Events & Marketing Manager in Edinburgh

Location: Edinburgh / office, hybrid, flexible

Salary: £30,000 per annum

Contract: Full-time, Permanent, to start asap

Hours: 9.00am–5.00pm (flexibility required for events)

About The Role: Our well established client is a leading national trade body representing Scotland’s retailing sector - a membership led group. They champion the interests of these members—independent retailers, retail groups as well as major corporate partners—ensuring their voice is heard at the highest levels of government and industry. The organisation works with a wide range of stakeholders across Scotland and the UK, including leading food and drink brands. As the events and engagement activity continues to grow, the team are looking for an organised, proactive professional to help shape and promote the group communications and events programme.

The Role Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, the Events, Marketing & Social Media Officer will take a leading role in the planning, delivery and promotion of the entire annual programme of events. These include:

• Crime Seminar
• Mini Summit
• Golf Days
• Annual Conference
• Category-specific events
• Study tours
• Staff days out and events
• Additional adhoc events throughout the year

This is a hands on and varied role suited to someone who is confident managing multiple projects, building relationships with industry partners, and representing this professional body with confidence. A team player is required, who is flexible in their approach. We’re looking for someone who is proactive and reliable.

Key Responsibilities

Event Management

• Plan and deliver all events to a high professional standard.
• Develop event programmes and sponsorship/participation packages.
• Manage venue research, negotiations, contracts, and logistical requirements.
• Liaise with AV providers and suppliers to ensure seamless event delivery.
• Coordinate speakers, contributors and partner organisations.
• Support event budgeting and secure sponsorship in line with agreed targets.
• Attend and oversee events (some travel and occasional overnight stays required).

Marketing & Social Media

• Manage a structured social media calendar covering key SGF activities and campaigns.
• Create and schedule content across LinkedIn, X/Twitter, Instagram and other platforms as required.
• Develop marketing materials and website updates to promote events and member engagement.
• Work with colleagues and corporate partners to maximise audience reach and event visibility.
• Analyse social media performance and engagement metrics to support continuous improvement.

About You:

You will be a proactive, organised and creative professional with:

• Proven experience in event planning and delivery - a minimum of 1 year of leading event management. This is key!
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong written and presentation skills.
• Experience in managing social media content and campaigns … a real area for growth in the role.
• High levels of IT proficiency (Microsoft Office and digital tools).
• The ability to prioritise effectively, work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• A positive, professional approach and confidence working both independently and as part of a small team. Self sufficient and self motivated.
• A full driving licence is required for this role.

What We Offer

• Salary: £30,000
• Death in Service Benefit
• Critical Illness Cover
• A supportive, collaborative working environment
• Opportunities to develop skills and build networks across Scotland’s retail sector
• Occasional travel across Scotland with all expenses covered

FURTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Gilchrist Recruitment Partnership are a specialist recruitment agency and recruiting partner within the Marketing, Digital communications/PR, Creative & Design and Advertising industry for Scotland, both agency and client side. When submitting your application, please outline your current salary, salary expectations and notice period. It is also essential that you are already legally permitted to work in the UK with the associated paperwork if you are not a UK citizen. If you are not currently living in Scotland, please explain/outline your plans and timelines for relocation to Scotland. We are a Scottish based recruiter who generally do not represent “remote” opportunities - thus you will be either living in Scotland or have solid plans to relocate. We cannot guarantee a response to each individual application, made necessary by the level of response we receive. We will contact only those candidates we wish to shortlist. Apologies in advance for any inconvenience this may cause. We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and are committed to ensuring that no applicant receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status or race. Unless clearly stated otherwise, the advertised position is a permanent contract.