At a Glance
- Tasks: Identify and develop business event opportunities to boost Scotland's global competitiveness.
- Company: VisitScotland, the National Tourism Organisation promoting Scotland worldwide.
- Benefits: Flexible working, family-friendly policies, competitive salary, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working culture with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Scotland's tourism and economy while building global connections.
- Qualifications: Experience in event management and strong relationship-building skills required.
VisitScotland is Scotland’s National Tourism Organisation, and we’re proud to promote the wealth of incredible features our country has to offer. Our aim is to benefit Scotland by growing its tourism industry and giving it a renowned presence in the global marketplace.
The Business Events department sits within the Marketing & Business Development Directorate, promoting Scotland globally as a destination for association congresses, corporate meetings, incentives and sector-aligned events by educating clients, intermediaries and stakeholders about Scotland’s capabilities. It operates through two specialist streams— Associations & Sectors (A&S) and Corporate & Incentive (C&I) — each requiring distinct expertise, market knowledge and long-term relationship building.
The team influences decision-makers, supports bids, and connects clients with Scotland’s leading venues, academic centres of excellence and policy landscape. It also provides national-level coordination, strategic leadership and marketing to enhance Scotland’s competitiveness. The team works closely with other departments including Marketing, Content, Corporate Affairs and shared support services such as Legal, Procurement and Finance.
The Associations & Sectors team plays a core role within VisitScotland Business Events by identifying, developing and securing international association led and sector aligned business events that deliver economic, academic and societal benefit for Scotland. The team works closely with city convention bureaux, universities, innovation centres, sector bodies and global association networks to build Scotland’s competitiveness and grow a sustainable pipeline of future events.
Within this context, the role is responsible for identifying, qualifying and developing association and sector aligned business event opportunities that advance Scotland’s academic, economic and policy priorities. It focuses on building and nurturing relationships with academics, researchers, sector bodies, innovation centres and international association networks to strengthen Scotland’s global competitiveness and generate a sustainable pipeline of bids.
It plays a key role in both rebuilding and converting Scotland’s future business event pipeline, ensuring that policy aligned activity translates into secured events and measurable economic, academic and societal impact. Working collaboratively with city convention bureaux and national partners, the role supports bid development through the application of market insight, sector knowledge and policy aligned positioning, ensuring Scotland’s offer is compelling and aligned to national priorities, centres of excellence and regional strengths.
The role also represents VisitScotland Business Events at UK and international activations, contributing to Scotland’s visibility and reputation in priority markets.
This role can be based out of any VisitScotland office location across Scotland. VisitScotland operates a hybrid working culture, partially office and partially home based. With family-friendly and flexible working policies, we offer an impressive range of benefits and professional development. We are an equal opportunities employer, and value diversity in all its forms.
Business Events Manager – Association & Sectors employer: VisitScotland
VisitScotland is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that champions flexibility and family-friendly policies. With opportunities for professional development and a commitment to diversity, employees can thrive in a supportive culture while contributing to the growth of Scotland's tourism industry. The hybrid working model allows for a balanced lifestyle, making it an attractive choice for those seeking meaningful employment in a vibrant location.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Events Manager – Association & Sectors
✨Show Your Creative Side
In marketing communications, standing out is key. Get creative with your application! Consider designing a mini-campaign or pitch that highlights your skills and understanding of the brand. Tailor it for VisitScotland and show them what you can bring to the table.
✨Engage in Marketing Communities
Get involved in local or online marketing communications groups. Check out platforms like Meetup for events and workshops. Networking here can lead to hidden job openings and valuable insights into the industry trends—this is where we often discover what companies like VisitScotland are looking for.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to showcase your passion for marketing communications. Share insights, articles, and your own content that resonates with the industry. Tagging or interacting with VisitScotland on these platforms can catch the eye of recruiters and show you're genuinely interested in them.
✨Attend Industry Events
Keep an eye out for marketing conferences and workshops. These are great places to meet potential employers face-to-face and make connections that could land you a full-time role at VisitScotland. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Events Manager – Association & Sectors
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft an Impactful Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Focus on your passion for marketing communications and how your previous experiences can benefit VisitScotland. Make sure to mention specific campaigns or projects you’ve worked on that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:As you're diving into a marketing communications role, your writing ability is crucial. Include samples of your work, like blog posts, press releases, or social media campaigns in your application. This lets us see your style and how you engage with different audiences.
Tailor Your CV to Marketing:Your CV should highlight relevant marketing skills and experiences! Include specific tools or platforms you’ve used, like Google Analytics or social media management software. Mention any certifications or workshops related to marketing that you've completed – they can give you an edge!
Demonstrate Your Understanding of VisitScotland:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about VisitScotland’s marketing approach or any recent campaigns that caught your attention. This can reveal your enthusiasm for the role and your genuine interest in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at VisitScotland
✨Showcase Your Creative Campaigns
Get ready to flaunt your portfolio! Include examples of previous marketing campaigns you've worked on, especially those that showcase your creativity and strategy. Recruiters at VisitScotland will be keen to see how you conceptualise and execute campaigns, so highlight any measurable outcomes to back up your claims.
✨Know Your Digital Tools Inside Out
If you’re heading into a marketing-communications role, make sure you're comfortable discussing key digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Hootsuite. Expect some technical questions about how you've used these tools in the past, as they'll want to gauge your hands-on experience and how you analyse data to drive marketing decisions.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
At VisitScotland, they may throw some scenario-based questions your way, aimed at testing your problem-solving skills in real-life marketing situations. Think through potential challenges you’ve faced, how you navigated them, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcome.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Marketing
As you’re applying for a full-time position, show that you're not just looking for a job, but a career in marketing. Talk about the latest trends in marketing communications, your favourite campaigns, and why they inspire you. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out and demonstrate that you’re committed to growing within the field.
