Job Description

Salary:

35,412 - 39,152

Hours:

37 hours per week

Working Pattern:

Monday to Friday - incl. occasional evening/weekend work

Contract:

Fixed Term Contract until March 2027

Location:

Flexible / Deane House, Taunton / TTC Depot, Taunton

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for tourism, innovation, and community engagement?

Taunton Town Council is seeking a dynamic Tourism Innovation Lead to reimagine and develop the transformation of our Tourist Information Centre into a forward-thinking destination management hub. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of tourism in Taunton, enhancing visitor experiences, promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism, and forging strong partnerships with local businesses, attractions, and community groups.

If you're ready to lead strategic change, inspire a team, and champion Taunton as a vibrant regional destination, we'd love to hear from you.

Main responsibilities:

Managing Tourist Information Centre Operations Manage the daily operations of the Tourist Information Centre (TIC) to ensure the delivery of high-quality visitor services and the smooth functioning of all activities. Developing a transition to Destination Management Organisation Model Direct the transformation of the TIC into a Destination Management Organisation (DMO) model, focusing on innovative service delivery and future-ready visitor engagement strategies. Developing and Implementing Tourism Strategy Initiatives Create and execute tourism strategies designed to promote Taunton as a premier destination, enhance visitor experiences, and support sustainable tourism. Building Partnerships with Local Businesses and Attractions Establish and nurture collaborative relationships with local businesses, attractions, and stakeholders to strengthen tourism offerings and foster community involvement. Promoting Sustainable Tourism Practices Champion the adoption of sustainable tourism practices and ensuring environmental responsibility and long-term community benefit through our tourist attractions. Managing Staff and Volunteers Lead, train, and manage TIC staff, businesses and partners providing guidance and support to maintain high standards of service and business development. Monitoring Performance and Reporting to Council Track and assess the performance of TIC activities and initiatives, preparing reports where required and updates for council to inform ongoing decision-making and strategy refinement.

Leadership and Team Management:

You'll be a proactive and inspiring leader, responsible for managing and supporting the TIC Team to ensure effective and efficient service delivery, while fostering a positive, inclusive, and collaborative working environment.

Financial and Administrative Management:

You will be responsible for overseeing financial and administrative processes, including managing box office and visitor centre revenue, ensuring compliance and best practice. You'll liaise with internal finance teams to maintain accurate and transparent financial reporting, and will authorise purchases, invoices, and expenditure within delegated limits.

Essential Attributes include:

Relevant professional qualification or significant experience in tourism and/or visitor centre operations. Proven experience in Destination Management, ideally within local government. Strong project management skills (e.g. Prince2), with a track record of delivering projects on time and within budget. Advanced IT knowledge, social media, and website skills; proficient in Microsoft Office and experience of local government. Ability to assess quotes for value for money, with awareness of environmental considerations.
For more information on the post, please refer to the which can be found on our website www.taunton-tc.gov.uk and/or contact info@taunton-tc.gov.uk

Please visit our vacancies page to apply: www.taunton-tc.gov.uk.

Interested candidates should submit their completed application form to info@taunton-tc.gov.uk by 9am on Friday 21st November 2025.

Please note we do not accept CVs.

Some benefits of working for us:

Work for a Town Council that strives to improve the quality of town life A work environment in a town location with excellent travel, bus and rail links Perkbox Employee Benefits Platform Employee Assistance Programme A focus on learning and development opportunities for our employees, including a teambuilding programme Local Government Pension scheme, currently with a 22.3% employer contribution rate Employee Recognition and Reward Scheme 25 days holiday per year increasing to 27 days after 2 years' service, and 30 days after 5 years' service, plus normal bank holidays. Please note these entitlements include 2 statutory days Long Service Awards starting from 5 years' service Additional Purchased Annual Leave Scheme Access to a central work car park Volunteering Leave Sick pay (in accordance with National Joint Councils agreed terms) Caring and compassionate employer, signatory of the Menopause Workplace Pledge, The Civility and Respect Pledge, The Charter for Compassion and The Armed Forces Covenant
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 15 months

Pay: 35,412.00-39,152.00 per year

Benefits:

Additional leave Bereavement leave Company pension Employee discount Free parking Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking Referral programme Sick pay Work from home
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 21/11/2025