Cowal Gathering Manager, Dunoon, Argyll

Are you looking for that ‘once in a lifetime’, job which will change your life? Are you ready to step forward as the custodian of one of Scotland’s most historic annual events? If you really understand what it means to ‘discover a new challenge’ then you could be the person we’re looking for as our next Manager.

Managing Cowal Gathering is a job like no other, and it is immensely rewarding, giving you the opportunity to continue to build on the heritage and reputation the event enjoys on a global platform.

About us

Held on the last Saturday of August each year, since 1894, Cowal Gathering hosts, the World Highland Dancing Championships, the Cowal Pipe Band Championships (the world’s oldest pipe band championship) and the Cowal International Heavy Athletics Championship (Scotland’s only international heavy athletics championship).

In addition, the event is home to live music events and family friendly entertainment.

What will you do?

The Cowal Gathering Manager is responsible for planning, executing and reviewing all elements of the event and the business itself.

This includes:

• Recruiting and managing any administrative staff, volunteers, conveners, suppliers and other stakeholders involved in the event.
• Liaising and working with the Board of Trustees, funders, sponsors, patrons, vendors, security companies, local authority officials, emergency services and officials and representatives of various governing bodies and any other partners/ stakeholders of the event.
• Ensuring all legal/licensing requirements are met including preparing and updating risk assessments, event manuals etc.
• Preparing and delivering monthly reports, including financial updates, to Board meetings and to any other meeting or presentation that may be required.

In addition, you will set, monitor, control and report on event and business budget. The role will also involve identifying and securing funding and sponsorship.

This is a very involved role and there are other roles and responsibilities to be undertaken as well as the above.

Responsibilities

• Plan, manage and deliver a successful and sustainable event ensuring that budgets are observed and all health and safety and licensing legislation is adhered to.
• Work with the Board to identify and secure attractions for the event.
• Prepare, manage and report on budgets and other KPIs on a regular basis
• Source and negotiate with vendors and suppliers.
• Identify and secure funding and sponsorship
• Recruit staff and volunteers.
• Plan and execute all logistical and operational elements of the event.
• Supervise all staff, volunteers, traders, suppliers and other stakeholders
• Review the performance and finances after the event and prepare and deliver reports to the Board, funders and other stakeholders/partners.

Requirements and Skills

• Proven experience in event management or project management
• Knowledge of KPIs and report writing
• Experience of marketing of events
• Computer literate; proficient in Word, Excel, Access and Xero accounting software.
• Outstanding communication and negotiation skills
• Excellent organisational skills
• Ability to multi-task and balance competing pressures to achieve a positive result.
• Proven success in managing budgets and in successfully sourcing funding and sponsorship.

 

Salary range – £26k – £33k dependent on experience and workplace pension.

Application form available to download from here.

Completed application form to be returned with a single page covering letter detailing why you are the right person for the job to be emailed to malcolm@cowalgathering.com

Closing date is 12 noon on 31/10/2024.

It is anticipated that interviews will be held week beginning 11/11/2024