Business Development Executive

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 a Business Development Executive to join our Destinations team in Falkirk. The postholder will establish and deliver a scalable sales model, targeting domestic and international markets including emerging markets to grow income, diversify demand, and maximise utilisation of existing assets. They will deliver proactive, revenue‑focused sales activity across Scottish Canals’ premium destination products, driving growth in high‑value experiences, meetings and events, and boat tours. The role is offered on a 2 Year Fixed Term basis, working Monday to Friday with occasional travel and evening work, 35 hours per week.

Primary Responsibilities

• Proactively secure new business across group travel, corporate, travel trade, and events markets.
• Drive commercial performance of premium experiences including:
  • The Kelpies Experience
  • Behind the Wheel Tour
  • Meetings and event spaces
• Develop and manage a robust sales pipeline.
• Target emerging international markets, working with partners such as VisitScotland and UKinbound.
• Re‑engage dormant clients to restore commercial relationships.
• Attend and represent Scottish Canals at tradeshows & sales events.
• Work collaboratively with marketing, product, and operations teams to shape offers and itineraries.
• Provide accurate sales forecasting, performance reporting, and market insight.

About the Reward

This role offers a progressive starting salary of £32,367 – £35,218 (Band C). 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.

Qualifications and Knowledge Required

• Relevant qualification in sales, marketing, business or tourism.
• Evidence of continuous professional development.
• Understanding of visitor attractions or tourism sector.
• Knowledge of travel trade and group booking markets.
• Awareness of sustainable tourism principles.

Skills and Experience Required

• Proven B2B sales and business development skills.
• Strong negotiation and relationship‑building skills.
• Ability to manage and convert a sales pipeline.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Sales reporting capability.
• Delivering revenue growth through proactive sales.
• Working with corporate, group or travel trade clients.
• Representing organisations at trade shows or events.
• Developing new markets or customer segments.

Qualities & Abilities Required

• Commitment to Scottish Canals organisational values – We Care, We Create, We Collaborate.
• Willingness to travel and work flexibly.
• Commitment to excellent customer service.

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