Operations

JOB PURPOSE
To ensure the provision of an efficient and comprehensive professional People service to managers and staff across the Region. Support the delivery of Regional People-related strategic goals and objectives and the development of partnership relationships through discussion with the Regional Director and Regional Business Manager. As a member of the Trust’s People Team, contribute to the development of People policies, systems and practices and to the development and delivery of People projects on a Trust-wide basis.
REPORTING ARRANGEMENTS
This role reports to the Lead Consultant (People Partnering, Policy & Advice). However, as the role is aligned to South & West Region, day-to-day reporting will be to the Regional Director (South & West).
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
Provide professional advice, expertise, guidance and support to Regional Director, Managers, Supervisors and staff on all aspects of People matters, ensuring that they are aware of current legislation, best practice and Trust policy and procedures. This role will be the focal point of contact for People matters for the areas it is aligned to.
1. In liaison with the Manager team’s, develop business partner relationships with the Regional Director and other lead managers within the business area’s in order to gain greater all-round understanding of their business requirements and support them in delivering key objectives.
2. Act as main point of contact for Regional Director and line managers within the on employee relations issues and to provide support and advice on individual employee casework e.g., grievance, performance and absence management, conduct, capability, harassment and bullying, redundancy, voluntary severance, redeployment, change management, stress management, team development, equality & diversity. Ensure cases are dealt with in a timely fashion and in accordance with current legislation and best practice and that effective communication and good employee and/or Trade Union relations are developed and maintained.
3. Liaise with the People Recruitment team over the servicing of the recruitment function from handling vacancies to issuing contracts of employment and carrying out Disclosure Scotland checks. Use and verify information held on the relevant People Systems.
4. Develop and where appropriate, deliver People development activities in consultation with Regional Director and Organisational Development (who may identify and recommend external providers of training, so that cost effective and business-led solutions are delivered). Communication and consultation with staff will be an important element of this role.
5. Along with the Regional Director, represent the region’s interests in discussions on People issues at Trust level, ensuring that the needs of the area are taken into account in developing Trust-wide policies and procedures and ensuring that centrally agreed People policy and practices are implemented in the Region.
6. As a member of the Trust’s People Team, contribute to policy development and major projects on a Trust-wide basis. Ensure consistency in People practices. Communicate effectively with other members of the People community to share best practice and keep up to date with professional developments, including changes in best practice, new legislation and case law. Represent the People Department at Hearings in other areas of the Trust as required, support the job evaluation process as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
Qualifications
Essential
• Professionally qualified in HR (Chartered Member of CIPD, would be the norm).
• Degree or degree level capability.
• Will have enhanced knowledge and skills through CPD activities.
Desirable
• HR, HR-related or business-related post-graduate qualification.
• Clean driving licence.
Experience
Essential
• Track record in HR which must have included operational HR as a professional advisor (advising, influencing, delivering HR solutions in partnership with the business, employee relations).
• Ability to deal with confidential information and always maintain confidentiality.
• Strong communications skills and superb attention to detail is a must.
• Strong influencing and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• A flexible can-do attitude with the ability to work to deadlines.
• Capacity to work efficiently and stay calm under pressure.
• Good IT literacy (Microsoft Office, Excel, HR Systems)
Desirable
 Good knowledge of Access People XD

Facilities Visitor Services Manager

Brodick Castle, Gardens & Country Park, Isle of Arran

Eden Scott is delighted to be working with the National Trust for Scotland to appoint a Facilities Visitor Services Manager for Brodick Castle and its wider estate.

About National Trust for Scotland

National Trust for Scotland is a charity established in 1931, to provide access and enjoyment to the properties, places and collections in its care. They also exist to protect what they look after for future generations to enjoy; and increasingly they are keen to act as a strong conservation voice for heritage and climate change response across Scotland.

The Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the team at the Trust as Facilities Visitor Services Manager (VSM) for Brodick Castle, Gardens & Country Park, looking after on of the trusts most iconic properties, Brodick Castle and its wider estate.
Brodick Castle, Gardens & Country Park comprises of gardens, woodlands and waterfalls, a grand baronial castle and estate, a Woodland café, park café, gift shop and holiday lets. Set in the picturesque town of Brodick on the Isle of Arran, Brodick Castle is Britain’s only island country park.

The Facilities VSM is responsible for supporting the optimisation of properties facilities and services, operational leadership, and the smooth running of the property, gardens and country park. Specific areas of responsibility include:

• Ensuring compliance is met and adhered too across the property and within the team
• Sustainability and environmental management
• The conservation of the property and wider estate
• Financial Sustainability
• Project management
• People management of a small team
• Willingness to develop new skills, knowledge and qualifications in relevant fields.

The Facilities VSM has first-line responsibility for the supervision of all services and maintenance that support the core business at Brodick Castle. They will ensure that all managed departments are safe, secure, clean and comfortable environments in which the team, students, and volunteers can effectively work, and visitors and tenants can enjoy.

About You

We are seeking a Facilities Manager with experience of working with similar property types, who has a good understanding of compliance, health & safety, and planned and reactive maintenance.

Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• HND or Equivalent in a technology related discipline
• IOSH or H&S at Work Certification
• Demonstrable knowledge of Health & Safety.
• Experience of supervising or working in the safe and effective operation of buildings and facilities in a busy operational context.
• Experience of risk management and managing safe systems of work.
• Ability to read and understand building plans and drawings and evidence of record keeping skills.
• Ability to cope with physical demands of the job i.e. working at height, lifting/carrying tools and materials.
• Have a solution focused approach and be able to act independently.
• Full UK driving license.

Further Details & Application Process

The role offers a competitive salary of £35,800 with significant company benefits.
Eden Scott is dealing exclusively with the Trust on this vacancy so to be considered for this exciting opportunity, please submit your CV online and for an informal chat or to receive the full Job Description, please contact Iain Atkinson, Director, Eden Scott on 07714 124 033 or by email iain.atkinson@edenscott.com

Warehouse Team Supervisor (Hands-On):

Location: Broxburn West Lothian.
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: £30,000 – £32,000, dependent on experience
Hours of Work: 37.5 hrs per week: Mon – Fri with varying pattern between 8am – 5pm

Lomond Books is a well-established specialist book wholesaler and distributor, supplying customers in the tourism, heritage and gift market across the UK. We are looking for an experienced warehouse operative/team leader ready to step into this role or an experienced Team Supervisor, working hands-on alongside a small, close-knit warehouse team of 6.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who already knows how a warehouse runs day to day and seeks accountability, influence and results, while still staying practical and fully hands-on with the daily activities of the warehouse.

The Role:

You will be hands-on in the warehouse while also taking responsibility for helping organise the day, supporting colleagues and keeping standards high.

Key duties include:

Working hands-on across all warehouse activities: goods-in, checking-in, picking, packing and dispatch.
Acting as the day-to-day supervisor for the warehouse team, taking responsibility for workflow, task allocation and maintaining standards.
Helping plan daily/weekly workloads and priorities, and setting rotas.
Supporting and guiding other team members when required.
Maintaining high standards of accuracy, housekeeping and health & safety.
Carrying out routine equipment and safety checks.
Operating a forklift (where applicable).
Working closely with the sales office and senior management team.
Feeding back ideas to improve efficiency and ways of working.

About You:

This role would suit a senior or experienced warehouse operative or a current supervisor who:

Has solid, hands-on warehouse experience.
Is comfortable taking ownership of day-to-day operations and decisions.
Able to support, guide and motivate a small team.
Has good attention to detail and takes pride in getting things right the first time.
Is reliable, practical and calm under pressure.
Comfortable working in a physically active, hands-on role.
Holds a forklift licence (preferred, or willing to obtain).
Has Fire Warden and/or First Aid training (advantageous, not essential).

Previous formal supervisory experience is not essential — we are most interested in attitude, experience and the willingness to help achieve results.

What We Offer:

A stable, permanent position within a long-established independent business.
A supportive environment with direct access to senior management.
Training and development to support you in the role.
Competitive pay based on experience.
A straightforward, respectful workplace where individual contribution is visible and valued.

To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter explaining why you’re a good fit for this role and what you would bring to Lomond.

For more information visit our website and go to WE ARE RECRUITING. A detailed job description and person specification plus general information are available for download.

About Us

Scottish Canals are the custodians of the nation’s canal network and surrounding estates. Our vision is to invest in the canal network to generate lasting benefit for people and communities; celebrating their industrial heritage, ensuring they offer quality green and blue spaces for people and communities and contribute to Scotland’s resilience in tackling climate change.

Our success is rooted in valuing the contributions of our entire team – we care, we create, and we collaborate to continue to deliver a whole range of activities from boating, paddling, walking and wheeling to living and playing and improving what the canals have to offer to our visitors and communities. We also work collaboratively with our partners and stakeholders to contribute to a wealthier, fairer, greener and more resilient Scotland.

As an employer we offer a truly unique opportunity to be part of our team, help us realise our vision and contribute to safeguarding our heritage and ensuring our canals flourish now and in the future.

About the role

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Property Maintenance Technician to join our Estates & Placemaking team. This role will be based in the Crinan Canal region due to the requirements of job, with a flexible base within the Lochgilphead/Ardrishaig/Crinan areas being the most suitable locations. You will support the Estates Team in delivering a comprehensive maintenance and repair service across the entire Scottish Canals network, working in and around a diverse range of properties including residential, operational and commercial buildings as well as top rated visitor attractions.

The role is offered on a permanent basis, and with a starting salary of £32,367 (Band C). Working hours 35 hours per week, Mon-Fri.

Scottish Canals offer a generous annual leave entitlement of 32 days, plus 6 public holidays, along with enhanced sick pay, discounted shopping vouchers, health cash plan and a contributory pension scheme with up to 10% employer contribution.

Primary responsibilities of the role:

Support the Facilities Manager to deliver a comprehensive Planned Maintenance Programme in relation to property related works across the Scottish Canals Estate
Support the Facilities Manager and wider business by delivering a robust reactive maintenance service across all areas of the Scottish Canals Estate, carrying out property and building related repairs as well as undertaking minor installations and upgrades where required
Provide support to other Scottish Canals teams where required, in managing Estates Properties and associated Property equipment and infrastructure to required standards
Qualifications and knowledge required:

Property/Building trade City & Guilds qualification or NVQ Level V (HNC) In Construction Practice
Certification in PAT, Control of Legionella & PASMA advantageous but not essential
Current Clean Driving Licence
Knowledge of traditional construction methods and materials, knowledge and understanding of layouts, drawings, and schematics
Awareness of current legislation and Compliance requirements relating to property, installations and maintenance
Familiarity of Property Planned Maintenance regimes, timescales, and scheduling
Understanding of Risk Assessment procedures and Point of Work permits and processes
Skills and experience required:

Previous experience of carrying out cyclical inspections, planned maintenance, minor project installations, fault finding, and reactive repairs
Previous experience of working in a diverse range of properties including Residential, Commercial, Leisure/Retail and Operational facilities
Experience of repairs and maintenance on buildings using traditional construction methods
Working within a fast-paced environment, to meet tight timescales
Working within a small team, with regular engagement with various departments and stakeholders
Lone working procedures
Basic First Aid
Skilled in the use IT equipment and associated systems – Laptop, tablet, mobile phone, email, CAFM/Asset management systems, certification/report writing

Qualities & abilities required:

Work planning/scheduling and excellent time management
Comfortable working within a team, and equally confident working on own initiative
Excellent communication skills to be able interact with a wide range of personalities and stakeholders across all business areas, including colleagues and front facing customers/public
Competence in the operation and maintenance of plant/tools and equipment used to fulfill the objectives of the role
Excellent problem solver with diligent fault-finding skills with ability to determine underlying causes of repeated electrical issues

Scottish Canals reserve the right to close this vacancy before the closing date if a sufficient number of applications are received.

Active Schools & Community Club Development Coordinator, Renfrewshire, 35 hours, Temporary until 31 March 2027, Grade 08: £41,080.70 – £43,161.20 p.a. (£22.51 per hour)

We are looking for a highly motivated, hardworking, creative and proactive individual to make a positive contribution in assisting the development and delivery of our sports service team.

Reporting to the Active Schools & Community Club Lead Officer, key responsibilities include:

Working closely with the Active Schools Coordinators, PE Departments, National Governing Body Development Managers, local clubs and all other relevant departments and organisations to ensure the aims and outcome of competitive secondary school sport are achieved.
Recruit and support coaches, leaders and volunteers and ensure ongoing training opportunities
Source additional funding opportunities to further enhance school sport and manage and allocate an operational budget to an agreed Secondary Schools Action Plan
Coordinate and develop school sport opportunities in schools and the wider community
Apply appropriate audit, control, purchasing and ordering in line with financial procedures
Successful candidates must have a flexible approach regarding hours worked to suit the needs of the service.

You may be required to work at any locations across OneRen in accordance with the needs of the business.

Vacancies available: 2

Closing date: 10 May 2026

Interview Date: 19 – 21 May 2026

The successful candidate will be required to undertake a PVG Disclosure Scotland check.

If you would like further information in relation to the Disclosure Scotland checks, please visit their website.

Applications are welcome from candidates from all backgrounds including those with disabilities and candidates who have ‘care experience’.

JOB PURPOSE

The Garden Trainee role at Threave Garden will provide the post-holders with development in a broad range of work-based practical horticultural skills, over the course of a year spent working as part of the team there, supplemented by written coursework and plant identification tests. Training will be based primarily around the content of the RHS Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture, but additional enhancements will also be available. Our aim is to take people who have undertaken a horticultural apprenticeship, an academic horticultural qualification or who have proven practical gardening experience and to develop them further into the rounded skilled, craft professional gardeners that the heritage garden sector, including the National Trust for Scotland, requires.

WHAT WE OFFER

The year at Threave comprises paid day-to-day work in the garden alongside practical training and assessment of skills, knowledge and behaviours. The RHS Level 2 training is supplemented by several assessed written assignments designed to enhance trainee learning. This includes fortnightly plant identification tests (20-25 plants), keeping a daily diary, completing plant profiles and written reports for any trips which may be organised during the year.

The Garden Trainees are overseen by our teaching staff of Gardener Instructors, seasoned experts in their fields who have worked in a wide range of gardens themselves. The garden has three department areas: the grounds (lawns, hedges, herbaceous borders, woody plants, alpines, hard landscapes, aquatic, and bog), the walled garden, and the glasshouses. Although most of the time will be spent in the grounds, the Garden Trainee will work in each of these areas, moving between them on a rota basis, to ensure in-depth training across the seasons. Trainees will work alongside the Gardener Instructors, other garden staff and volunteers, receiving hands-on tuition and practical experience. There will be some limited classroom time, however this is primarily a practical role where trainees will spend 95% of their time working in the garden. Study and assignments will be completed largely in their own time. Trainee only shared accommodation within easy walking distance is available for rent.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

While in the garden the Garden Trainee will be formally line managed by the Head Gardener and will have the support, guidance and direction from other members of staff they are allocated to work alongside. The employment is for a fixed period of 1 year, subject to continued progression on the programme with acceptable practical performance.
Trainees will be expected to take responsibility for their learning which will include significant out of hours study, practice of skills and/or project work.

ABOUT THE GARDEN

The School of Heritage Gardening, based at Threave Garden was formed in 1960, shortly after the National Trust for Scotland took ownership of the property. For over 65 years we have been teaching horticultural skills and techniques to aspiring professional gardeners. Former trainees have gone on to have successful careers in the industry, many choosing to stay with the Trust.

Threave Garden is perfectly suited for a range of training requirements, having been created over the years to accommodate a variety of horticultural situations. The garden has a large and diverse plant collection set within an extensive landscape and includes features such as a rock garden, fruit and vegetables, ponds, naturalised bulbs, woodland, orchard, nursery, lawns, herbaceous beds, mixed borders, and glasshouses. This purposefully broad array of garden landscapes, plants and features ensures that trainees are able to receive an extensive and well-rounded experience, covering many aspects found in a career in horticulture.

Threave is an approved centre to deliver Royal Horticultural Society qualifications, one of only a handful across Scotland.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE

This is a development role intended to take the Garden Trainee to competent professional gardener level for the heritage garden sector through the vehicle of the RHS Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture.

Essential:
• A practical horticultural qualification at SVQ Level 2 or equivalent is preferred as a minimum, however places are also open to those with academic horticultural qualifications or who have proven practical gardening experience.
• Prior achievement at SCQF Level 5 or above is required to underpin learning
• Commitment to out of hours study and practice of skills
• Enthusiasm for horticulture with a positive approach to undertaking fundamental horticultural tasks
• Level of computer literacy, to produce well-prepared diaries and reports
• A good level of communication skills to converse clearly with colleagues and visitors
• Proof of the right to work in the UK
• Able to follow clear instructions competently
• Willing to work outside in all weathers and undertake physically demanding tasks
• Commitment to completing the training year (August to August), including RHS practical examinations held three times during the year
• Time management skills in being able to work flexibly and to a deadline
• Good people skills enabling strong relationships both externally and internally, to be built and maintained
• Able to use tools and equipment as required for the role

Desirable:
• Proven ability to work flexibly as part of a team
• Prior experience in a customer service role – our gardens are open to the public almost every day!
• Prior knowledge of relevant Health and Safety procedures
• Prior experience of horticultural machinery

DIMENSIONS AND SCOPE OF JOB

The Garden Trainee
• will work as part of the garden team increasing their knowledge and experience of duties such as soil cultivation, weeding, establishing and maintaining plants and displays, propagation, turf care, using tools equipment and machinery, and much more. This will include physically demanding activities in all weathers
• will take responsibility for their learning which will include significant out of hours study, skills practice and/or project work
• will be required to meet regularly with Trust staff to discuss progress, assessment of which is constantly monitored in order to provide developmental feedback
• will take part in additional training offered by the Trust
• will be based in Threave Garden but may be given opportunities to visit or work in other Trust gardens
• will work 5 days out of any 7, which may include weekends and evenings helping with events and other activities
• will work closely with rest of the property team, and the area Gardens & Designed Landscapes Manager
• will be expected to interact daily with other staff, volunteers and visitors and may be asked to meet donors who are supporting the Trust with finance
• will be expected to participate, contribute, and feature in promotional activities/material for the School and the Trust
• is not a budget holder but will be responsible for submitting any expense claims in good time and in line with allowances