Strategic Tourism & Growth Lead (Hybrid) in Taunton

Salary: Grade 10, ranging from £37,280 - £41,771 per annum.

We’re working to improve the lives of people and communities across Somerset, and you could play a key role in making that happen. In this position, you’ll help shape and grow the visitor economy in Brean and the surrounding area, working at the heart of partnerships between local businesses, communities and major stakeholders. This is an opportunity to make a real difference by supporting sustainable tourism and strengthening the local economy.

Role Summary:

As our Strategic Tourism Officer, you will lead the delivery of the HPC Tourism Mitigation Programme, supporting and developing the local visitor economy. The role combines strategic thinking with hands-on delivery, focusing on targeted destination marketing, building business resilience, and managing the tourism mitigation fund effectively.

You will work closely with tourism organisations, businesses, the Council and wider stakeholders, acting as a trusted connector to build strong relationships and drive collaborative, joined-up activity. Success in this role depends on your ability to bring people together, foster trust, and develop practical solutions to complex and sensitive challenges, while leading local groups and initiatives that support long-term growth.

What you’ll do - Key Responsibilities:

• Provide expert policy advice on tourism growth and resilience, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of key issues and trends.
• Advise on how tourism challenges and opportunities can be addressed through HPC mitigation packages.
• Support senior managers to influence national and regional tourism policy affecting Somerset, including sector development, employment, skills and digital adoption.
• Work closely with key partners, including EDF, local stakeholders and Destination Management Organisations, to deliver the Hinkley Point C Section 106 Tourism Contributions.
• Support the commissioning and management of services to deliver the mitigation activity.
• Monitor performance and finances, making recommendations to ensure delivery against agreed frameworks.
• Collect and analyse data to report outcomes to partners and demonstrate delivery against project and council priorities.
• Promote and uphold Somerset Council’s values, equality, diversity and inclusion commitments, and health, safety and wellbeing.

What we’re looking for – Knowledge, Experience & Skills:

• Knowledge of project management, including commissioning or procurement-based projects from initiation through delivery and review.
• Knowledge of strategic and operational marketing and public relations activity.
• Experience demonstrating a strong strategic understanding of the tourism sector and wider economic priorities relevant to Somerset.
• Educated to degree level or able to demonstrate equivalent relevant work experience aligned to the responsibilities of the role.
• Strong presentation and communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and accurately at all levels, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of partners and stakeholders.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines.
• High level ICT skills, particularly in the use of Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to plan and prioritise workload, meeting conflicting deadlines and responding to multiple demands for information or advice.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and independently when required.
• Confidence and sound judgement when analysing options and dealing with complex issues.
• Ability to take a lead role in financial and business processes.
• Experience of working in, or closely with, the private sector.
• Degree or relevant professional qualification in tourism, economics, project management, business studies or planning.

Additional Information:

• Fixed-term contract for 3 years with potential for extension.
• Flexible and hybrid working with a balance of home, locality and office working.
• 30 days’ annual leave (additional to bank holidays).
• Regretfully, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship.

If you would like an informal discussion about this exciting opportunity, please contact Dugald Lockhart, Service Manager Enterprise and Investment: dugald.lockhart@somerset.gov.uk