Operations

The Retail Manager has overall responsibility and accountability for the management of the Inverness Castle Experience shop and retail team, working across the organisation to develop a retail experience which reflects the Inverness Castle brand, and which caters to the visitor and local markets.

A creative individual with a passion for retail, the Retail Manager will have responsibility for all product selection and development, product merchandising, setting, achieving and exceeding financial targets, stock management, developing and implementing effective retail management systems and processes, and contributing to the overall visitor satisfaction of the Inverness Castle Experience.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

1. To work with the Retail Buyer to create a unique retail experience in line with the Inverness Castle Experience brand and taking in to account key events and seasonal variations

2. To develop Inverness Castle Experience’s retail strategy in line with colleagues, ensuring regular reviews and updates as required.

3. To merchandise the shop to ensure a creative and inspiring layout, lighting and stock display.

4. To set the pricing strategy to meet the needs of Inverness Castle Experience local and visitor markets.

5. To continually review the retail staffing arrangements and to adapt resources as required.

6. To set annual trading budgets and targets.

7. To assume full responsibility for managing the retail trading budget and profit and loss account, monitoring performance against agreed Key Performance Indicators and industry standards

8. To develop and maintain suitable measures and systems for controlling stock, to ensure sufficient levels of stock holding and to keep write-off stock to a minimum.

9. To manage the retail EPOS system and stock in liaison with the Systems Manager ensuring all stock is accurately recorded with updates on orders, deliveries, price amendments and write offs.

10. Undertake stock counts according to the agreed requirements laid out by the HLH finance team.

11. To analyse sales figures, interpret trends and forecast future sales volumes in order to maximise profits.

12. To maximise retail turnover and profit working to grow the business in order to support the Inverness Castle Experience’s ongoing financial viability.

13. To assist the Senior Management Team to identify potential income generation opportunities from alternative commercial sources to ensure the organisation’s long-term financial viability.

14. To work with the Visitor Services Manager to ensure fundraising and business development activities are complementary and all potential income generation activities are maximised.

15. To ensure effective systems for cash handling and security are in place and to make recommendations for improvement where required.

16. To ensure that the shop offers visitors a range of products at appropriate pricing levels and meets the organisation’s income targets and overall branding guidelines.

17. To manage the product mix to ensure an imaginative, innovative and exciting range of products which reflect the Inverness Castle Experience brand, linked to the Highlands and to Scotland specifically.

18. To manage product selection and development in line with budgets.

19. To identify new product opportunities working with local companies to develop a retail offer which reflects the Inverness Castle Experience brand.

20. To liaise with the Visitor Services and Food and Beverage Managers over all matters of standards and service.

21. To respond and manage all retail complaints in an efficient and timely manner.

22. To develop a plan to operate a small online shop ensuring the shop is kept up to date, stock level monitored, post and packing done in an efficient manner , liaising with team members such as IT and Marketing to ensure the online shop revenue generation is optimised.

23. To travel as required to trade shows and suppliers to assist in the development of new ranges and in order to stay ahead of retail trends.

24. To ensure that sustainability is considered at all points along the retail cycle.

25. To deputise for the Head of Inverness Castle Experience in his/her absence.

The Visitor Services Manager will assist in managing the visitor experience across the castle and gardens, focusing on ensuring exceptional service delivery in a safe and secure environment.

The post holder will have a proactive approach and be ready to step into a front-of-house role at any moment, whilst maintaining the ability to stand back and observe opportunities for improvement. Responsible for setting, monitoring, and achieving targets the postholder will also operate tight budget controls and put the quality of standards at the heart of every area of operation.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

1. To recruit, select and train front-line visitor experience supervisors and visitor hosts.

2. To provide direct line management of all visitor experience staff including rotas.

3. To be responsible for the implementation and delivery of health and safety processes and procedures across the site, including first aid provision.

4. To ensure that all areas of the visitor experience are presented to and working as per the agreed requirements. These include but are not limited to;

a. Audio Guides
b. AV Systems
c. Displays and object presentations
d. Lighting
e. Emergency Systems
f. Lifts
g. Toilet facilities
h. Grounds and Gardens

5. To assist with site security matters, including being part of the on-call rota for alarm activations.

6. To manage quality standards in the castle and gardens, including site cleanliness, signage, health and safety, and first aid provision.

7. To produce scripts for each visitor host location to ensure that the guest experience is maximised and interpretation remains accurate and on brand

8. To manage the production of a series of enhanced bespoke tours offering upsell opportunities to individuals and groups alike.

9. To be responsible for the quality of standards across the visitor experience including liaising for assessments with ASVA and Green Tourism.

10. To be responsible for the day-to-day management of the visitor experience.

11. To assist in the management of events across the site in all areas.

12. To undertake the management of and problem solving of the onsite systems (EPOS and ticketing).

13. To be responsible for the management of agreed budgets and targets for income.

14. To ensure effective record keeping and analysis of data.

15. To liaise with the Food and Beverage and Retail teams over all matters of standards and service.

16. To respond and deal with complaints in line with the written complaints policy in an efficient and timely manner.

17. To ensure that sustainability is a theme-driven through all of the ICE operations.

18. To deputise for the Head of Inverness Castle Experience in his/her absence.

Please note this is a fixed term position for 12 months based at Edinburgh Zoo.

The role:

To carry out, to completion, property maintenance related tasks (multi trade) to agreed timescales, quality standards and in a cost-effective manner; undertaking designated activities (trade specific) in managing the build and maintenance of all buildings, facilities and infrastructure owned by the RZSS.

Ensure that all areas of the site are safe and well presented for our visitors in support of RZSS’ mission and vision.?

Some of the things you’ll do:

Work under the direction of more senior tradesperson to;
take the day to day lead on designated activities (trade specific) to ensure all assigned repairs and projects are delivered effectively, safely, on time and to budget.
provide reactive labouring and driving tasks to agreed H&S and quality standards.
Undertake all forms of general labouring works, e.g. planning general works and multi trade repairs (that don’t require an experienced tradesperson to complete) and repairs under the direction of appropriately qualified tradesperson.
Support the construction and maintenance of new buildings, facilities and infrastructure to agreed standards, budgets and deadlines, including smaller multi trade repairs or works, e.g plant, equipment and labouring tasks.
Ensure own machinery is cleaned, inspected, maintained and user logbook updated daily to agreed transport policy standards and procedures.
Operate heavy plant on a regular basis and ensure all machinery and tools are cleaned, inspected, maintained and user logbook updated daily to agreed transport and other policy standards and procedures.
Assist in the ordering of supplies and services required for the team.
Ensure all pre-start check sheets are completed as required.
Work collaboratively with other sections and departments to ensure all work is scheduled coordinated and monitored effectively, providing guidance and advice relating to your trade when required.
Drive company vehicles including pickup truck, off road ATV and forklift truck and ensure maintained and road worthy and reporting repairs where required.
What we’re looking for:

Relevant construction qualification, or proven experience of working on a hands on construction/maintenance role.
Full driving licence.
Able to identify and make safe (for self, colleagues and the public) all the utilities and services encountered whilst working on RZSS sites.
Construction site experience, working in a multi-trade environment.
What you’ll get in return:

Starting salary between £23,400 – £23,900 (offer based on experience) with future salary progression up to £24,400 per annum
37.5hr working week
34 days annual leave (pro rata)
Discount in both retail/catering
Access to a healthcare plan
Employer contributory pension scheme
You will receive a staff membership which will give you (and family/friends) free (and discounted) entry to both the Highland Wildlife Park and Edinburgh Zoo as well as a number of other Zoo’s across the UK.
For further information on what the role involves and essential/desirable criteria – please see the ‘related documents’ section under the site location map.

Thank you for your interest in the post of Guiding Manager with Historic Environment
Scotland (HES). This is a permanent and pensionable appointment. Your primary
location will be Edinburgh Castle, but you will be expected to travel to visit sites and
stakeholders across the Edinburgh region as required.

The Guiding Manager is responsible for overseeing the Guiding team at Edinburgh
Castle, ensuring visitors receive an outstanding experience at HES’ flagship site.

This is an exciting opportunity to work within the Edinburgh Castle management team as part of the Operations Directorate. The Operations Directorate seeks to strengthen HES’ regional footprint and bring together delivery of many of HES’ activities at a regional and local level across Scotland. Reporting to the Regional Visitor & Community Manager, the postholder will oversee and manage the Guiding team at Edinburgh Castle. The Guiding team works to
provide all aspects of the visitor journey within the castle and is responsible for delivering a world-class visitor experience.

This role will have line management for a large team of colleagues, including Senior Guides and Castle Guides at Edinburgh Castle. The role will involve working five days out of seven, averaging 35 hours per week,
which will also include weekend and evening working as required

About Us

Scottish Canals are the custodians of the nation’s canal network and surrounding estates. Our vision is to care for and 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.

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

About the Role

We are currently looking for a Mechanical Maintenance Engineer to join our team based in Grangemouth covering the Lowlands Canal network. The role is offered on a permanent basis, working Monday – Friday, 8am-3.30pm with some flexibility required.

Applicants must have served an appropriate, recognised engineering apprenticeship or have equivalent, relevant qualifications, along with practical experience working within the discipline.

Using technical expertise, you will undertake breakdown response, fault investigation, repair, maintenance and improvement works to a variety of equipment and installations throughout the canal network, including The Falkirk Wheel, Automated Moving Bridges, Hydraulic automated Locks.

Desired experience would include installation and maintenance of hydraulic power units, bearings, gearboxes, rotating equipment, actuated valves.

Basic electrical knowledge is desirable, but cross skill training is available.

About the Reward

This role offers a progressive salary starting at £34,165 (plus 11.25% variable hours allowance and £850 outdoor working allowance). Generous annual leave entitlement of 28 days rising to 30 after 5 years plus public holidays, along with enhanced company sick pay and a contributory pension scheme with up to a 10% employer contribution.

About You

Flexibility and initiative are key as responding to emergency breakdowns is part of the role. The post requires frequent outdoor work, in all weather conditions, working both as part of a multi-disciplinary team, as well as without immediate supervision.

Qualifications/Skills/Experience:

Recognised apprenticeship in an engineering discipline or equivalent qualification
Relevant mechanical engineering qualifications (e.g. NVQ, City & Guilds, HNC or equivalent).
Knowledge working within the following areas: Mechanical and Hydraulic.
Experience working with rotating equipment (pumps, motors, etc.), actuated valves, electrohydraulic systems, cylinder overhaul, fluid pumps and gearboxes.
Ability to interpret technical drawings and manuals.
Full UK Driving Licence
Good Communication Skills
Strong Health & Safety Awareness
Computer literate with experience of using MS Office Packages

Day to day tasks:

Working within your skill set, experience, knowledge, training, and ability, deliver the planned preventative maintenance programme.
Fault investigation and emergency breakdown response.
Under supervision, produce recommendations to minor problems.
Providing inspection, monitoring, and reporting on the condition of engineering assets.
Provide business administration support to ensure accurate documentation and recording of all maintenance activities and duties using asset management software.
Collaborate effectively with colleagues, to ensure technical, health, safety, and environmental performance.
Participation in an out of hours standby rota as and when required (circa 1 week in 6).

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

About Us

Scottish Canals are the custodians of the nation’s canal network and surrounding estates. Our vision is to care for and 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.

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

About the Role

We are currently looking for an Electrical Maintenance Engineer to join our team based in Grangemouth covering the Lowlands Canal network.  The role is offered on a permanent basis, working Monday – Friday, 8am-3.30pm with some flexibility required.

Applicants must have served an appropriate, recognised engineering apprenticeship or have equivalent, relevant qualifications, along with practical experience working within the discipline.

Using technical expertise, you will undertake breakdown response, fault investigation, repair, maintenance and improvement works to a variety of equipment and installations throughout the canal network, including The Falkirk Wheel, Automated Moving Bridges, Hydraulic automated Locks.

Desired experience would include installation and maintenance of rotating equipment, actuated valves, instrumentation and PLC control systems.

Basic mechanical knowledge is desirable, but cross skill training is available.

About the Reward

This role offers a progressive salary starting at £34,165 (plus 11.25% variable hours allowance and £850 outdoor working allowance). Generous annual leave entitlement of 28 days rising to 30 after 5 years plus public holidays, along with enhanced company sick pay and a contributory pension scheme with up to a 10% employer contribution.

About You

Flexibility and initiative are key as responding to emergency breakdowns is part of the role. The post requires frequent outdoor work, in all weather conditions, working both as part of a multi-disciplinary team, as well as without immediate supervision.

Qualifications/Skills/Experience:

Recognised apprenticeship in an engineering discipline or equivalent qualification
HNC (or similar level) in an engineering discipline.
Knowledge working within the following areas: Electrical, Instrumentation & Control.
Experience working with 3 phase and single-phase motors, variable speed drives, actuated valves, electrohydraulic systems, Instrumentation and telemetry, fluid pumps and PLC control systems.
Full UK Driving Licence
Good Communication Skills
Strong Health & Safety Awareness
Computer literate with experience of using MS Office Packages

Day to day tasks:

Working within your skill set, experience, knowledge, training, and ability, deliver the planned preventative maintenance programme.
Fault investigation and emergency breakdown response.
Under supervision, produce recommendations to minor problems.
Providing inspection, monitoring, and reporting on the condition of engineering assets.
Provide business administration support to ensure accurate documentation and recording of all maintenance activities and duties using asset management software.
Collaborate effectively with colleagues, to ensure technical, health, safety, and environmental performance.
Participation in an out of hours standby rota as and when required (circa 1 week in 6).

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

The role (5 weeks* / fixed term plus additional prep days)

To contribute to the development and/or delivery of specified innovative and creative discovery and learning programmes. Within the RZSS Discovery and Learning team, in your assigned areas of responsibility, engage and excite participants, enhance connection and understanding between participants and wildlife, and strengthen knowledge and skills in line with RZSS’ mission and vision, and relevant curriculums.

Some of the things you’ll do:

* Work with colleagues and independently to develop, deliver and evaluate an agreed range of discovery and learning programmes, lessons and resources to achieve agreed outcomes and meet the requirements of relevant objectives, curricula, qualification and training systems; and which are accessible to all.
* Deliver all aspects of a defined range of Discovery and Learning activities for agreed target participants, standards and in support of RZSS’ Vision and mission, ensuring all activities deliver value for money, experience and impact
* Coordinate logistics and maintain accurate records and reports relating to your assigned D&L activities adhering to agreed standards
* Build and maintain collaborative working relationships with colleagues to ensure programmes are administered, delivered and the logistics managed effectively as part of the wider Discovery and Learning programme.

What we’re looking for:

* Equivalent experience or relevant qualification.
* Competent in Microsoft office suite.
* Experience of teaching or working in a teaching-related environment with particular emphasis upon science communication.
* Working knowledge of the natural world, conservation and science.

Please see the role profile for further information on what the role involves and essential/desirable criteria.

*Please note 6 positions will be for 5 weeks, 2 positions will be for 4 weeks.

The position will close 9 February 2025 at midnight with interviews taking place 24 -25 February 2025

In addition to the 4 (Monday 30 June – Friday 1 August) or 5 (Monday 30 June – Friday 25 July) / 32.5 hrs per week), individuals will be required to attend an induction day on Saturday 29 March, undertake 3 days planning with teaching partner and set-up day on Sunday 29 June 2025 (these additional days are paid).

We offer a range of great benefits which you can read about here.

The role (4 weeks / fixed term with additional days)

To contribute to the development and/or delivery of specified innovative and creative discovery and learning programmes, with particular emphasis on outdoor skills such as bush craft and campfire. Within the RZSS Discovery and Learning team, in your assigned areas of responsibility, engage and excite participants, enhance connection and understanding between participants and wildlife, and strengthen knowledge and skills in line with RZSS’ mission and vision, and relevant curriculums.

Some of the things you’ll do:

* Work with colleagues and independently to develop, deliver and evaluate an agreed range of discovery and learning programmes (specifically Summer CAT), lessons and resources to achieve agreed outcomes and meet the requirements of relevant objectives, curricula, qualification and training systems; and which are accessible to all.
* Deliver all aspects of a defined range of Discovery and Learning activities (Summer CAT) for agreed target participants, standards and in support of RZSS’ Vision and mission, ensuring all activities deliver value for money, experience and impact
* Coordinate logistics and maintain accurate records and reports relating to your assigned D&L activities adhering to agreed standards
* Build and maintain collaborative working relationships with colleagues to ensure programmes are administered, delivered and the logistics managed effectively as part of the wider Discovery and Learning programme.

What we’re looking for:

* Equivalent experience or relevant qualification.
* Competent in Microsoft office suite.
* Experience of teaching or working in a teaching-related environment with particular emphasis upon science communication.
* Working knowledge of the natural world, conservation and science.
* Experience of teaching outdoor learning, bush craft or forest school skills.

Please see the role profile for further information on what the role involves and essential/desirable criteria.

The position will close 9 February 2025 at midnight with interviews taking place on 24 – 25 February 2025

In addition to the 4 (Monday 30 June – Friday 25 July) individuals will be required to attend an induction day on Saturday 29 March, undertake 3 days planning with teaching partner and set-up day on Sunday 29 June 2025 (these additional days are paid).

We offer a range of great benefits which you can read about here.

The role – 5 weeks / fixed-term – Monday 30 June – Friday 1 August

Provide specialist ASN support and play work for the charity’s summer school activity. Within the RZSS Discovery and Learning team, lead on play, support learners with Additional Support Needs and provide pastoral support for children attending the summer school programme. Lead on whole group sessions and activities with 100 children. Additionally, provide practical support for teachers and co-ordinators as the team delivers an innovative and creative programme designed to engage and excite participants in line with the RZSS mission and vision.

Some of the things you’ll do:

* Deliver all aspects of a defined range of Discovery and Learning’s educational and learning activities for agreed target participants, to agreed Discovery & Learning * Department standards in support of RZSS’ Vision and mission, ensuring all activities deliver value for money and impact for conservation.
* Deliver assigned projects or programmes to agreed standards of quality, time, budget and risk profile.
* Build and maintain collaborative working relationships with colleagues to ensure programmes are administered, delivered and the logistics managed effectively as part of the wider D&L education programme.
* Recommend cost-effective opportunities to minimise the impact of our operations on the environment

What we’re looking for:

* Experience working with children in an educational background
* Good understanding of learning outside the classroom.
* Experience working with children with additional support needs.
* Track record of providing first-class customer care and service in relation to educational delivery.
* Experience of teaching or working in a teaching-related environment with particular emphasis upon science communication.

Please see the role profile for further information on what the role involves and essential/desirable criteria.

The position will close 9 February 2025 at midnight with interviews taking place on 24 – 25 February 2025

In addition to the 5 weeks (Monday 30 June – Friday 1 August), individuals will be required to attend an induction day on Saturday 29 March and set-up day on Sunday 29 June 2025 (these additional days are paid).

We offer a range of great benefits which you can read about here.