At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transformation of Folkestone town centre with exciting events and partnerships.
- Company: Join Folkestone & Hythe District Council, a top-rated employer focused on community and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 31 days holiday, flexible working, and a fantastic benefits package.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of revitalising a vibrant town centre and making a real impact.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in Event Management or Town Centre Management; strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board. Ranked in the Sunday Times as one of the best places to live in the UK, and in Lonely Planet as one of the best places to visit, Folkestone & Hythe is a dynamic and innovative place to live, work and stay. You will be at the heart of the regeneration and uplift of Folkestone town centre and the surrounding area. With the planned completion of major town centre upgrades and the opening of the new Bouverie Square due next year, you will have a fantastic upcoming platform to drive this work forward. This role offers a unique opportunity to prepare for these landmarks, leveraging the existing success of the award-winning Harbour Arm and Creative Quarter to ensure the town is ready to thrive.
Recognised by Best Companies as an outstanding organisation to work for, we have a real focus on supporting career development, wellbeing and family friendly initiatives, and a hybrid agile working culture that enables flexible and remote/home working. You can also expect an excellent benefits package that includes corporate membership, discount and salary sacrifice schemes, reimbursement of professional membership fees, up to 31 days holiday and Christmas closure, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, and much, much more.
The role Folkestone & Hythe District Council is seeking a proactive and high-energy Town Centre Manager to lead the transformation of our town centre into a premier, high-impact destination. Acting as the strategic and operational lead for the Town Centre Operating Model (TCOM), you will be the Council's 'on the ground' link, bridging the gap between local businesses, market operators and event organisers. This is a pivotal role focused on increasing footfall, enhancing economic vitality and ensuring the town centre is a safe and vibrant place for all.
Key responsibilities:
- Developing and managing a 6-to-12-month programme of high-quality markets, seasonal festivals and regular events.
- Identifying investment opportunities and infrastructure projects that enhance the town's appeal to residents and visitors.
- Proactively securing external funding, partnerships, and sponsorships.
- Acting as the primary contact for Market Operators and businesses, ensuring all activity complies with Health & Safety, Licensing, and Trading Standards.
- Leveraging data-driven insights to secure investment from larger businesses and commercial partners.
About You:
We are looking for a proactive and personable professional who thrives in a visible, public-facing environment. You must be comfortable working independently, solving complex political or interpersonal issues and maintaining a calm, tactful approach under pressure. As this role requires a high-visibility presence, you should be happy to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
Key Qualifications, Skills, and Experience:
- At least 2 years of recent experience in Event Management, Town Centre Management or Economic Development.
- Proven understanding of statutory legislation including Health and Safety, Licensing and Trading Standards.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills for drafting complex business cases and managing diverse stakeholder relationships.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (specifically Excel) and ideally familiar with creative software like Canva or Adobe Express.
Candidates should demonstrate flexibility regarding working hours, including weekend availability. Please note that scheduling requirements will fluctuate seasonally, with peak demand during the summer and Christmas periods and reduced requirements during shoulder months.
Town Centre Manager (Fixed term for 18 months) in Folkestone employer: Folkestone & Hythe District Council
Folkestone & Hythe District Council is an exceptional employer, recognised for its commitment to employee wellbeing and career development. With a vibrant work culture that embraces flexibility through hybrid working options, employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package including generous holiday allowances and professional development support. As a key player in the exciting regeneration of Folkestone town centre, you will have the unique opportunity to make a tangible impact in a dynamic and thriving community.
Contact Detail:
Folkestone & Hythe District Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Town Centre Manager (Fixed term for 18 months) in Folkestone
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the local scene! Spend some time in Folkestone, chat with local businesses and event organisers. This will not only help you understand the community better but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend local events and festivals to meet key players in the area. Building relationships now can open doors later, plus it shows you're proactive and engaged.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! If you have experience in event management or economic development, be ready to share specific examples of your successes. Use data-driven insights to back up your achievements.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Town Centre Manager (Fixed term for 18 months) in Folkestone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Role:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the Town Centre Manager position shine through. We want to see how excited you are about driving the transformation of Folkestone town centre and making it a vibrant place for everyone.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in Event Management or Town Centre Management. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills in managing events and working with local businesses, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:While we love a good story, keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain your qualifications and experiences, ensuring we can easily see why you’d be a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Folkestone & Hythe District Council
✨Know Your Community
Folkestone & Hythe is all about community engagement, so make sure you know the local businesses and events. Research recent developments in the town centre and be ready to discuss how you can enhance its appeal. Showing genuine interest in the area will impress your interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Event Management Skills
Since this role involves managing markets and festivals, come prepared with examples of past events you've organised. Highlight your ability to secure funding and partnerships, and discuss how you’ve successfully increased footfall at previous events. Specific numbers or outcomes will make your experience stand out.
✨Understand the Regulations
Brush up on Health & Safety, Licensing, and Trading Standards regulations relevant to town centre management. Being able to speak confidently about these topics will demonstrate your preparedness for the role and show that you take compliance seriously.
✨Be Personable and Approachable
This role requires a high-visibility presence, so practice your communication skills. Be ready to discuss how you handle complex interpersonal issues and maintain a calm demeanour under pressure. Your ability to connect with diverse stakeholders will be key to your success.