At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead tourism initiatives and support local businesses to enhance the visitor economy.
- Company: Somerset Council, dedicated to improving community lives and sustainable tourism.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, 30 days annual leave, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Fixed-term contract with potential for extension and hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local tourism and community growth while collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Degree or relevant experience in tourism, project management, or business studies.
The predicted salary is between 37280 - 41771 £ per year.
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
Strategic Tourism Officer in Taunton employer: Somerset-Council-1
As a Strategic Tourism Officer with Somerset Council, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to enhancing the visitor economy in Brean and surrounding areas. The council promotes a collaborative work culture that values diversity and inclusion, offering flexible and hybrid working arrangements, 30 days of annual leave, and opportunities for professional growth. Join us in making a meaningful impact on local communities while enjoying a supportive environment that fosters innovation and strategic thinking.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Tourism Officer in Taunton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the tourism sector. Attend local events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. The more connections we make, the better our chances of landing that Strategic Tourism Officer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your experience in project management and strategic marketing. When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers, we want to impress them with our knowledge and past successes in the tourism sector.
✨Tip Number 3
Research is key! Dive deep into Somerset’s tourism landscape and understand the current challenges and opportunities. This will not only help us in interviews but also show that we’re genuinely interested in making a difference in the local economy.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we can tailor our application to highlight how our skills align perfectly with the role of Strategic Tourism Officer. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Tourism Officer in Taunton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Strategic Tourism Officer. We want to see how you can contribute to improving the visitor economy in Somerset!
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t hold back on sharing your relevant experience in tourism and project management. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate a strong understanding of the tourism sector, so let us know how you've tackled similar challenges before.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to communicate your ideas effectively. Remember, we appreciate strong presentation and communication skills!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Somerset-Council-1
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and challenges in the tourism sector, especially those relevant to Somerset. Being able to discuss current issues and how they relate to the HPC Tourism Mitigation Programme will show that you're not just interested, but also knowledgeable.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves working closely with various stakeholders, think about how you can demonstrate your relationship-building skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in the past, whether in tourism or other sectors.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Be ready to discuss your approach to strategic planning and project management. Think of specific instances where you've led projects from initiation to delivery, and how you tackled any challenges along the way. This will highlight your ability to manage multiple projects effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing. You might even want to prepare a short presentation on a relevant topic to showcase your skills during the interview.
