Jobs

An exciting opportunity for a dynamic and passionate individual to lead a world-class, 5-star visitor attraction into a new era and ensure that it is a place of excellence, connection, and discovery.

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ROLE OVERVIEW
About the Calanais Visitor Centre

At the Calanais Visitor Centre, we are committed to preserving, researching, and sharing the rich archaeological heritage of the Calanais Standing Stones. Our vision is to create an outstanding visitor experience while maintaining a deep connection between the site, the community, and the wider world. As we embark on a transformative redevelopment, we are looking for an inspiring and strategic leader to join us in shaping the future of this remarkable site.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer that celebrates diversity, operates within a culture of respect, and creates a welcoming environment for all employees.

Role Purpose

The Calanais Visitor Centre is undergoing an ambitious £10.1 million redevelopment and will reopen in early 2026 as a world-class, 5-star visitor attraction and a thriving community hub. This is a unique and exciting opportunity for a forward-thinking General Manager to lead the Centre into this new era. You will oversee daily operations, develop and enhance visitor experiences, and drive the Centre’s strategic vision, ensuring its success as a premier destination and vital community asset.

This role requires a dynamic and passionate leader with the skills, experience, and vision to support the local tourism industry, inspire a high-performing team, and ensure that the Calanais Visitor Centre is a place of excellence, connection, and discovery.

Requirements
Roles & Responsibilities

Strategic & Operational Leadership

Lead the overall operations of the Visitor Centre, ensuring an exceptional visitor experience.
Work closely with the Heritage Manager, who will oversee exhibitions, interpretation, and community engagement initiatives.
Develop and implement strategic plans to manage visitor flow, support sustainable tourism, and maximise revenue streams.
Ensure financial sustainability through effective budgeting and financial oversight.
Lead on a collaborative and motivated team culture, promoting professional development and continuous improvement.

Community & Stakeholder Engagement

Act as an ambassador for the Calanais Visitor Centre, building strong relationships with local communities, businesses, and key stakeholders.
Support the Heritage Manager in developing partnerships and engagement initiatives that ensure the Centre remains a vibrant local resource.
Work alongside the Board to maintain positive relationships with Historic Environment Scotland, which manages the Stones.
Visitor Experience & Innovation

Champion innovation by introducing creative initiatives that enhance the visitor experience and encourage repeat visits.
Ensure the highest levels of customer satisfaction by implementing best practices in visitor engagement and hospitality.
Develop and oversee marketing strategies to elevate the Centre’s profile locally, nationally, and internationally.
Compliance & Wellbeing

Maintain full compliance with health and safety regulations, ensuring a secure environment for visitors and staff.
Promote a positive work-life balance and create a workplace culture that values and supports employees.
Person Specification

Essential Experience & Qualifications

Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a senior management role within the tourism, heritage, or hospitality sectors or equivalent experience such as retail/customer service.
Proven track record of successfully managing visitor attractions or similar facilities.
Experience of reporting to a Board of Trustees, providing strategic, operational, and financial updates and managing up.
Desirable Experience & Qualifications

Degree in Tourism, Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
Gaelic language skills are desirable, and a willingness to engage with the Gaelic culture. Full support will be provided in developing these skills, from a learners point of view.

Essential Skills & Abilities

Strong, ambitious leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and build a high-performing team.
Excellent financial management skills, including experience in budget oversight.
Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
Ability to develop and execute strategic plans effectively.
Proficiency in marketing, promotional activities, and stakeholder engagement.
Commitment to delivering outstanding visitor experiences.

Personal Attributes

Passionate about heritage, tourism, and community engagement.
Visionary and innovative thinker with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
Adaptable and resilient in a fast-paced environment.
Dedicated to sustainability and responsible tourism practices.
A collaborative leader who values teamwork and inclusivity.

Benefits
What We Offer

At the Calanais Visitor Centre, we believe in creating a supportive, rewarding, and inspiring workplace. We offer:

Competitive Salary & Benefits – Including a comprehensive benefits package
Fair Work Scotland Accreditation – Commitment to being a Living Wage employer and promoting Fair Work principles.
Personal & Professional Development – Ongoing training, leadership development, and opportunities for career growth.
Work-Life Balance – A flexible and supportive work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing.
Recognition & Reward – A culture that values contributions and celebrates achievements.
An Inclusive & Supportive Workplace – A welcoming and dynamic environment where employees feel valued and empowered to grow.
If you are an inspiring leader with the vision and passion to drive the Calanais Visitor Centre into an exciting new era, we would love to hear from you. Join us in shaping the future of this extraordinary site and ensuring its legacy for generations to come.

To apply, please visit https://careers.calanais.org/

Questions?

No query is too small or not worth asking, so please get in touch with our HR Consultant Claire Smith, Orbit Agency at any time. All informal enquiries are dealt with in the strictest of confidence.

E: claire@orbit.agency

https://calendly.com/orbit-agency/recruitment-confidential-call

Application Deadline: Sunday 20/04/2025