Visitor Levy Business Implementation Advisor

STEP is seeking a high-calibre, proactive project professional to lead the business implementation of the Stirling Visitor Levy. Operating with a high degree of autonomy within the Business Support team, this is a stand-alone role responsible for ensuring the Stirling tourism and hospitality sector is fully prepared for the "Go-Live" date of 14 June 2027.

This role is designed for a specialist who excels at translating complex legislation into practical business operations and who can build trusted relationships with diverse stakeholders, from rural micro-businesses to Stirling Council officers.

Purpose of the Role

• Strategic Readiness: To lead the regional transition of accommodation providers and tourism businesses into the new Stirling Visitor Levy framework.
• Compliance & Technical Competence: To serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) on the online collection platform, remittance processes, and statutory exemptions.
• Stakeholder Advocacy: To bridge the gap between local government policy and private sector operational realities, ensuring business feedback shapes the implementation process.

Key Deliverables

1. Project Leadership & Business Engagement

• Strategic Outreach: Design and execute a regional engagement strategy to provide hands-on support to tourism and hospitality businesses across Stirling.
• Relationship Management: Act as the primary, authoritative point of contact for the Visitor Levy, building "trusted advisor" status with business owners.
• Operational Consultancy: Conduct on-site business visits to analyse operational workflows and provide tailored advice on integrating the levy into existing booking systems.

2. System Integration & Technical Support

• Platform Authority: Master the Visitor Levy Collection Platform and lead the technical demonstration of reporting and payment processes to the industry.
• Communications Architecture: Develop specialised guidance for businesses on customer communication strategies and managing third-party/online travel agents (OTAs).
• Resource Development: Curate and maintain an authoritative library of FAQs, guidance materials, and technical resources to ensure consistent regional understanding.

3. Training & Knowledge Transfer

• Educational Design: Architect and deliver high-impact workshops, webinars, and one-on-one training sessions tailored to different industry segments.
• Conflict Resolution: Facilitate Q&A forums, professionally addressing concerns and providing practical solutions to help businesses adapt to change.

4. Monitoring, Reporting & Governance

• Strategic Reporting: Provide high-level progress reports to the STEP Director and monthly project status updates for the Stirling Council Visitor Levy Project Team.
• Risk Identification: Track engagement metrics and identify emerging trends or gaps in readiness, escalating complex issues where necessary to protect project timelines.

Do you have a valid Driving License license?, Do you have experience in Business analysis?, Do you have a Bachelor's degree?, * Professional Maturity: Proven ability to work on own initiative, manage a stand-alone project, and adapt to shifting legislative demands.

• Communication Excellence: Must be an articulate and influential communicator, comfortable delivering technical presentations and managing potentially contentious stakeholder discussions.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced IT and CRM skills, with the ability to interpret data, create reports, and master new financial/collection software.
• Educational Capability: Experience in designing and delivering professional workshops, training materials, and webinars.
• Mobility: Full driving license and access to a car for business use (with appropriate insurance) to ensure coverage across the entire Stirling region.

Hours of Work: 35 hours per week, with a requirement for flexibility to meet the needs of tourism businesses, including evenings and weekends when required.

Standard hours : Monday-Friday: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm with a one-hour unpaid lunch break.

Salary circa: £35,000.00 pa

STEP has been supporting businesses for over four decades. When we started in 1983, we aimed to create more than just an office block or business park; we wanted to build a supportive community where businesses could thrive. Today, we support 3,000 businesses annually and manage over 200 spaces across five sites. All our profits are reinvested into business support activities, contributing positively to the local economy.