Project Manager (Visitor Experience)

Starting salary: £43,227

Contract type: Fixed term for 2 years

Grade: 4

Location: Orkney Hub, Kirkwall

Working Hours: Monday – Friday 35 hours per week

The primary focus of the role is to lead the Visitor Experience project within the Orkney World Heritage Site programme, with particular focus on the visitor strategy and development workstream which includes the creation of a new Orientation Centre for the World Heritage Site near Stenness, and improvements at Skara Brae.

Benefits of joining us at Historic Environment Scotland:

• Enrolment onto a Civil Service Pension scheme – 28% employer contribution
• 25 days annual leave, pro-rata (increasing to 30 days after 3 years) + 11.5 public holidays
• Reimbursement for relevant professional subscriptions
• Support for further education and personal development
• Study leave for work related courses
• Flexible working hours (where appropriate)
• Free entry to all of our properties (with up to three guests)
• Free entry to English Heritage, Manx and Cadw properties

Key Responsibilities of this role:

The successful candidate will be a highly organised individual, with a proactive approach. They should have a track record in developing and delivering complex projects with multiple stakeholders. They should be able to work independently, building relationships across the organisation and with partners to ensure smooth development of the Visitor Experience project which ultimately reflects the needs of programme partners and stakeholders. A strategic approach will be required, understanding the varied perspectives of partner experts and stakeholders in areas as diverse as visitor experience, monument conservation, operations and heritage policy.

As the project develops you will lead the tender process for the professional team required to take plans to RIBA Stage 3, the requirement for OBC. This will include ensuring that the governance in the partner organisations is adhered to. Experience of working with professional teams and developing heritage projects would therefore be an advantage.

The OBC and FBC are to be developed in accordance with the HM Treasury’s Book Process ensuring that a robust appraisal of options and value for money are key in making strategic investment decisions. Knowledge and experience of the Green Book would be an advantage.

You will manage the production of impact assessments required to inform the project development process, tendering and appointing consultants as required. Ongoing community consultation will also be required as part of the wider programme team.

Specific duties and responsibilities include:

• Project Manage the Visitor Experience Project, leading on all development activity for workstreams within it, including the Visitor Strategy and Development Workstream
• Engage and coordinate with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders, synthesising input to guide project direction and decision-making.
• Ensure the regulatory context for any development is fully considered, undertaking or arranging impact assessments and consultation as required.
• Represent the workstream across programme governance structures, including participation in Programme Steering Group and Programme Board meetings as required.
• Support robust project governance in collaboration with the Programme Manager, establishing effective activity and budget reporting, monitoring, and evaluation processes.
• Procure and oversee external consultants and contractors, ensuring delivery against scope, budget, and quality standards in conjunction with the Programme Manager.
• Align project development with the expectations of key external funders, ensuring compliance with funding conditions and strategic priorities.
• In conjunction with the Programme Manager and Project Support Officers, be responsible for partners input for progress reporting, risk identification and management.
• Apply the UK Treasury Green Book methodology when writing the Outline Business Case.

Key requirements of the role:

In order for you to be successful in this post, we will be looking for you to submit a cover letter which addresses how you can meet each of the essential and desirable criteria (in up to 1,200 words), using examples of where you have demonstrated these criteria previously. Please ensure that you provide real life examples for each of the criteria to be considered for this post. You can use examples of how you have met this criteria from your work life, home life, education or volunteer experience.

Essential:

• Proven experience in project development and managing complex projects
• Strong stakeholder engagement and partnership management skills, with a track record of facilitating collaboration across local authorities, national agencies, and community groups.
• Advanced organisational and planning capabilities, including budget forecasting, risk management, and use of project management methodologies (e.g. PRINCE2, Agile, or RIBA stages).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear documentation, lead workshops, and represent the partnership in public and stakeholder forums.
• Ability to work independently and proactively, while contributing to strategic goals and maintaining alignment with programme governance structures.

We are dedicated to building a workforce which is reflective of diversity within Scotland. We warmly welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, regardless of age, race, gender or gender identity, religious beliefs, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or neurodiversity.

In support of our Gaelic Language Plan, we welcome applications from Gaelic speakers.

We want every candidate to have the best chance to succeed during the recruitment process. If you require your application in an alternative format, please reach out to us via email at recruit@hes.scot or call our Head Office at 0131 668 8600 and speak to a member of our People Team.

Please note that, at this time, we are unfortunately unable to provide sponsorship as part of the recruitment process, therefore you must have current right to work in the UK to be considered for a post.

To submit your application online, please read our ‘How to Apply’ followed by ‘Apply Now’ button to begin your application.