Contract:Fixed-term, until 31 st March 2028, with the potential to extend.
Hours: 37.5 per week. Core office hours are 9:00am – 5:30pm. Some evening and weekend work will be required, and flexibility is important. Occasional remote working to be discussed. A 3- or 4-day working week (salary pro rata) would be considered for the right candidate.
Salary:£42k - £45k depending on skills and qualifications.
Orpington 1st Business Improvement District (BID)
An opportunity has arisen for a BID Manager to join the company during the penultimate year of its third five-year term, ahead of the critical ballot period for a fourth term.
Orpington is a major town centre in the London Borough of Bromley, sitting on the southeastern edge of Greater London. The town centre’s Business Improvement District (BID) consists of approximately 330 businesses, including retail, hospitality, leisure, personal care businesses, and professional services.
On behalf of the town centre business community, Orpington 1st BID aims to make Orpington a better place to live, work, and visit, through a range of initiatives falling under three individual themes:
First for Customers - to improve Orpington’s image and bring more people into town.
First for Look & Feel - to improve the appearance of the high street and its feeling of safety.
First for Business & Investment - to act as a strong voice for business, improve our members' profitability, encourage investment, and work in partnership towards a more vibrant, modern and relevant town centre.
The BID Manager will report to the BID Board of Directors and will manage the day-to-day operations of the company in line with the strategic direction of the BID, as set by the Board. The Board is supported by an appointed consultant, who advises the Board on strategy and provides guidance on delivery.
The BID Manager will be the on-the-ground face of the BID, collaborating with stakeholders and partners, and ensuring the effective delivery of all BID activity.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the day-to-day delivery of all Orpington 1st BID projects to a high standard, in line with the Business Plan.
- Ensure projects are developed to meet the changing needs of the town centre and levy payers.
- Build strong relationships with levy paying businesses, maintaining a frequent on-the-ground presence and conducting regular face-to-face visits.
- Act as an ambassador for Orpington town centre and the work of the BID, proactively engaging with businesses, stakeholders, and partners and ensuring that they understand the BID’s role and objectives.
- Work with the appropriate officers at London Borough of Bromley to ensure the public realm is managed effectively.
- Maintain close communication with the Orpington Safer Neighbourhood Team and ensure the delivery of an effective Business Crime Reduction Partnership.
- Manage the annual budget within parameters agreed with the board. Maintain oversight of the BID's financial performance, providing regular updates to the Board.
- Seek additional funding opportunities including grant funding, commercial sponsorship, or in-kind support.
- Develop and maintain a strong and effective working relationship with the Chair and Board of Directors, and the Board's appointed consultant, ensuring they are supported with the appropriate level of administration and information so they can carry out their duties effectively.
- Manage the BID company to comply with its articles of association and relevant regulation relating to BIDs, financial management, data protection, health & safety and any other relevant legislation.
The above is not an exhaustive list of duties and you will be expected to perform different tasks as required and directed by the board.
Skills, Knowledge and Experience
- A genuine passion for place shaping, with a real drive to make a tangible difference to Orpington town centre for the benefit of businesses, residents, and visitors.
- Resilient, with the ability to stay focused and effective when facing setbacks, competing demands or challenging stakeholders.
- Proven ability to build and maintain positive relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Skilled in planning, executing, and managing projects from initiation to completion.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with strong time-management skills.
- Strong decision-making capabilities and the ability to delegate/outsource tasks where required.
- Ability to work with minimum supervision, and with the utmost professionalism and integrity.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office or equivalent software.
- Financial acumen, with practical experience of managing a budget.
- Strong commercial acumen, with an understanding of the challenges and priorities facing town centre and high street businesses.
- Understanding of marketing and place-promotion principles, with the ability to help raise Orpington’s profile as a destination.
- Degree level education (or equivalent) or an appropriate professional qualification in a relevant discipline.
- Understanding of the legislation and regulations that govern BIDs.
- Experience of partnership working with local authorities and other public sector stakeholders.
- Experience of financial reporting to a board or similar governance body.
- Experience in digital marketing, social media, and event promotion.
- Knowledge of political and economic conditions of retail, leisure and licensed businesses.
- Experience of line managing staff, contractors or freelancers.
- Understanding of equity, diversity and inclusion principles in place shaping and community engagement.
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