Business Development Manager

Kinloch Historical Society; Kinloch; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Kinloch Historical Society invites a proactive Business Development Manager to shape a Growth Plan and broaden the Society and Kinloch Community Hub's future. You will spearhead income generation, partnerships, and the expansion of visitor and archive-based activities, working with volunteers, the Board and external partners to realise sustainable outcomes.

The role focuses on building collaborations with universities, schools, tourism operators and local organisations to develop sustainable

Qualifications

• Experience in business development or enterprise with budgeting and income generation.
• Strong communication and relationship-building with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and manage projects.
• Knowledge of tourism, heritage, or community enterprises is welcome.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a Growth Plan to increase earned income.
• Develop partnerships with universities, schools, and tourism operators.
• Grow visitor numbers and negotiate new uses of facilities.
• Lead community engagement and volunteer collaboration.

Skills

Business development

Partnership building

Budgeting

Strategic planning

Communication

Community engagement

Job description

Help us shape the next chapter for Kinloch Historical Society

Kinloch Historical Society is looking for an ambitious, practical and community-minded Business Development Manager to help us build a strong and sustainable future for our Society and Kinloch Community Hub.

This is an exciting opportunity to take a leading role in developing new income streams, increasing use of our facilities, growing our visitor and tourism offer, developing partnerships and helping us realise the potential of our unique heritage and archive.

Working closely with our Board, community, volunteers and external partners, you will develop and implement a Growth Plan designed to strengthen the Society's long-term financial and organisational sustainability while delivering meaningful benefits for the Kinloch community.

The opportunity

Over the next three years, we want to:

• increase earned income and reduce our reliance on grant funding
• develop and market Kinloch Community Hub and its facilities
• increase visitor numbers and build relationships with tour and cruise operators
• explore new ways of sharing and generating income from our extensive archive
• develop partnerships with universities, schools and other organisations
• increase community participation and opportunities for people of all ages
• develop our café and facilities as a sustainable year-round offer
• identify new opportunities that will strengthen the Society beyond 2029

We are looking for someone who can combine commercial thinking with community purpose – someone who can spot an opportunity, build the relationships needed to develop it and then turn a good idea into practical action.

About You

You will have experience in business development, enterprise, organisational development or a comparable field, together with an understanding of business planning, budgeting and income generation.

You will be an excellent communicator and relationship builder, comfortable working with everyone from local residents and volunteers to tourism businesses, universities, public agencies and potential commercial partners.

You will understand the opportunities and challenges of developing sustainable activity within a rural community and will be able to work independently, manage projects and take ownership of delivering results.

• Experience in community development, tourism, heritage, hospitality, social enterprise or the third sector would be particularly welcome
• Knowledge of Lewis and an affinity with the culture, heritage and community of the area would also be advantageous

Above all, we are looking for someone who is entrepreneurial, proactive, collaborative and motivated by making a difference.