Job Description
THE ANGLESEY COLUMN TRUST
JOB VACANCY at the MARQUESS OF ANGLESEY’S COLUMN
Job Title: Column Manager
The Trust urgently seeks to employ a passionate and committed Column Manager to lead a small team of staff and contribute to the development of a sustainable future for the Marquess of Anglesey’s Column.
Background
The Anglesey Column Trust, chaired by the Marquess of Anglesey, is a registered charity set up to preserve, maintain, and upkeep the iconic Napoleonic War Memorial, known as the Marquess of Anglesey’s Column in Parc Twr, Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, Anglesey LL61 5NJ, making it accessible to the public for the advancement of education.
The Column was erected in 1817 as a memorial to Waterloo hero, the 1st Marquess of
Anglesey, who lost his right leg on the battlefield. It is a 29-metre high, Greek Doric style column, topped by a 3-metre tall bronze statue of the Marquess. It is a prominent feature on the skyline as one approaches Anglesey and is surrounded by four acres of woodland in a site of geological (UNESCO Site13 Geopark GeoMôn) and archaeological importance. The Column was listed Grade II* in May 1952, and the cottage alongside the Column, which is also listed, was used until 2014 when sadly the Column was closed due to the decay of its internal wooden staircase.
The Trust has been awarded a major grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF), with match-funding secured from other funders. This grant is for construction works on the Column, cottage and grounds as well as for an activity and events programme until June 2026. It is anticipated that construction work will be completed ready for a “soft opening” in October this year. The development will include:
▪ making the Column safe again for people to climb the 115 steps to the top;
▪ ensuring those who cannot ascend the Column have access to a viewing area at the base of the Column providing views of the Britannia Bridge, the Menai Strait and Snowdonia;
▪ remodelling of the cottage with an extension as a Visitor Engagement Centre, where admission tickets can be obtained, and will include a tearoom, shop and interpretation area. The tearoom will be an important service for visitors but initially the refreshment offer will be limited. However, the intention is to develop this offer to generate additional income;
▪ the sale of merchandise, from an online facility and a small retail operation in the Visitor Engagement Centre, selling carefully selected quality products relevant to the Marquess and the Column story;
▪ bi-lingual interpretation in the Centre and around the site, that tell the stories of the Column, the 1st Marquess and the local area, as well as about the site geological and geographical interest, especially the very rare Blue Schist outcrops on the site.
The Job Role
The Trust requires a Column Manager to manage the efficient and effective running of the Column and contribute to the future sustainability of the Column. The Trust would like to appoint the Column Manager as soon as possible, allowing the appointee to be fully involved in the successful re-opening of the Column.
Induction and support for the Role
The Trust will appoint a Trustee to arrange induction, assess any training needs, and provide a copy of the Trust’s Staff Handbook. The Trustee will also provide an opportunity for the Column Manager to meet the Trustees, the restoration team and be welcomed into a friendly organisation that is passionate about its mission to make the Marquess of Anglesey’s Column and site a must visit venue for both local people and visitors leaving them with a memorable edifying experience. The appointee will work in conjunction with the current part time Project Co-ordinator, whose role and involvement will decrease after the Column opens.
The Conditions of Service
Place of Work
The post will be located at the Anglesey Column Site when the restoration programme completes later this year. In the interim the Trust is seeking temporary office space close to the site coupled with home working opportunities if suitable to both the Trust and the Column Manager.
The Trust uses Zoom for meetings wherever possible but occasional local travel will be required to attend business or Trust meetings for which essential expenses will be reimbursed.
Hours of work
The hours worked will be equivalent to 30 per week overall, i.e., 4 days. However, some flexible working may be required, with more hours worked during the summer and school holidays and less during out of season and when the Column is closed. Weekend working will also be required. Currently, it is anticipated that the site will be reserved on Monday and Tuesday for educational visits, and corporate events and open to the public from Wednesday to Sunday from February until the end of November, with some provision for special Christmas events. Opening hours are likely to be 10.00am to 5.00pm in June, July and August, the peak season for Anglesey, and 10.00am until 3.00pm in off-peak periods. The Column will be closed to the public in December and January each year, but some maintenance and other tasks will require the oversight and attention of the Column Manager.
Salary and Annual Leave
The annual salary is £25,600 payable at the end of each calendar month less PAYE, NIC and workplace pension deductions. Annual salary increases will be dependent on the financial performance of the Trust. The annual paid leave entitlement will be 25 days, including bank holidays.
Workplace Pension
The successful candidate will be invited to join the Trust’s workplace pension scheme with the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST).
Probation Period
There is a probation period of 3 months from appointment, which can be extended if necessary.
The Job Description
The job holder will be expected to:
▪ play a key role in developing and managing all aspects of the Column to provide a high-quality visitor experience;
▪ work with the Trustees and staff to ensure that targets are met;
▪ be involved in future long term business planning, helping to identify and seek all opportunities to maximise income regeneration, which will ensure that the Column’s future is sustainable;
▪ be responsible for all aspects of day-to-day management, communication and promotion, visitor operations and budgets;
▪ be flexible and have a collaborative hands-on approach to ensure the smooth running of the attraction;
▪ be responsible for identifying and managing risk whether from health and safety, reputational or financial matters, complying with legislation and guidelines;
▪ work to recruit, develop and motivate an enthusiastic team to create a positive and inclusive environment for staff and volunteers. The team will comprise a Visitor
Services Officer, Cleaner/Caretaker and Administrator, and two part time roles of a Community Engagement/Volunteer Officer and a Learning Officer. These latter roles will be funded by the NLHF until June 2026, and will need to be proven sustainable if they are to continue beyond this date;
▪ focus on income generation, prior to the opening of the Column to the public, by developing our brand and website, marketing and fundraising, as well as staff recruitment.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
▪ managing all operational and project budgets, in close liaison with the Trust Treasurer;
▪ achieving the activities identified in the Trust’s NLHF activity plan;
▪ leading on building the capacity of the Trust to deliver activities and events which can be sustained beyond the life of the project funding;
▪ leading on increasing income generation from marketing and merchandising, tearoom operation and fundraising;
▪ ensuring that all funder criteria and programming for grant drawdown are met;
▪ line management of a small staff team of staff;
▪ Involvement in the recruitment and management of volunteers, with the assistance of the Community Engagement and Volunteer Officer, identifying training opportunities to develop and support staff and volunteers to ensure that high standards are maintained;
▪ looking after all aspects of the property, including the day-to-day operation of the Column to ensure that visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience;
▪ leading on developing and delivering a Communication and Marketing Plan for the Column to achieve its business objectives;
▪ promoting the Column and engaging with visitors, the local community and supporters to share our stories and offerings; co-ordinating public relations and marketing strategies, across a range of different media.
Essential experience
It is essential that the appointee can demonstrate:
▪ experience of staff management and organisational management, preferably in a customer facing environment;
▪ a proven track record of managing staff, budgets and finances;
▪ excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral) and ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of people;
▪ experience of marketing and communicating across a range of social media platforms;
▪ knowledge of Health and Safety and Compliance legislation, including how to assess and manage risk;
▪ a flexible, hands-on approach, being able to work autonomously with good decision- making skills;
▪ excellent IT skills;
▪ the ability to communicate in both the Welsh and English languages.
Desirable factors
▪ a degree or equivalent qualification in a discipline relevant to the post;
▪ an interest in heritage;
▪ a driving licence.
How to apply for the Post
Please email your CV and a letter explaining why you think you are the best candidate for the job, bearing in mind the expectations, key responsibilities and essential experience required, to peterdavies@angleseycolumn.com. Please also include your contact telephone number and state when you would be able to start the role if successful.
The closing date for applications is 4.00pm 5th May 2023. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by a panel of Trustees on 16th May 2023 and the successful applicant notified by 19th May, or earlier if possible.
Please contact Pat Jones, the Project Co-ordinator, on 07742654669 if you require further information.
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent
Part-time hours: 30 per week
Salary: From £25,600.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- On-site parking
- Work from home
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekend availability
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Llanfairpwllgwyngyll: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 05/05/2023
Reference ID: ACTColMan
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