Crawley Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID) Manager

Job Description

Crawley Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID) Manager

Based in Crawley site;

Salary – circa £40,000-45,000;

Holiday - 25 days plus bank holidays;

Hours - 37.5 per week. Typically Monday to Friday with occasional requirements for weekend or evening work for which time off in lieu is given;

Pension – standard work based pension in accordance with the scheme.

Purpose of the role

To provide strategic and operational management for Crawley Town Centre BID, engaging with key stakeholders, including levy payers, non-levy payers within the BID area, public authorities, Borough and County Councils, community and charity organisations. 

Relationships

(a)       Reports to:           BID Board

(b)    Responsible for:    BID Staff and contractors

Main Duties

• Be accountable to the Crawley Town Centre BID Board for the strategic and operational oversight and delivery of the Crawley Town Centre BID Business Plan
• Deliver initiatives, projects (including public events) and services in line with the agreed BID Business Plan and nurture a positive climate within which local and national business stakeholders will ultimately endorse the continuation of the BID after its initial 5 year period.
• Lead the Crawley Town Centre BID and be a high profile credible figurehead across all sectors of our stakeholder community and media.
• Be an advocate and champion for the Crawley Town Centre BID specifically and the Crawley Town Centre generally.
• Proactively seek opportunities to extend the scope of delivery and build external relationships, including but not limited to exploring the opportunity to work with the nearby Manor Royal BID for mutual benefit and the benefit of town centre based businesses and levy payers.
• Ensure that the Chair and Directors are regularly briefed on strategic and operational matters, (including opportunities and threats), either by way of face-to-face meetings, telephone calls or e-mails as necessary. 
• Organise, attend and contribute to Board meetings. To be held at least quarterly.  
• Monitor, manage and report on the performance of the Company against overall Business Plan and annual action/delivery plans.  
• Ensure projects are delivered to time and on budget. 
• Be responsible for the development and delivery of a communications plan to ensure the achievements of the BID and other relevant messages are conveyed in a timely fashion to BID levy payers, town centre businesses and other stakeholders.
• Be the main point of contact for relevant partners, and work to coordinate the aims of the Company with other appropriate initiatives. 
• Safeguard the financial position of the BID to ensure that performance is in-line with approved budgets and cash flow forecasts. 
• Oversee contractual and payment arrangements in respect of appointed contractors and suppliers. 
• Represent the BID at external stakeholder events to enhance the aims of the BID and enhance the profile of the BID.
• Identify and pursue new opportunities for extending the range, benefits and income of the Company, including taking a lead on the generation of non-core income to supplement and extend the impact of the core BID levy income.
• Pursue a strategy of continuous professional development.
• Be responsible for the management and performance of any staff, including the maintenance of a safe, healthy and positive working environment in accordance with the legislation and the BID’s own management protocols and procedures.  

The above is not an exhaustive list of duties and you will be expected to perform different tasks as necessitated by your changing role within the organisation.

Person specification: 

Essential 

Senior leadership experience 

Evidence of commercial acumen and experience of small business management  

Experience of managing a budget

Ability to work with minimum supervision under the leadership of a board and in close cooperation with management consultants  

Evidence of direct management of staff and/or contractors  

Ability to manage complex relationships with partners across public, private and voluntary sectors.  

Proven tenacious leadership style 

Proven negotiation skills at strategic and operational levels in both public and private sectors to achieve partnership working towards common goals

Ability to work with professionalism and integrity at all times

Excellent communication skills with ability to handle complex information  

Flexible working including some out of hours 

Desirable 

Knowledge of Crawley Town Centre and Business Improvement Districts

Degree level education (or equivalent) or an appropriate professional qualification in a relevant discipline  

Visual presentation skills 

Knowledge of political and economic conditions of retail, leisure and licensed businesses  

Project management experience including in the planning, oversight and safe delivery of public events.  

Person characteristics: 

Player Adaptability: This role requires the ability to handle detailed information, balance multiple tasks and respond quickly to business situations and be able to work within a changing environment.  

Team Player: Work cooperatively with others to set goals, resolve problems and make decisions that enhance the effectiveness of the business.  

Ethically focused: As the BID leader, the BID Manager needs to demonstrate the highest standards of behaviour at all times. This person will regularly be invited to attend social events representing the BID at evenings and weekends.  

Lead: Positively influence others, demonstrate good listening skills, humility and the ability to accept social diversity.  

Decision making: The BID Manager needs to support the business and staff by quickly assessing situations as to their importance, risks and urgency and lead the business by making clear and timely decisions in the best interests of the organisation.  

Passion:  As the “face” of the BID you will be expected to demonstrate passion and enthusiasm for the role and for the continued success and improvement of the Crawley town centre.

References will be required from successful candidates