Head of Visitor Experience

TMM Recruitment is exclusively supporting Braemar Castle with the appointment of the Head of Visitor Experience / Castle Manager. This key role will operate on a permanent basis. Braemar Community Ltd works to achieve the sustainable economic, environmental and social development of the community of Braemar. In 2007, Braemar Castle became the first castle in Scotland to be operated by the community. It sits in a spectacular setting in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. The castle is operated by Braemar Community Limited, a non- profit organization operated by the residents of Braemar. This appointment is key and full information can be viewed below. Do get in touch with erutherford@tmmrecruitment.com to discuss in more detail.

The Head of Visitor Experience/Castle Manager will lead a team comprising of an Activity Manager, an Outreach Coordinator, the Evaluation team and a Caretaker to ensure the delivery of Braemar Castle’s Raising the Standard project which will complete in 2025. They will ensure the smooth day to day running of Braemar Castle maximising the opportunities offered by the recent refurbishment program and preserving the core values which have sustained the Castle as a community led visitor attraction since its opening in 2007.

Key Responsibilities

Operations and People Management:

• Managing the day-to-day operation of the castle including administrative tasks.
• Ensuring the visitor experience is always delivered at the highest possible standard of quality and safety.
• Managing the Castle Team and volunteers as well as liaise with the Board of Directors.
• Working with the Activity Manager to recruit, train and manage the castle volunteers including their rostering.
• Ensuring the values of community and inclusivity which have been pillars to the castle management since 2007 continue to be fundamental values of the day-to-day operations.

Maintenance and Health and Safety Policy:

• Delivering a high standard of maintenance and caretaking of the castle building, contents and grounds by managing the schedule of the Castle Caretaker and caretaking volunteers as per maintenance schedule.
• Working with the Castle Caretaker and volunteers to implement and monitor the health and safety policy.
• Collaborating with the Collection Manager and Activity Manager to care, preserve, store and display the castle collection.

Activity Program of Community Engagement and Events:

• Supporting the Activity Manager in delivering the community engagement activity program as well as contributing to the planning and delivery of future events and exhibitions.

Marketing and Sales:

• Delivering and continuously developing the marketing and digital strategy with the support of an external marketing resource.
• Representing the castle during sales missions with the support of dedicated volunteers with local marketing organisations to maximise opportunities to promote the castle as a visitor attraction.
• Engaging with formal local community networks and groups to widen participation in the castle’s heritage and strengthen relationships between the castle, the local community to maximise visitor numbers.

Future Development:

• Working in collaboration with Directors of BCL and the Activity Manager on grant funding applications to continuously improve the fabric and contents of the castle as well as enhance the visitor experience.
• Supporting the Castle Fundraising Manager by promoting and taking part in fundraising events.

Financial:

• Contributing to creating a yearly budget and deliver a positive financial result through various revenue strands (visitor entry fees, bespoke experiences, special events, castle shop sales).

Person Specification:

• A degree or equivalent relevant experience.
• Experience of managing a heritage or tourism attraction.
• Commercial awareness.
• Full driving licence and car owner.
• Strong IT skills.
• Report writing experience.
• Event management experience.

Additional:

• 35 hour working week, split over 5 days (potentially can be negotiated to 4 days per week).
• Hybrid working available over winter season.

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