Jobs

Eden Scott is delighted to be working with The South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA) as it recruits its new Chief Executive.

Established in May 2020, SSDA is the industry-led Destination Management and Marketing Organisation for the South of Scotland, encompassing Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders. With a focus on place-making, people, digital capability and sustainability, the ambition of SSDA is to make the South of Scotland a top tourism destination, offer a world-class visitor experience, increase tourism spend in the region to £1bn by 2030 and create 6,500 new jobs.

SSDA is supported by South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE), VisitScotland, Dumfries and Galloway Council and Scottish Borders Council.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the team as Chief Executive; this senior leadership post will deliver the organisation’s strategy to transform the South of Scotland into a year-round world-class destination while driving engagement with members to support them through product development and business growth.

This role is based in one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland, which offers a great quality of working life; working closely with the Board, in particular the Chair, the Chief Executive will give direction and leadership to the achievement of SSDA’s vision, objectives, values and strategies.

The CEO will have overall responsibility for:

Strategy and Planning:
-Provide leadership to the organisation through the further development and implementation of the Strategic Business Plan, guiding the direction of the SSDA and helping inform wider tourism activity in the region.
-Drive forward the organisation’s membership strategy ensuring growth and region-wide engagement.
-Build effective relationships and valuable working collaborations with partners, funders and other stakeholders to ensure consistency and strength in the region’s tourism activity.
-Demonstrate passion and commitment for delivering with a difference and transforming the tourism sector in the South of Scotland.
-Oversee the day-to-day operations of the organisation and report progress at each Board meeting against key objectives and targets.

Team:
Lead, inspire and engage the SSDA Team.
Set clear goals and objectives for the Team that are aligned to the delivery of the Strategic Business Plan.
Drive and implement strategies to develop, train, maintain and motivate a diverse engaged Team.
Build a strong and collaborative working relationship with the Chair and Board.
Work with the Board to ensure SSDA values and mission are evident throughout the organisation’s work.

Destination Development and Marketing:
-Lead and implement exciting and pioneering place-making marketing campaigns and partnerships that will establish the ‘Scotland Starts Here’ destination brand across the UK and international markets, creating a compelling offer to attract visitors to the South of Scotland.
-Work with members and partners to develop and promote a range and variety of outstanding visitor experiences that capture the attention and imagination of consumers to entice them to visit the South of Scotland.
-Be the voice of the tourism and hospitality industry in the South of Scotland, representing and promoting SSDA and the region at national, local, and worldwide levels.
-Ensure marketing activity from the team and third-party agencies, deliver against relevant goals and objectives.
-Maintain awareness of the competitive market landscape and industry developments.

Finance and Governance:
-Secure long-term financial sustainability at the end of the current funding model through the development of the organisation’s commercial strategy and additional revenue drivers.
-Set long-term and annual financial budget plans, displaying strong governance and fiscal control of all funding and income.
-Work closely with funders to agree annual priorities within the funding agreements and provide activity reports as required.
-Ensure transparent and structured financial information is presented at every Board meeting.

Performance:
-Evaluate SSDA performance monthly, quarterly, and yearly, aligned against the strategic goals and objectives.
-Deliver against key financial and KPI targets.
-Undertake regular performance reviews with the Team, aligning goals and objectives to deliver the overall Strategic Plan.

Key skills and experience required:
-We are seeking a dynamic, committed and resilient individual to drive and lead the organisation; someone who is passionate about SSDA’s mission and the South of Scotland.
-You will bring a track record of business growth and demonstrate strong commercial acumen and entrepreneurial aspiration.
-We are looking for someone who is bold, determined and people-centric, with the motivation to challenge the norm and a desire to do things differently
-You will have a track record of motivating and developing those around you and, with a genuine passion for what you do.
-You may have a background in hospitality, events, travel or similar but what is more important is your desire to make a difference, your political nous and ability to build credibility and belief in the South of Scotland.

This role offers an excellent competitive salary of £70,000, plus an annual bonus based on successful achievement of KPIs of £30,000. Pension and 35 days holiday.

The post holder will undertake significant travel around the region, and the Chief Executive will be expected to live within a daily commuting distance from the area covered by the SSDA (ideally no more than a 90-minute commute from offices located in: Dumfries, Selkirk or Stranraer).

Eden Scott is dealing exclusively with SSDA on this vacancy, so to be considered for this exciting opportunity, please submit your CV online or to sally.rae@edenscott.com. For an informal chat or to receive the full role information pack and job description, please email or call Sally on 07776 662506.

Application Deadline: Friday 23/09/2022