Business Improvement District Manager

About Hamilton Our Town

Hamilton Our Town is the Business Improvement District (BID) for Hamilton town centre, working in partnership with local businesses, South Lanarkshire Council and other stakeholders to support the continued development, promotion and improvement of the town centre.

We deliver a wide range of activities including town centre events, marketing campaigns, business engagement, partnership initiatives and projects designed to attract visitors, encourage footfall and support the local economy.

We are seeking a motivated, enthusiastic and commercially minded BID Manager to lead the organisation's operations and help shape its future direction.

Salary: £36,000–£40,000 per annum, depending on experience.

The Role

Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the BID Manager will provide strategic and operational management of Hamilton Our Town, ensuring the effective delivery of the BID's business plan, projects and activities.

The successful candidate will work closely with local businesses, public sector partners and community organisations to identify opportunities, develop initiatives and support a vibrant and successful Hamilton town centre.

This is a varied and hands-on management position requiring strong organisational skills, commercial awareness, creativity and the ability to build productive working relationships.

The role will also involve supporting the Board in reviewing and developing options for the future of the BID beyond its current term.

The position is offered on a fixed-term basis until 31 October 2027, aligning with the end of Hamilton Our Town's current Business Improvement District term.

There may be an opportunity for the position to continue beyond this date, subject to decisions regarding the BID's future and the organisation's operational requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic and Operational Management

• Manage the day-to-day operations of Hamilton Our Town and oversee the effective delivery of its business plan.
• Work closely with the Board of Directors to develop and implement strategic priorities.
• Identify opportunities to improve the town centre environment, support businesses and encourage economic activity.
• Prepare reports, performance updates and recommendations for the Board.
• Ensure appropriate governance, administration, policies and operational procedures are maintained.

Business Engagement and Partnerships

• Develop and maintain positive relationships with BID levy payers and other town centre businesses.
• Act as a key point of contact for businesses, responding to issues and identifying opportunities for support.
• Build effective partnerships with South Lanarkshire Council, Scotland's Towns Partnership, public agencies, community organisations and other stakeholders.
• Represent Hamilton Our Town at meetings, events and partnership forums.

Projects, Events and Marketing

• Plan, coordinate and deliver town centre events, promotional campaigns and other BID initiatives.
• Oversee the BID's marketing, social media, website and wider communications activity.
• Work with suppliers, contractors and partners to ensure projects and activities are delivered effectively.
• Develop creative approaches to promoting Hamilton town centre and supporting business engagement.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of BID activities.

Financial and Resource Management

• Manage operational budgets and expenditure in line with agreed financial procedures.
• Oversee contracts, suppliers and service delivery against agreed budgets and performance requirements.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for additional funding, sponsorship and partnership support.
• Support effective management of staff, freelancers and external contractors where appropriate.
• Ensure appropriate risk management, health and safety and compliance arrangements are maintained.

Future BID Planning

• Support the Board in reviewing the BID's future operating model and strategic direction.
• Coordinate business engagement, consultation and research to inform future planning.
• Support the development of renewal proposals and associated activity should the Board decide to pursue a further BID term.

About You

We are looking for a confident, proactive and organised individual with strong leadership, communication and relationship-building skills.

The successful candidate will ideally have:

• Experience in a management, business development, economic development, regeneration, marketing or related role.
• Proven ability to manage projects, budgets and competing priorities.
• Experience of working with businesses, partner organisations or external stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Good commercial awareness and an understanding of the challenges facing town centres.
• Experience of marketing, promotional activities or event delivery.
• The ability to work independently, demonstrate initiative and deliver results.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
• A positive, collaborative and solutions-focused approach.

Experience working within a Business Improvement District or town centre organisation would be advantageous but is not essential.

Why Join Hamilton Our Town?

This is an opportunity to lead the operational delivery of an established town centre organisation and contribute directly to the ongoing development of Hamilton.

The role offers considerable variety and autonomy, with opportunities to develop partnerships, deliver creative projects and make a positive impact on local businesses and the wider town centre.

You will work closely with a Board of local business representatives and a range of stakeholders committed to supporting Hamilton's future.

Hours and Working Arrangements

The position is full-time (fixed term), working 35 hours per week, primarily Monday to Friday.

Please note that some weekend working will be required, particularly in connection with town centre events, meetings and other BID activities.

The role is based in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your relevant experience, skills and interest in the position.

Hamilton BID Ltd is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates from all backgrounds.