Canterbury Connected Business Improvement District (BID) is an independent, business-led, not-for-profit initiative voted for by the businesses of Canterbury in July 2014 and again in July 2019 for another five-year term. Our mission is to help make Canterbury a vibrant, exciting, well connected and successful business community. Canterbury BID has just secured a second term and there are a number of exciting projects ahead in this historic city which is less than an hour by train from London.
We have an opportunity for an outstanding candidate to join our dynamic team on a one-year fixed-term contract as Operations Manager. The role will include the development, management, delivery of new programmes within the city centre, including a new cleaning and Ambassador programme and supporting the roll-out of city centre Wi-Fi.
We are looking for an experienced professional who has previously worked in similar roles and can work successfully with others to ensure the BID meets the objectives set out in its Business Plan. To be competitive in the role, you will need to demonstrate a high level sector specific knowledge in town and city management, plus the relevant skills and experience against our selection criteria.
Title: Operations Manager (1-year fixed term, maternity cover)
Salary Range: up to £30,000 FTE
Working Hours: 26.5-37.5 hours per week (3.5-5 days)
Location: 28-30 St Peter’s Street, Canterbury CT1 2BL
Application: CV and Cover Letter to Lisa Carlson, CEO, Canterbury BID
Deadline for Applications: 5pm, Friday, 20th September 2019
Role Purpose: To manage the day-to-day operations of Canterbury Business Improvement District’s (BID) activities and projects, working with the appropriate local agencies, contractors and service providers. To be the main point of contact for all operational matters relating to the Canterbury BID and assist the CEO in delivering the aims and objectives set out in the Business Plan. Ensure the proper and effective operation and development of the BID company in accordance with its constitution and within the agreed budget.
Contract/Supplier Management
- Responsible for the contract / supplier management of the BID’s key projects and activities (for example, Christmas lights, cleaning, floral displays, IT and any other contracts).Contracts are being re-tendered for the next five years so this role will be responsible for setting up and monitoring new contracts.
- Develop and implement individual annual contract project plans to achieve the objectives outlined in the BID Business Plan.
- Be responsible for any delegated budgets and deliver all project activity within the agreed annual budget.
- Manage effective working relationships with all key stakeholders, partners and contractors associated with the delivery of projects and operations of the BID.
- Provide regular and timely information on city centre performance and contracts to influence participation in events and services offered by the BID and enable crucial management decisions.
- Measure and report upon project activity, evaluating its delivery and making necessary changes to ensure maximum value for levy payers.
- React as appropriate to issues that may affect local businesses and the BID area, such as public realm works.
- Ensure effective and regular communication with the local authorities, suppliers/contractors and the BID team as directed by the CEO.
City Performance Monitoring
- Produce a monthly City Performance Report, including footfall, sales performance, occupancy rates, transport and tourism.
- Monitor weekly Springboard footfall reports, analysing the data for inclusion in the City Performance Reports.
- Arrange city performance surveys and reports as needed, eg customer surveys and footfall counts.
Experience and knowledge
- Skilled project management professional with a proven track record overseeing the successful delivery of projects in a timely and cost-effective way, and measuring its impact and outcomes.
- Proven operational management, with ability to deliver projects to plan and in budget.
- Experience working with a wide range of organisations and stakeholders.
- Extensive experience managing contractors and their employees to deliver services on the ground
- Experience running transparent and accountable tender processes for contracts of significant value
- Experience of budget management.
- Knowledge of issues facing town centres.
- Knowledge and understanding of common environmental maintenance issues and the risks associated with crime and anti-social behaviour.
- Experience of working within a BID is desirable.
Skills and Abilities
- Excellent communication, strong presentation, negotiation and networking skills.
- Good interpersonal and relationship building skills
- Ability to deliver projects to SMART criteria
- Excellent level of IT literacy.
- Understanding of health and safety issues, particularly in relation to outdoor events
- Able to work evenings and weekends as required by the role
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent time management and ability to work effectively under pressure.
- Ability to multitask and work to demanding deadlines.
- Highly organised, able to manage multiple concurrent projects and a self-starter.
Personal Characteristics
- Adaptable – the role requires balancing of multiple tasks, prioritisation and a flexible and timely response to changing situations.
- Problem Solver – the role requires utilising knowledge and expertise to achieve a solution to unforeseen project management problems efficiently.
- Good Communicator – the role requires managing multi-stakeholders including contactors to deliver projects, communicating clear and concise objectives is vital to successful delivery.
