CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK: in
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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WELCOME LETTER FROM THE CHAIR OF TRUSTEES The trustees approach this search at
Our visitor numbers have grown steadily
an optimistic time in the evolution of
over the years and last year totalled
Marks Hall Estate, where the work of
a record 45,000. Our ambitions for
our predecessors has provided a very
the future include completion of the
solid basis for our more expansive and
arboretum master plan, attracting a
ambitious vision for the future.
much larger visiting public, establishing
Marks Hall means many things to many
an impactful educational and scientific
people and we treasure the diverse
research programme, and making our
experiences on offer. The gardens and
diverse business model more robust and
arboretum are both at the heart of
sustainable. It will be an excellent and
the estate and the centre of the visitor
stimulating time for a new Executive
experience. But there is much more to
Director to join Marks Hall as we look
the estate, including ancient woodlands,
to our fiftieth anniversary in 2021.
farm land, a World War II memorial
Best wishes,
commemorating the Estate’s role in
Meriel Barclay
supporting the war effort, conferencing
Chair of Trustees
and function facilities, and a variety of residential and business premises.
Candidate Information Pack | Executive Director, Marks Hall Estate
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INTRODUCTION Marks Hall Estate is a striking
In 2017 over 45,000 visits were made
The Visitor Centre is a Grade II listed
heritage landscape that extends
to Marks Hall, including those made by
15th Century barn and is the focus of
Marks Hall members, of which there
the Charity’s public face and the hub
are now around 1,700. Visitors come
of visitor-related activity. Within the
countryside. It includes tenanted
to explore Marks Hall, enjoy home
Visitor Centre is a tea room and small
farm holdings, residential
cooked food and delicious cakes in the
retail area. Outside there is a plant sales
restored Essex Barn, and browse the
area.
plant centre and gift shop. Many choose
broadleaved woodlands of
The events programme currently
this charming setting to celebrate their
consists of various walks and talks, many
high nature conservation value,
wedding with family and friends.
connected to the gardens and arboretum
an 18th Century Coach House
The Charitable Trust to the Estate was
or wildlife at Marks Hall. Other events
established in 1971 and receives no
have been held for children and families,
external funding. Originally called the
including outdoor theatre performances
Arboretum in which one can
Thomas Phillips Price Trust – after the
and tree climbing. Marks Hall held
find a beautifully-landscaped
last owner of the Estate who gifted it to
successful sculpture exhibitions in 2015
the Nation - the Charity was renamed
and 2017, followed by the Suffolk Horse
a few years ago the Marks Hall Estate.
Show. In 2018, the Estate will hold
The Charity has seven Trustees and
the Marks Hall Country and Garden
the Royal Botanical Gardens Kew
Show. Marks Hall Enterprises Ltd is a
have the option to appoint one. The
wholly owned subsidiary of Marks Hall
Trustees, who meet regularly, formulate
Estate, the Charity. It manages events
the overall policy and objectives for
in the 18th Century Coach House and
advancing the work of the Charity.
English flower garden, which is available
to over 2,300 acres of Essex
and commercial property,
event venue, and at its heart an
walled garden and other hidden treasures. The Arboretum forms an unmissable attraction in Essex, combining beautiful formal lakeside gardens, an enviable collection of trees originating from every temperate area of the world, and miles of leafy woodland walks to explore and enjoy. The Walled Garden was re-opened in 2003 and is now, with the ornamental lakes, a focal point for many visitors.
Candidate Information Pack | Executive Director, Marks Hall Estate
for civil weddings, receptions and other functions.
Marks Hall has a rich and fascinating history. Prior to being purchased by Thomas Phillips Price, the Estate was owned by the Honywood family for nearly three centuries. During the war it was requisitioned by the Air Ministry and was used as the domestic accommodation and military headquarters for nearby Earls Colne airfield. More information about Marks Hall may be found by visiting:
www.markshall.org.uk
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ROLE IN CONTEXT The future looks bright for Marks Hall
The new Executive Director will
Marks Hall Estate is a
Estate. Due to a recent land sale and
be charged with developing the
a change to the senior management
Estate consistent with the Charity
welcoming, beautiful, and
structure, investment is now in place for
Commission’s requirement for public
enticing place with enormous
a new Executive Director to create and
benefit and in keeping with Marks Hall’s
potential. The Board of Trustees
implement a growth strategy to increase
charitable objectives. Visitor numbers
visitor numbers for the Estate. Working
are expected to continue to increase
are ambitious and supportive
with the Trustees, the Executive
significantly over the next 10 years as
of implementing these plans.
Director will create an engaging
a result of an investment plan. This
This is a great opportunity for
and informative visitor experience,
will include the introduction of new
manage a team of over 20, oversee
facilities, the enhancement and better
someone to take Marks Hall
an extensive volunteer programme,
use and promotion of existing ones,
and develop external support and
and by providing a more engaging
have a transformative impact on
awareness of the Estate’s works. S/he
visitor experience and educational
will deliver a strategy to improve overall
opportunities. The Trustees wish to
its future.
financial performance and identify new
broaden the appeal of Marks Hall to all
opportunities for income generation at
audiences and in particular to introduce
Marks Hall, to enable its growth and
facilities and learning experiences that
profitability as a visitor attraction and as
would be of value to families. It is felt
an educational resource and centre for
that Marks Hall has immense potential
scientific research.
to become a significant visitor attraction.
Estate in a new direction and to
For this ambitious 10-year plan to succeed, Marks Hall Estate is looking for a creative and innovative thinker, who has a proven track record of delivering targets, managing a multidisciplinary team, and project and event management experience, preferably in the heritage/visitor attractions’ sector.
Candidate Information Pack | Executive Director, Marks Hall Estate
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MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE AND STAFFING The day-to-day management of the Trust will be undertaken by the Executive Director who will report directly to the Trustees. Reporting to him
TRUSTEES
/ her will be the Visitor Operations Manager, Curator, Land Agent, Marketing and Fundraising Manager, Finance Administrator, and the Weddings and Functions Coordinator. Staff meetings are held
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
regularly to deal with day to day arrangements for the Visitor Centre and related enterprise activities, and for the arboretum, gardens and woodlands. The Visitor Centre is the responsibility of the Visitor Operations Manager, who is supported by a Visitor Centre Assistant. The tea room is run by a Catering Supervisor and two regular part-time Catering Assistants. Additional part-time casual staff are
CURATOR
employed, particularly to support catered functions, and there are a group of over 70 volunteers who also work regularly in the Centre and in the gardens
FINANCIAL
LAND
VISITOR
MARKETING &
WEDDINGS &
ADMINISTRATOR
AGENT
OPERATIONS
FUNDRAISING
FUNCTIONS
MANAGER
MANAGER
COORDINATOR
and arboretum. Marketing, external communications and events are undertaken by a Marketing and Fundraising Manager. Weddings and other functions held in the Coach House are the responsibility of the Weddings and Functions coordinator, who also assists with event management. The arboretum and gardens and other land,
GARDENS &
VISITOR
WEDDINGS
ARBORETUM
CENTRE
TEAM
TEAM
TEAM
including the woodlands, are the responsibility of the Arboretum Curator, who has six full-time and one part-time member of staff, together with a regular group of volunteers.
Candidate Information Pack | Executive Director, Marks Hall Estate
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JOB DESCRIPTION ACCOUNTABLE TO
KEY RESULT AREAS
The Trustees of Marks Hall Estate
Main Priorities
•
Identify key challenges and opportunities. Produce and deliver a business plan to identify the key challenges and opportunities at Marks Hall to enable its growth and profitability as a visitor attraction, educational resource and centre for scientific research.
•
Communicate and gain the commitment and support of staff, volunteers and key stakeholders to achieve delivery.
•
Lead and inspire staff and volunteers at Marks Hall by creating a work environment which encourages individual and team commitment and ensures good communication.
•
Ensure that the expectations of the Trustees are clearly understood by staff and that lines of reporting are clear with accountability at all levels.
•
Take responsibility for staff recruitment and to carry out staff performance appraisals.
•
Encourage the personal development of staff and ensure staff training needs are identified and provided for.
Project Management
•
Lead and direct major projects at Marks Hall, ensuring that sound project management methodology is adopted in keeping with an agreed investment and masterplan for the Charity and its commercial subsidiary.
Financial Performance
•
Working with Trustees and senior staff, set operating budgets for each area of activity.
•
Develop and implement strategies for the improved financial performance of the tearoom, shop and other commercial activities at Marks Hall and seek to realise new opportunities for income generation.
•
Ensure staff meet agreed financial targets and in a way which reflects the most cost effective deployment of resources.
•
Draw up and secure bids for project funding, at times working in collaboration with external fundraising consultants.
LINE MANAGER TO •
Visitor Operations Manager
•
Curator
•
Land Agent
•
Marketing and Fundraising Manager
•
Wedding and Functions Coordinator
•
Finance Administrator
Leadership & Management
JOB SUMMARY The Executive Director is responsible for delivering the objectives and targets set by the Trustees within the framework of the Charity’s aims. With the advent of significant new resources, this will include working through a period of significant change, initiating an investment plan for the future of the Charity, implementation of the investment plan, and overseeing the strategy for significant growth in visitor numbers. It will also include delivering financial results, providing an engaging and informative visitor experience, managing staff and developing external support and awareness of the Charity’s works.
Candidate Information Pack | Executive Director, Marks Hall Estate
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JOB DESCRIPTION KEY RESULT AREAS Engagement
Governance, Charity &
•
Lead staff to deliver an engaging visitor experience based on an understanding of the key audiences that visit Marks Hall now and in the future.
•
Improve the overall presentation of Marks Hall ensuring the highest standards of customer care are met by staff and volunteers.
•
Engage visitors and members in the work of the Charity in ways that develop their affinity to the place.
•
Establish a programme of local community engagement and education with key groups including local people, schools and businesses.
•
As Executive Director and Secretary to the Charity, ensure the requirements of the Charity Commission are met in respect of the financial, governance and managerial aspects of the Charity’s activities and in compliance with the Charity’s constitution.
•
Represent the Trustees in relevant activities of Marks Hall both within and outside the Estate. Maintain regular contact with the Trustees and advise them in all respects regarding the management and development of the Charity’s assets and its charitable objectives.
•
Ensure the protection of the Charity’s finances, holdings and other assets by implementing appropriate controls and risk management techniques.
•
Ensure compliance with statutory regulations and adoption of proper fire, security, Health and Safety and emergency policies and procedures for the benefit of visitors, staff and others.
•
The Executive Director will also be required to perform other duties, which the Trustees may reasonably request from time to time in connection with the effective and best operation of the Charity and its subsidiary.
Trustee Administration
Compliance & Protection
Other duties
Candidate Information Pack | Executive Director, Marks Hall Estate
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PERSON SPECIFICATION KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS •
General management experience in the heritage tourist sector
•
Experience of managing significant budgets with a track record of delivering performance targets
•
Strong commercial awareness and sound knowledge of financial and business practices
•
An excellent manager of people, preferably with experience of dealing with multi-disciplinary teams
•
An ability to communicate and influence others at all levels
•
Capable of expressing information, concepts and ideas both orally and in writing in a logical, well structured, timely, accurate and meaningful way
•
Strong focus on quality and innovation and capable of managing change
•
Project management skills and experience
•
Knowledge of Health and Safety law and management
•
Experienced in the management of catering and retail operations
•
Experienced in event management
•
An ability to demonstrate enthusiasm and commitment to achieving the Charity’s objectives providing strong leadership and staff motivation along the way
•
An ability to display presence, confidence and professionalism when representing the Trustees and the Charity
Candidate Information Pack | Executive Director, Marks Hall Estate
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TERMS AND CONDITIONS Location
The Executive Director will be based at Marks Hall Estate, Coggeshall working from the Visitor Centre and the Estate Office.
Hours of Work
The post is full-time, working 37.5 hours per week. The Trust is flexible in the balance of work and personal commitments. You will however be expected to work the hours required to meet the demands of the Charity and because of the nature of the Trust’s work this will include on occasion evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays.
Probation
The appointment is subject to the satisfactory completion of a 6 month probationary period.
Salary
Competitive in the market place. Salaries are paid monthly in arrears by credit transfer.
Travel & Expenses
An appropriate mileage allowance and incidental expenses will be paid as necessary.
Annual Leave
The annual leave entitlement is 25 days. Annual leave increases by half a day each year to a maximum of 30 days after 10 years continuous service. The Trust’s leave year runs from 1st January annually.
Pension
The Trust’s Stakeholder Pension will be available to the post holder at the end
For further information and to apply for this role, please visit www.execucare.com/jobs/cip/1342
of the probationary period. The Trust contributes up to 3% of salary. Sickness
During any absence through sickness the statutory sick pay scheme will apply where eligible.
Driving Licence
A valid clean driving licence is required.
Notice
Following the probationary period, the new employee will be entitled to receive and must not give less than three months’ notice of termination of employment.
Health and Safety
All staff are expected to observe Health and Safety at Work Regulations and be responsible for ensuring the safety of themselves, visitors and employees and for the promotion of safety awareness.
Business Interests / Outside Activities
During your employment by the Charity you should not take part in any outside activities that may conflict with your employment by the Charity, although other business activities may be permitted subject to prior permission in writing from the Trustees.
Equal Opportunities
The Trust is an equal opportunities employer on the basis on an individual’s ability, qualifications and fitness for work and they will therefore appoint on merit.
Contract of Employment
A contract of employment will be required to be signed on appointment.
Candidate Information Pack | Executive Director, Marks Hall Estate
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