Job Title: Business Improvement District (BID) Manager
Term: Permanent, subject to probationary period of 6 months.
Hours: 4 or 5 days a week, subject to negotiation with the Board of Directors. Regular weekend and evening working required.
Reporting to: Discover Lanark Board of Directors via the Board Chair
Location: Office located in Lanark Town Centre
Salary: £38,000 - £42,000 per annum (pro rata if for 4 days). Starting salary dependent on experience.
Benefits: NEST pension scheme, 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, flexible working arrangements.
Role Summary
Discover Lanark Business Improvement District (BID) is seeking an exceptional leader to drive the BID forward through its 2 nd term to a successful renewal ballot in 2029. The successful candidate will combine strategic vision and leadership with excellent project management and communication skills.
The role will focus on both leading and managing the BID and on ensuring implementation of the Discover Lanark Business Plan 2024-2029. The BID delivers projects across four key themes: Increasing Footfall and Spend, Marketing of the Town to Locals and Visitors, Supporting our Businesses, and Creating a Welcoming, Attractive and Safer Town. The current operating budget is c£160k per annum and the BID area includes over 300 businesses including the town centre, an industrial estate and outlying tourism / hospitality businesses.
The post holder will be expected to develop and maintain excellent relationships with levy payers and non-levy payers, public and third sector organisations in the town and regionally.
Background
The BID is just over 2 years into its 2 nd term after a successful renewal ballot in 2024 with a 75% yes vote.
This is an exciting opportunity to build on the successes of the last seven years including projects such as Jurassic Lanark, Wallace House Murals, Christmas Events and Lighting Displays, Paddington Bear Statue and Lanark Medieval Celebration, and to bring new and exciting ideas to Lanark to drive the town forward and support its business community.
Job Purpose
- To set the strategic vision of the BID within the wider town context working with the Board of Directors as well as businesses, key stakeholders, agencies and service providers.
- To provide day-to-day leadership and management of the BID, ensuring the implementation of the BID Business Plan and the delivery of BID projects.
- To ensure services and projects meet the changing needs of levy payers, placing the BID in a strong position for a successful renewal ballot and 3 rd term.
- To act as a champion for Discover Lanark and the BID’s members.
Main Responsibilities
- To liaise and co-ordinate with stakeholders in order to provide coherent strategic direction for the development of the BID, addressing current and future priorities.
- To identify and bring forward new opportunities which may support the town and its business community.
- To develop excellent relationships with key stakeholders and partnerships, and represent the interests of the BID and levy payers in key strategic and operational forums.
To provide day-to-day leadership and management of the BID, undertaking the following key activities:
- To develop and deliver the events, projects and services set out in the Discover Lanark Business Plan.
- To identify new developments and opportunities, delivering additional new projects as appropriate.
- To organise and service the administration of the BID Board, the AGM and the BID’s governance function, including its Articles of Association.
- To manage the BID budget of approximately £160k per annum ensuring best value, report on a regular basis to the BID Board and assist with the preparation of company accounts.
- To ensure regular communication with BID Levy payers to keep them informed about BID projects and services as well as other wider opportunities.
- To ensure the effective marketing of Lanark via Discover Lanark’s website and social media platforms, and other appropriate promotional tools.
- To organise and oversee BID events and promotions, where appropriate in partnership with other public and private sector organisations.
- To identify and secure additional funding to enhance the BID's financial viability and support project delivery.
- To act as the main point of contact for Discover Lanark and maintain effective working relationships with all levy payers, key stakeholders and partners.
- To ensure strong project, contract and budget management of all BID services.
- To manage BID employees (if applicable), freelance workers, volunteers, contractors and consultants working on behalf of the BID.
- To monitor BID outputs and report key performance indicators to the BID Board and more widely through the Annual Review.
- To work collaboratively with the local authority and other public sector partners to maximise investment in the local area and support its effective routine operation.
- To ensure the BID operates and delivers its services in line with current Health & Safety legislation and best practice.
- To lead the delivery of a five yearly BID ballot.
- To undertake any other duties commensurate with this role as directed by the Chair of the BID.
This job description reflects the core activities of the role, although there will be changes in the emphasis of duties as required from time to time. There is a requirement for the post holder to recognise this and adopt a flexible approach to their work. The above list of responsibilities is not in order of priority.
Skills and Experience
- Minimum 3 years of experience in one or more related fields such as BID management, town centre management, retail, business management, project management, marketing and events.
- A proven track record of successful project management and delivery.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Experience in financial and budgetary management.
- Experience of developing and delivering marketing campaigns combined with demonstrable experience of effective social media use.
- A demonstrable record of successful event management.
- Experience of working in partnership across a range of agencies and stakeholders, both public and private sector.
- Experience of working at a senior level and influencing decision-makers.
- Sound understanding of health & safety obligations in an operational public-facing environment.
- Experience of putting together successful funding applications.
- Ability to work with professionalism and integrity at all times.
- Ability to establish priorities, plan ahead and multi-task effectively.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
- Ability to work with minimum supervision.
- Must be able to work flexibly with time off in lieu for regular weekend and evening working.
- Competence in a range of business IT applications.
- A full driving licence and access to transport.
- Familiarity with Lanark and the surrounding area.
- Knowledge and understanding of the wider issues affecting town centres, retail and other business sectors.
- Knowledge of BIDs.
- NEBOSH, IOSH or equivalent health and safety qualification.
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