The Deputy CEO will work closely with the CEO and Board of Directors to uphold the strategic objectives of Caithness Chamber of Commerce and support the day-to-day operations of the organisation.
This role will focus on enhancing local economic development, positioning the North Highlands as an attractive place to live, work, study, visit and invest through a holistic destination strategy.
Establishing partnerships to drive growth and sustainability in the region will play an important part in this role. The Deputy CEO will build and maintain a broad network of diverse contacts to foster mutually advantageous relationships for the Chamber, its members and the wider community. These contacts span the public sector - such as local authorities, ministerial and government departments, non-profit organisations and educational institutions. In the private sector, the network will encompass businesses of varying size across multiple industries.
As a representative of the Chamber and the local business community, the Deputy CEO will attend Chamber and stakeholder meetings and engage in public speaking as required to advance the organisation’s work, uphold its strong reputation, and maintain the trust and confidence of members, industry, and other stakeholders.
Key Role Duties/Responsibilities :
Strategic Leadership
* Collaborate with the CEO to develop and execute the Chamber’s strategic plans.
* Act as a deputy in the absence of the CEO, ensuring continuity of leadership.
* Provide strategic advice and insights to the Board of Directors where required.
* Direct line management of several operational teams.
Team Leadership
* Provide leadership and mentorship to Chamber staff.
* Foster a collaborative and high-performing team culture.
* Ensure staff have access to professional development opportunities.
Operational and Financial Oversight
* Support the CEO in managing the Chamber’s operational and financial activities.
* Identify funding opportunities, including grants and sponsorships, to support Chamber
initiatives.
* Monitor performance metrics and ensure alignment with organisational goals.
Destination Management
* Develop and lead initiatives to promote the North Highlands through a holistic destination
strategy
* Work with national and international tourism partners to increase reach to domestic, European and other international markets and promote the North Highlands as a prime tourist destination.
* Work with local tourism operators, accommodation providers, and event organisers to enhance the region’s profile.
* Oversee the planning and execution of campaigns that highlight the unique cultural, historical, and natural assets of the North Highlands.
* Support the development and execution of strategies, services and assets to attract talent to the North Highlands, aligning with regional growth objectives.
* Support the development of campaigns showcasing the North Highlands as a prime destination for professionals and families, emphasising quality of life, natural beauty, and career opportunities.
* Work collaboratively with the Developing the Young Workforce North Highland team to encourage the retention of young people in the area through partnership working and information and knowledge sharing.
General
* Embrace and operate within the organisation’s culture, ensuring all activities uphold and enhance the Chamber’s values, character, and reputation.
* Build and sustain strong working relationships with Chamber members, the broader business community, and public sector partners.
* Deliver high-quality contract and project management services.
* Provide management information and support to the Chief Executive and Board to facilitate effective decision-making.
* Support the Chief Executive by representing the Chamber at meetings and events, including high-profile engagements during evenings and weekends.
* Maintain exemplary standards in service delivery for members, the business community, public sector partners, and clients.
* To undertake any other duties as may be reasonably required in the post.
As part of a small team, the post holder will take a leading role in being the ‘voice of business’ and supporting regional businesses. The position offers a fantastic opportunity to build relationships with business leaders and key stakeholders across the North Highlands and wider region as well as being part of a professional, proactive and forward-thinking business organisation.
This post is a full-time post (35 hours). The Chamber operates a hybrid working model but this a place-based role with a requirement to regularly work at the offices in Thurso as well travel around the region for meetings and events and supporting a team who are geographically spread between
Caithness and Sutherland.