitor experiences for the forthcoming season. This needs to be incorporated in the six-month programming calendar.
• Develop ideas for exhibitions, programming and new visitor initiatives.
• Maintain momentum and motivation within the permanent team.

Events and Wider Estate

Throughout the year, you will:
• Help oversee smaller events, occasional weddings, filming and private or high-net-worth visits.
• Liaise with external suppliers and contractors as required.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across Argyll Estates, including the Factor,
conservation and archive specialists and garden and maintenance teams.
• Learn and take sole responsibility for monthly reporting across various data platforms.
• Analysis of visitor numbers, commercial performance and operational matters.
• Work closely with the Duchess on the continued development of the Castle’s visitor
experience and business.

About You

You are likely to have experience in a visitor-facing, tourism, heritage, hospitality, cultural or leisure environment, although we are open-minded about your precise background. You may already be managing a visitor attraction, or you may currently be the person immediately below the senior manager and ready for the next step.

You will bring:
• Experience of working in a busy visitor or customer-facing operation.
• Some experience of supervising, managing or coordinating people.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work comfortably with people at every
level.
• Strong organisational skills and close attention to detail.
• Commercial curiosity and an interest in developing visitor numbers and revenue.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft 365, particularly Excel, together with the
confidence and ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Initiative and the willingness to research, make new contacts and follow opportunities
through.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to share information
clearly, raise concerns promptly and keep colleagues and senior management
appropriately informed.
• Sound judgement and a practical approach to problem-solving.
• Resilience and the ability to remain calm during busy periods.
• An appreciation of the standards appropriate to both a significant heritage destination
and a private family home.
You do not need to arrive knowing everything about heritage tourism or with an established
international network of tour operators. You do need to be keen to learn, confident enough to ask questions and determined to build your knowledge and contacts. You must be ambitious enough to learn on the job and wish to ultimately take sole responsibility of this role.

Above all, we are looking for someone with energy, warmth, initiative and a genuine willingness to become part of the Inveraray team.
In short, this is a unique opportunity to learn from the leading team behind one of
Scotland’s most extraordinary and historical destinations. The team are wishing to “home-grow” a candidate who, in turn, will be expected to thrive and contribute.

Location and Working Pattern
This is a permanent, full-time role based at Inveraray Castle. The Castle operates seasonally and the working pattern reflects this. During the visitor season, flexibility is essential and the role will include weekends and bank holidays.
During open season annual leave would not normally be taken off other than in exceptional circumstances. Days off, during this period, are taken on Tuesday and Wednesday.

A full, clean driving licence and your own suitable transport are essential.
Remuneration and Package
• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience and suitability for the role.
• Estate accommodation provided as part of the package.
• Council tax paid.
• Mobile phone provided and work calls paid.
• 28 days’ annual leave, plus 4 public holidays over Christmas and New Year. Dates are
subject to the requirements of the peak visitor season and pro-rata during the first year
of employment with the leave year running January-December.
• Permanent employment following successful completion of the initial probationary
period.
The Visitor Experience Manager is employed by Argyll Estates and will work particularly closely
and report into the Duchess of Argyll.
How to Apply

This is a rare opportunity for someone who wants to take the next step in their career and become closely involved in the future of one of Scotland’s most distinctive historic visitor attractions.
If you believe you could bring the energy, warmth, initiative and team spirit we are looking for, please send your CV and a covering letter explaining why you would like to join Inveraray Castle
to: katharine@boldnewrecruitment.co.uk