JOB VACANCY
Business Improvement District (BID) Manager
An exciting opportunity has arisen for the right candidate at CityCo, one of
Manchester’s most prestigious and influential organisations.
CityCo is seeking to employ a Manager of the highest calibre to work to
deliver the Business Plan of the Heart of Manchester BID, the city centre’s
retail Business Improvement District. An ideal position for an organised and
dynamic self-starter, the role offers an opportunity to play a key part in the
continued success of the city of Manchester.
Candidates are invited to apply that have a proven track record of developing
and maintaining successful and productive business relationships at a senior
level, ideally across both the public and private sector.
The BID focuses on promoting and developing the retail experience of
Manchester city centre. You will ideally have an understanding of major
public events and marketing initiatives. As an excellent communicator you
will be able to work 121 with retailers, stakeholders and city centre
businesses, as well as more broadly through formal sector group meetings.
Knowledge of the issues and opportunities faced by the retail sector locally
and nationally is crucial.
You will have project management experience and good general
management acumen, preferably within a partnership or BID environment.
Ideally you will have a demonstrable track record of developing initiatives in
response to specific business needs.
You will also have experience of reporting to Board level and taking
responsibility for producing reports and gathering and presenting sector
intelligence.
Your senior management experience will also mean that you have an
appreciation and working knowledge of budget management, line
management, and the appointment and management of third party
contractors/agencies.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Permanent (Subject to successful probationary period)
Salary: £35,000 - £40,000
Based in Manchester city centre
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------To apply please email a CV and Covering Letter to Alexandra King
[email protected] or post to CityCo, Suite 4B, Blackfriars House,
Parsonage, Manchester, M3 2JA by 5pm, Tuesday 7 April 2015. Interviews to
be held in Manchester week beginning Monday 13 April.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Title:
Heart of Manchester BID Manager
Reporting to:
Chief Executive, CityCo
Contract type:
Permanent
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Company Background
CityCo strives to make Manchester city centre a better place to work, visit and live.
We connect businesses with each other, and public agencies, to drive forward initiatives that
support an improved, thriving and aspirational city experience. We seek to support economic
growth and ensure the city is competing on national and international scale.
As a membership organisation, CityCo represents companies across sectors, sizes and
locations; giving businesses a voice, ensuring they can run effectively and expand activities.
We operate at a strategic level with city decision-makers and on a tactical level, providing
solutions and delivering on the ground.
In April 2013 CityCo’s remit expanded to manage Manchester’s first Business Improvement
District, the Heart of Manchester BID. Running for five years the BID delivers promotional
and customer service initiatives to benefit around 380 city centre retailers. Over the past two
years, we have launched and run a succession of major events in the city centre, designed
to attract increased footfall. Alongside, we run a hosting service to help visitors to the city
and run a number of major marketing campaigns working, with partners across the city.
The BID Company has 4 main objectives:




Launching major new events in the city centre to attract footfall
Launching a city centre hosting scheme to improve the customer experience
Developing a stream of activity to boost midweek and evening trade
Delivering promotional campaigns and partnerships to attract more affluent shoppers
With three years to go until the end of the BID’s term, the phase of delivery will be crucial in
determining whether the BID goes for a re-ballot in 2018.
Job Purpose

To be the face of the retail BID on the ground in Manchester city centre

To work with members of the CityCo senior team to deliver the Business Plan,
ensuring that BID members enjoy the maximum possible benefits

To line manage public-facing members of the team, to ensure the highest standards
of customer service

To report to the BID Board

To work with the CityCo team in monitoring and reporting on the success of the BID

To work with the Head of Finance and Chief Exec to remain on target and on budget

To work with the senior management team to integrate the BID’s work with the core
strategies of CityCo

To work with team members on the creation and delivery of major events to attract
footfall to the city centre

To work with contractors as appointed by the BID Company to ensure all works are
delivered to a high standard, on time and on budget

To work with the Head of Marketing to ensure excellent communication with BID
members, promotion of BID events and other initiatives

To act as an ambassador for the BID

To work to ensure the successful continuation of the BID after the first five year term
Areas of Responsibility & Duties

To act as the first point of call for all BID members

To be an advocate for the effectiveness of the BID and Manchester city centre,
through seminars, speeches and press activity

To ensure engagement of BID retailers in events, activities and promotions

To ensure that major events delivered by the BID reflect the needs of, and benefit,
retailers in the city centre

To provide full Board reports for quarterly meetings, and present to the Board

To effectively manage sector groups, board sub-committees and groupings

To manage effective communications between BID members and official bodies,
such as Manchester City Council, Greater Manchester Police, Transport for Greater
Manchester

To work with other members of the management team in responding to operational
issues facing BID members

To line-manage the customer-focused hosting team in the retail core, ensuring they
are equipped with the knowledge to serve our visitors

To support the work of the marketing department in delivering materials for BID

To work with the Chief Exec on the successful delivery of the BID Business Plan

To lead on evaluation of the BID’s effectiveness

To lead on the renewal of the BID

To manage relevant parts of the BID budget and ensure the BID is on target

To maintain up to date records in relation to the BID membership community

To act appropriately upon all matters arising in relation to the BID, as directed by the
Chief Exec, and as part of the management team
Personal Specification
Essential Core Competencies

Ability to deliver on projects and plans

Major project management skills including service monitoring

High level of commitment to excellence in customer service

Strong team-building and leading skills and understanding of HR legislation

Excellent networking skills

Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills

Creative thinking and problem solving skills

Media, public-speaking trained

Sound and demonstrable financial management skills

IT literate
Desirable

5+ years’ experience in a customer-facing management role in retail, visitor
attractions or events

Experience of working across a range of agencies and stakeholders in partnership or
equivalent

Motivational leadership skills

Knowledge of H&S legislation

Knowledge of city centre Manchester
General Information
The requirements of the business are such that a high degree of flexibility is necessary and
therefore evening and weekend working will be required.
To comply with changes in the legislation covering the activities of Heart of Manchester BID
and CityCo, it is required that all staff undertakes training as directed by their line manager
or the Chief Exec. It is also essential that all staff carry out their duties in a safe manner in
accordance with the current Health & Safety at work legislation.
The role will be based at the main CityCo office in central Manchester with the expectation
that many of the activities will take place in store and in the public realm.
Annual leave entitlement of 26 days, plus bank holidays.
This post is subject to a three month probationary period.
Cityco is an equal opportunities employer. For copies of our equal opportunities policies
please visit www.cityco.com