Convention Bureau Lead in Inverness

20 hours/week to start with, real scope to grow into a full-time role as the Bureau develops. Pension, 28 days annual leave + 9 public holidays pro rata, flexible/hybrid working, professional development, and the chance to represent the Highlands nationally and internationally.

Visit Inverness Loch Ness is the official Destination Development and Marketing Management Organisation for Inverness and Loch Ness. Representing over 490 businesses across more than 30 sectors, the organisation delivers destination marketing, business development, infrastructure projects, events, advocacy and visitor economy growth activity on behalf of its members and communities. Established as the UK's first Tourism Business Improvement District, Visit Inverness Loch Ness operates across a destination spanning over 1,200 square miles, including the Highland Capital of Inverness and the world-famous Loch Ness. The organisation's Business Plan 2024-2029 identifies business events, conferences and year-round economic growth as key strategic priorities. This role will play a central part in delivering those ambitions.

The Convention Bureau Lead will establish and develop the Convention Bureau function for Inverness and Loch Ness. This is a unique opportunity to establish and shape the Convention Bureau for Inverness and Loch Ness. Rather than joining an existing team, the successful candidate will build a new business function that supports the long-term sustainability of Visit Inverness Loch Ness through conference attraction, strategic partnerships and income generation. Initially offered on a 20-hour per week basis, the role is intended to grow alongside the Convention Bureau. Subject to achieving agreed performance milestones, securing sustainable income and demonstrating measurable impact, it is anticipated that the position will develop into a full-time role.

The postholder will be responsible for attracting conferences, meetings, incentive travel and business events to the destination, increasing economic impact and supporting year-round visitor demand. Working closely with destination partners, industry leaders, public sector stakeholders and local ambassadors, the role will position Inverness and Loch Ness as a leading destination for conferences and business events while supporting the long-term sustainability of Visit Inverness Loch Ness through partnership development, commercial opportunities and external funding.

Success in this role will not be measured solely by the number of conferences secured, but by the establishment of a sustainable Convention Bureau function that delivers long-term economic impact and creates new opportunities for Visit Inverness Loch Ness and the wider destination.

Experience and Qualifications

• Tourism
• Destination management
• Economic development
• Business events
• Sales or account management
• Excellent communication, presentation and influencing skills
• Strong commercial awareness with experience of developing partnerships, generating income or creating business opportunities
• Experience preparing proposals, funding applications or business cases
• Ability to build productive relationships across public and private sectors
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to work independently
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel
• Experience working within a destination management organisation, local authority or economic development environment
• Experience of conference attraction, convention bureau activity or business events
• Understanding of association conferences and the wider meetings industry
• Knowledge of the Highlands and Islands economy and visitor economy
• Experience of partnership development or sponsorship acquisition
• Experience of CRM systems and pipeline management
• Relevant degree or equivalent professional experience