Are you a strategic, place-driven leader ready to make a difference in one of the UK’s most vibrant cities? Bristol BID is looking for an experienced and passionate Head of Place to help lead the delivery of a new, unified vision for Bristol city centre. This is a pivotal role during a time of exciting transition as three established Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) come together under one banner, investing over £18 million across the next five years.
Head of Place
Join Bristol BID at a transformative time as Head of Place (12-Month Maternity Cover)
07/07/2025
Job Title: Head of Place
Contract type: (12-Month Maternity Cover)
Organisation: Bristol Business Improvement District (BID)
Location: Office in central Bristol (with hybrid working between office and home)
Contract: Fixed-Term (12 months maternity cover) pro rata position 4 days a week or 30 hours can be worked across 5 days.
Salary: 45k pro rata depending on experience
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer, Bristol BID
Start Date: Week commencing 25th of August.
Application closing date: 9am on the 21st of July
Interview Date: 23rd and 24th July
Join us at a transformational moment for Bristol
ABOUT THE ROLE
As Head of Place, you will play a critical leadership role in shaping the future of Bristol city centre. You’ll manage and support the BID’s marketing, events, and place-based initiatives, working with a dedicated team to deliver projects that drive footfall, support the local economy, and enhance the visitor and business experience.
You’ll collaborate closely with senior leadership, external partners, and stakeholders to deliver impactful campaigns and events—from the iconic Bristol Light Festival to new initiatives like a restaurant week and enhanced B2B engagement. You’ll also lead the integration of the new BID website and branding.
This 12-month maternity cover offers a unique opportunity to guide strategic place-based transformation in one of the UK’s leading cities.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Strategy & Delivery
Develop and implement projects aligned with the BID’s core themes: Experiences & Promotion, Clean & Welcoming, Safe & Supported Communities, Sustainable & Green. - Team Leadership
Line manage and inspire the marketing and events teams, fostering a positive, high-performing culture. - Marketing & Communications
Oversee B2B and B2C campaigns and work on major digital transitions including new BID platforms and a collaborative Bristol shopping website. - Events Management
Guide and support a diverse calendar of events from seasonal activations to flagship citywide experiences. - Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement
Champion the BID with partners, businesses, and city stakeholders, ensuring their voices shape delivery. - Governance & Reporting
Monitor performance, budgets, and report regularly to the Chief Operating Officer, Advisory Board, and wider stakeholders.
What We’re Looking For
- Ability to work in partnership with a diverse range of organisations from business, local authority and third sector.
- Proven leadership experience in place management, BIDs, economic development, or a related field.
- Strong grasp of city centre dynamics, marketing, events, and placemaking.
- Outstanding communication skills, particularly in partnership-building, and stakeholder management
- Experience managing teams and delivering complex projects on time and on budget.
- A collaborative mindset and a passion for creating vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable city spaces.
- Digital know-how and experience in project management and commissioning websites would be a strong advantage.
If you have most of this experience required, but don’t feel you tick all the boxes, we still want to hear from you!
WHY JOIN BRISTOL BID?
- Be part of a transformative chapter in Bristol’s development.
- Shape and deliver high-impact projects that directly benefit people that live, work, visit and study in the city.
- Work in a collaborative and creative environment within Visit West.
- Lead city-wide events and initiatives that attract national and international attention.
- Competitive salary circa £45k pro rata and dependent on experience
- 25 days annual leave pro rata plus bank holidays and a day off for your birthday
- Laptop and mobile phone
- BHSF health cash plan scheme
- Pension
- Life cover (x4 salary)
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role to HRteam@businesswest.co.uk
Application closing date: 9am on the 21st of July
Interview Date: 23rd and 24th July
Visit West and Bristol BID are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
