Scottish Canals are the custodians of the nation’s canal network and surrounding estates. Our vision is to invest in the canal network to generate lasting benefit for people and communities; celebrating their industrial heritage, ensuring they offer quality green and blue spaces for people and communities and contribute to Scotland’s resilience in tackling climate change.

Our success is rooted in valuing the contributions of our entire team - we care, we create, and we collaborate to continue to deliver a whole range of activities and services, from boating, and mooring, paddling, walking and wheeling, to living and playing and improving what the canals have to offer to our visitors and communities. We also work collaboratively with our partners and stakeholders to contribute to a wealthier, fairer, greener and more resilient Scotland.

As an employer we offer a truly unique opportunity to be part of our team, help us realise our vision and contribute to safeguarding our heritage and ensuring our canals flourish now and in the future.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Marketing and Communications Manager to join our Marketing and Communications team in Glasgow. You will help Scottish Canals achieve its vision through planning and delivering effective marketing campaigns, supporting external and internal communications and undertaking reputation management. The role will also have a focus on developing marketing campaigns to promote Scotland’s canals to boaters as well as planning events to celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Millennium Link in 2026.

The role is offered on a one-year fixed term basis, and with a starting salary of £39,290 per year (Band E). Working hours 35 hours per week (Glasgow/Hybrid).

Scottish Canals offer a generous annual leave entitlement of 28 days, plus 10 public holidays, along with enhanced sick pay, discounted shopping vouchers, health cash plan and a contributory pension scheme with up to 10% employer contribution.

Primary Responsibilities Of The Role

• Develop a campaign of activity, including events, to celebrate 25 years of the Millennium Link project (one of the largest canal restoration projects ever to take place in Britain) engaging key stakeholder groups including elected members, canalside communities and tourists
• Lead on market research and the development of a marketing plan to support Scottish Canals’ ambitions to re-imagine the iconic Falkirk Wheel offering, delivering a new immersive visitor experience
• Plan, oversee and evaluate year one of a multi-year marketing strategy to bolster marine tourism (boat transit licence sales)
• Strengthen brand identity and ensure consistency across all communications
• Support in the delivery of effective crisis management and media engagement to ensure a positive outcome for Scottish Canals
• Identify reputational risks as well as opportunities across the business and develop effective solutions that enhance/protect the organisation’s reputation
• Support the interim Head of Corporate Communications and Marketing with delivery across all areas of marketing and communications to contribute to Return on Investment (ROI) and meet organisational goals as well as deputise when required
• Develop and execute multi-channel marketing plans
• Lead and support team members to deliver high impact campaigns
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to deliver against key objectives on time and in budget
• Produce high quality briefings and copy that accurately reflects Scottish Canals’ position via targeted written material that is appropriate to a variety of audiences, from boaters to elected members
• Respond in a timely manner to crisis situations and ensure all internal and external communications is consistent, clear and professional
• Effectively juggle competing demands from all levels within the business to deliver consistent, effective reputation management support
• Identify stakeholder engagement, media and public affairs opportunities that will help Scottish Canals to meet its vision
• Proactively engage and liaise with the team and other relevant functions of the organisation such as, destinations, operations, finance, IT and health and safety to deliver projects successfully

Essential Qualifications and Knowledge Required

• Degree or equivalent in marketing and/or communications experience plus five years’ experience within the industry

Desirable

• Proven track record at a senior level within private/public sector

Essential Skills and Experience Required

• Track record in delivering small events
• Creative and innovative with good project management skills

Desirable

• Knowledge of the Scottish political landscape and wider public affairs
• Excellent media contacts
• Understanding of the media landscape relevant print, broadcast and online platforms as well as social media

Qualities & Abilities Required

• Excellent written and verbal communicator
• Good leadership skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage tasks, multi-task & meet deadlines
• Valid driving licence
• Good team player with the ability to work on own initiative
• Hands on and willingness to get involved in multiple tasks as required
• Highly organised, good planning skills, high level of attention to detail and good copywriting skills