Jobs

OUTER HEBRIDES FOOD AND DRINK COORDINATOR

Job Title:                     Outer Hebrides Food and Drink Coordinator

Accountable to:         Outer Hebrides Food and Drink Partnership

Hours of work:           3 days per week

Rate of pay:                £16-000) - £18,000 (dependent on experience) pro-rata £26-£30,000

Base:                           Flexible

Contract:                    Fixed term, 12 months

Introduction

A newly created role to support the food and drink industry following the events and challenges during 2020. This is an exciting role for a self-starter with strong organisational skills. A passion for the produce and products of the Outer Hebrides and a genuine interest in the food and drink industry are essential.

About the Partnership

The Outer Hebrides Food and Drink Partnership is a partnership bringing together the expertise and experience of businesses across the food and drink sectors within input and governance from Outer Hebrides Tourism, local development agencies and the Outer Hebrides Chamber of Commerce. The Partnership is supported by Scotland Food and Drink.

About the role

We are looking for an enthusiastic co-ordinator and ambassador for a 12-month period, 3 days per week to support the development and promotion of the food & drink sector across the Outer Hebrides.

Responsibilities

General:

Gain a thorough understanding of the islands’ food and drink proposition and be able to identify product development and food tourism opportunities and support members to realise these, including:

• Create and drive the development of the Food and Drink sector, including recommendations on governance, structure and reporting.
• Co-ordinate engagement with a local food group where stakeholders come together to share experiences and discuss sector development.
• Encourage participation in events such as attending trade, industry and public events with a view to development of members products and services and the brand.
• Support the development of toolkits and business support documentation for the use of members.
• Identify and develop sales opportunities on and off island, including hospitality, retail, wholesale and other markets.

Specific:

• Lead on the development of an Outer Hebrides Food and Drink mark. Develop marketing materials and activity to support the brand.
• Investigate the potential for e-commerce opportunities (e.g., a collaborative online shop).
• Investigate options for streamlining delivery logistics and routes to market:
• Develop a programme to engage young islanders with the food industry (e.g., school visits).
• Represent the group at forums, both on and off island and specifically take part in meetings and events of the newly formed network of Scottish Regional Food Groups.

Skills and experience required

• An awareness of the Outer Hebrides economy, its key strengths and challenges.
• Knowledge and understanding of food and drink producers and suppliers in the Outer Hebrides and across Scotland along with recognition of the opportunities associated with product development.
• Experience in website management and creation of online content.
• Business development experience in sales or marketing; direct sales experience.
• Social media account management expertise.
• Familiarity with logistics and scheduling tools.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Professional attitude.
• An outgoing, friendly personality, and a desire to meet new people.
• Event management experience desirable.
• Clean driving licence.

How to apply

Applicants are invited to submit a letter of application, setting out the ways in which they meet the skills and experience required above with their CV. Please include a short (maximum 1 page) summary of what interests or inspires you most about the food and drink in the Outer Hebrides.

Submit by email to:

Rob McKinnon

rob@outerhebridestourism.org

Submit by post to:

Outer Hebrides Food and Drink Partnership

9 Bank Street

Stornoway, HS1 2XG

Should any applicant wish to ask any questions or discuss anything prior to submitting their application, please feel free to contact Rob on rob@outerhebridestourism.org

The deadline for applications is Friday 11^th December 2020 at 12 midday. Interviews will take place via Zoom the week of Monday 14^th December 2020.