Business Director

Kent Scouts is looking for a Business Director to manage the day-to-day operation of Lower Grange Farm Activity Centre and its staff.

This role will also oversee the strategic development of the Kent Scouts business, management, and operational efficiency; including growth opportunities of Kent Scouts and Lower Grange Farm Activity Centre.

Working Hours: Core hours are 9am to 5pm (3 days a week pro- rata), with need to attend some evening and weekend events/meetings

Salary: £30,000 per annum (pro-rata of £50,000 per annum)

Location: Lower Grange Farm, Maidstone

Reports to: County Lead Volunteer

Context

Kent Scouts is one of the largest Scout counties in the UK, giving adventure to over 16,000 young people and 6,000 adult volunteers across Kent.

Its main business is Lower Grange Farm, which is a thriving activity centre operated by Kent Scouts that welcomes thousands of young people each year.

The site spans 32 acres and features an agricultural complex comprising a traditional Kentish Barn, a state-of-the-art climbing barn, and boating lake. The site is a licensed wedding venue, hosts meetings and conferences, and has both bunk-room and camping facilities.

Reporting Lines

The Business Director will report to the County Lead Volunteer on all operational and financial related matters and decisions relating to Lower Grange Farm Activity Centre, County Office and Growth & Development.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

• Implement the organisation’s vision, mission and strategic plan as part of the Kent Scouts’ business in collaboration with the Trustee Board, staff and stakeholders.
• To provide input and recommendations for new initiatives, new purchases, and replacement of equipment.
• To provide input and recommendations for site development and activity centre strategy to the Lower Grange Farm Strategy Team.

Organisational Management:

• Oversee the day-to-day operation of Lower Grange Farm and the business of Kent Scouts including managing its staff and administrative support.
• To undertake 1:1s, appraisals and mentoring for the staff that you are responsible for.

Fundraising and Development:

• Identify and secure funding opportunities, develop fundraising strategies, and build relationships with donors, stakeholders, and partners.

Membership Engagement:

• Foster a sense of community among members, develop membership benefits and services, and ensure effective communication across channels.

Partnerships and Collaborations:

• Build and maintain partnerships with other organisations and community groups to amplify the organisation’s impact.
• To establish and maintain friendly working relationships with the local council and local businesses, as well as our own Scout volunteers.

Governance and Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations and organisational policies and procedures.

• You may be expected to undertake other duties as required to meet the demands of role.
  

Essential Skills

• Leadership and Management : 5+ years of experience in strategic leadership, organisational management, and team leadership in a related field (e.g., youth work, non- profit management, or business admin) and 5+ years of experience in a leadership role.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.
• Fundraising and Development: Experience in fundraising, grant writing, and donor relations.
• Youth Work: Knowledge and experience in youth work, including programme development and delivery.

Preferred Skills

• Non-Profit Experience: Experience in the non-profit sector, including governance, fundraising, and community engagement.
• Marketing and Promotion: Experience in marketing and promoting programmes, services, and events.
• Digital Literacy: Familiarity with digital technologies, including social media, online platforms, and digital communication tools.

Working Conditions

• A flexible working schedule which can include weekends and evenings.
• Office based role with occasional travel required to accommodate events promoting Kent Scouts & Lower Grange Farm.

Key Performance Indicators

• Membership growth and retention
• Lower Grange Farm Activity Centre programme participation rates
• Fundraising and grant income
• Community engagement and partnerships

• Organisational sustainability and financial stability

To Apply

An application for the role can be made by submitting a CV via email to Nirav Patel (County Lead Volunteer) - nirav@kentscouts.org.uk

The deadline for all applications is 23:59pm on 6th June 2025. Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams.

This job description is provided as a guide to the role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive description of duties and responsibilities and may be subject to periodic revision.

Kent County Scout Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. This role involves working with children and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. You are also expected to undertaking mandatory Scouts learning in safety, safeguarding, inclusion and data protection. Kent County Scout Council is an equal opportunity employer. Every applicant and employee has the same opportunities regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status.

To download a PDF of the role description, please follow the link below:

Download Role Description