Activities & Events Team Leader

About Us

Scottish Canals are the custodians of the nation’s canal network and surrounding estates. Our vision is to invest in the canal network to generate lasting benefit for people and communities; celebrating their industrial heritage, ensuring they offer quality green and blue spaces for people and communities and contribute to Scotland’s resilience in tackling climate change.

Our success is rooted in valuing the contributions of our entire team - we care, we create, and we collaborate to continue to deliver a whole range of activities and services, from boating, and mooring, paddling, walking and wheeling, to living and playing and improving what the canals have to offer to our visitors and communities. We also work collaboratively with our partners and stakeholders to contribute to a wealthier, fairer, greener and more resilient Scotland.

As an employer we offer a truly unique opportunity to be part of our team, help us realise our vision and contribute to safeguarding our heritage and ensuring our canals flourish now and in the future.

About the Role

We currently have an exciting opportunity for an Activities & Events Team Leader to join our Destinations team at The Falkirk Wheel. You will lead the planning, coordination and delivery of a diverse programme of activities and seasonal events (easter, Halloween, Christmas) that attract visitors, support local communities, and showcase Scotland’s historic canals. You will supervise an energetic team while ensuring all activities are delivered safely, professionally and in line with organisational objectives.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about events, community engagement and outdoor recreation.

The role is offered on a permanent basis, working 5 days out of 7, averaging 35 hours per week (flexibility required).

Primary responsibilities of the role:

• Lead the planning and delivery of activities and events at The Falkirk Wheel.
• Lead and support team members, volunteers and external partners.
• Coordinate event logistics including staffing, equipment, suppliers and risk assessments.
• Ensure all activities operate in line with health and safety procedures and organisational policies.
• Monitor budgets, resources and performance targets.
• Build relationship with community groups, stakeholders and partner organisations.
• Ensure all equipment and supplier orders are compliant with procurement regulations.
• Promote events and activities to increase participation and engagement across our social media platforms.
• Evaluate events and contribute to future planning and programme development.
• Act as part of the Duty Manager team, overseeing daily operations at The Falkirk Wheel.

About the Reward

This role offers a progressive starting salary of £31,272 (£32,367 from April 2026) (Band C) plus an additional 11.25% Variable Hours Allowance.

Scottish Canals offer a generous annual leave entitlement of 32 days, plus 6 public holidays, along with enhanced sick pay, discounted shopping vouchers, health cash plan and a contributory pension scheme with up to 10% employer contribution.

About You

Qualifications and knowledge required:

• Educated to HNC/HND level or equivalent experience in events management, leisure, tourism or a related field.
• Knowledge of planning and delivering activities, events or community programmes.
• Understanding of health and safety requirements associated with events and public activities.
• Knowledge of risk assessments and safe working practices.
• Awareness of community engagement and partnership working.

Skills and experience required:

• Experience planning, organising and delivering high quality events and/or activities.
• Experience supervising or leading a team, volunteers or contractors.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work with a range of stakeholders.
• Competent IT skills including Microsoft Office and social media platforms.
• Experience producing unique, high-quality social media content would be an advantage.

Qualities & abilities required:

• A positive, can-do attitude with the ability work collaboratively as part of a large team.
• Strong leadership with the ability to motivate and support a team.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to respond quickly to operational challenges.
• High level of attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality experiences.
• Flexible and adaptable approach to working hours, including weekends (core summer hours 8am – 6pm).
• Positive, proactive attitude and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Ability to build positive relationships with colleagues, partners and community groups.
• Passion for creating engaging experiences and promoting community participation.

Scottish Canals reserve the right to close this vacancy before the closing date if a sufficient number of applications are received.