As the Member Engagement Officer (MEO) at the Scottish Wholesale Association, you will be at the heart of enhancing member engagement and retention, while elevating the overall value and experience of membership.
Working closely with the rest of the SWA team, your key responsibilities will include developing and executing strategies that attract, engage, and retain members through a mix of activities, events, training programmes, and communications – directly with members and via SWA channels, such as our social media and newsletters.
A core focus of your role will be creating content that serves our diverse membership base, including direct and indirect opportunities for wholesaler and supplier introductions, networking, and identifying training needs to be addressed through our training academy.
In addition to strengthening relationships with existing members, you will also be responsible for promoting membership to potential businesses, encouraging them to participate in SWA events, training sessions, and supplementary activities.
Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will work towards agreed priorities and targets, gathering valuable feedback from members, and identifying new ways to deliver enhanced value both to members and the wholesale sector at large.
You will collaborate closely with the communications team to plan and execute engaging member events, workshops, and networking opportunities aimed at fostering collaboration within the sector.
The Individual
The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of the wholesale marketplace, ideally from a background in wholesale or food and drink supplier businesses, particularly at the account management or customer relations level, or with experience in a member-focused organisation.
Your expertise should include delivering member- or client-centred communications, utilising two-way engagement channels effectively, and building long-term relationships that add value. Experience with CRM systems and data analysis for trend identification is a plus but not essential. Strong written and oral communication skills, the ability to engage diverse audiences, and a collaborative, relationship-building approach will be key to your success in this role.
Role Responsibilities
Member Relationship Management
* Act as the primary contact for members, addressing queries and providing support.
* Develop and maintain strong relationships with current members to ensure their ongoing engagement with SWA activities.
Communication & Representation
* Promote the association’s events, training programmes, and benefits to members.
* Represent members’ interests and feedback within the SWA.
Event & Programme Support
* Assist in organising member-focused events, such as networking opportunities, training workshops, and industry conferences.
* Drive attendance and participation by engaging members directly.
Recruitment & Retention
* Support efforts to recruit new members and retain existing ones by highlighting the value of SWA membership.
* Conduct onboarding for new members to familiarise them with available resources.
Collaboration & Strategy
* Work with other SWA team members to develop strategies for increased member engagement.
* Monitor and report on member participation and satisfaction.
Digital Engagement
* Utilise digital tools like newsletters, social media, and email campaigns to keep members informed.
* Provide relevant content for the SWA website.
Research & Advocacy
* Stay informed about issues impacting the wholesale industry in Scotland and communicate these insights to team members.
* Support SWA’s advocacy efforts by gathering input from members.
* Support communication and public affairs activity through awareness and signposting.
Essential Skills and Qualifications
* Communication Skills : Excellent verbal and written communication to engage effectively with a diverse range of members.
* Relationship Building : Proven ability to build and maintain relationships.
* Organisational Skills : Strong multitasking abilities.
* Industry Knowledge : Understanding of the wholesale, retail, or foodservice sector.
* Digital Proficiency : Comfortable using, or willing to develop skills in using digital tools, such as social media and CRM systems.
* Problem-Solving Skills : Able to address member concerns and find practical solutions.
Desirable
· Experience of event coordination.
Salary and Benefits
The salary for this role is £38,000 – 40,000 per annum, depending on experience, plus a tailored bonus scheme, and private health insurance.
The role is home based, but with regular travel around Scotland. Due to the location of many of our members, the Member Engagement Officer will need to have access to their own vehicle for travel. The successful candidate is also expected to attend monthly meetings at our Edinburgh office.
We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements, or a four-day working week (pro rata).
The Scottish Wholesale Association is committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of age, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, medical history, skin colour, marital status, genetic information, or parental status. We base all our employment decisions on merit, job requirements and business needs.