Head of Events

Reporting to: Visitor Experience and Events Director
Salary: £40,000 – £45,000 DOE
Hours: Full time, permanent

At Dynamic Earth, we’re thrilled to host over 400 events each year, with a vibrant focus on science and sustainability! Each event is a testament to our commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of our planet while championing sustainable practices. From engaging science fairs and interactive workshops to eco-friendly conventions and green initiatives, we prioritize creating experiences that inspire and educate. Our dedication to these principles ensures that every event not only delights our guests but also promotes a sustainable future. Join us in celebrating innovation, education, and environmental stewardship at our dynamic array of events!

Conferences and Meetings

Our Biosphere can host up to 300 people for a conference and can be split into two smaller rooms. Both rooms are equipped with the latest technology and supported by a professional events team. We also have a selection of small meeting rooms for breakout groups.

Dinners and Receptions

Our stratosphere has space for up to 550 for a banquet or dinner dance. We can transform the Stratosphere into any colour with our state-of-the-art LED colour change lights. Our Ozone is a soundproofed space and can be used as a dance floor or independently as a drinks reception, breakout room or smaller dinner space.

Purpose of the Role

The Head of Hospitality will act as the lead on all events and catering activities within Dynamic Earth to help support our mission of being the go to destination for events in Edinburgh. You will lead the development and delivery of the Events and Hospitality strategy and operational plans. The role requires a solid understanding of Events Management, Business Development and Food and Beverage activities.

You will push for new innovations and better ways to promote our offerings as a venue. You will focus on driving efficiencies across all our departments to support our strategic priorities and targets.

Job Description and Duties

– Strategic Thinking and Leadership – Foster strong, collaborative working relationships with colleagues across all departments at Dynamic Earth, ensuring teams receive professional advice and support to meet their organisational goals and targets. You will ensure that all decisions support the strategic goals and ambitions of the organisation. You’ll also play an active role in our Extended Leadership team – building new ideas and better connectivity between function Heads and their departments.
– Team Management and Development – Provide professional leadership and direction for the Hospitality function, ensuring the team has the expertise and skills needed to deliver pro-active, high quality services drawing on external best practice. Act as a mentor to your teams to assist in their development and progression.
– Product Development and Partnerships – With the support of the Visitor Experience and Events Director, you will lead on all product development and partnership opportunities on behalf of Dynamic Earth. This includes analysing client demographics and feedback using surveys, analytics and other tools to better understand our clients and the market. You will reach out to local business and suppliers to foster opportunities for Dynamic Earth to build Partnerships to enhance our food and beverage offerings.
– Budgets and P&L Management – Agree annual budgets and operational plans with the Visitor Experience and Events Director and take responsibility for tracking, approving and reporting on activities, performance and expenditure. You will ensure that clear P&Ls are kept maintaining the profitability of our events to ensure that targets are met.
-Project Management – You will lead on all projects relating to hospitality including managing cross departmental collaboration where appropriate.
-Business Partnering – Working with our marketing team to ensure we showcase and share the success of our science and sustainability events by crafting and delivering compelling brand stories that highlight our achievements and impact.

Skills, Knowledge and Attributes

-You will be an effective line manager to ensure colleagues are well supported, trained and motivated.
-You will know how to manage and develop annual budgets, project budgets and manage delivery against budgetary levels.
-We are proud to see Passion, Caring and Inclusive as three cross-cutting Values. You will bring these values to life to encourage your colleagues to share them too, to build a strong common culture.
-You will be an innovative thinker with the ability to think outside the box.
-You will have excellent organisational skills with the ability to delegate, manage and prioritise tasks under pressure.

-Experience in a Food and Beverage environment.
-A desire to build a professional network.
-Experience of working in the third sector.
-A professional or personal interest in science, earth science and environmental issues.
-An empathy for what Dynamic Earth exists to deliver.

-34 days annual leave (which includes 9 bank holidays)
-Complimentary entry to Dynamic Earth for family and friends
-Free staff car-parking
-25% Discount in the Dynamic Earth Gift Shop
-Subsidised meals from the Dynamic Earth Café
-Staff Canteen with complimentary tea and coffee
-Free entry to ASVA member visitor attractions (subject to conditions)
-Limited Gym Membership at Holyrood Hotel (subject to conditions)
-Employee Values Awards
-Matched company pension contribution of 5%
-Confidential advice-line through our Employee Assistance Programme
-Life Assurance cover of 4 times annual salary
-Up to 3 years Critical Illness cover

How to Apply

To Apply please send a CV and covering letter (both circa x2 pages each) to detailing why you are the best candidate for the position.

Closing date for applications is 5pm, Friday 14th June.