VisitScotland is Scotland’s National Tourism Organisation, and we’re proud to promote the wealth of incredible features our country has to offer. Our aim is to benefit Scotland by growing its tourism industry and giving it a renowned presence in the global marketplace.
We are looking for a 12-month maternity cover to cover the post of Market and Business Development Planning Manager. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping market growth strategies that drive sustainable economic impact across Scotland.
The role will provide analysis of data and insight from a range of internal and external sources to help inform market development and business growth priorities for the team and help maximise Scotland's global appeal as a leading visitor destination. The role will highlight actionable insights for the wider team to influence decision making for market development and business development plans. The role operates with a high degree of autonomy in a complex, global environment, leading cross-functional collaboration together with the Marketing Planning Manager to deliver a holistic approach to our directorate activity and measurable improvements in visitor value, seasonal spread, and regional economic impact.
For more information, please see the full job description (LinkedIn users will need to click "apply" to view JD and links below)
Contract Type: Maternity Cover (12 month FTC)
Salary Grade: Grade G (£45,297 - 50,694)
Closing date: 7 October 2026
This role can be based out of any VisitScotland office location across Scotland. VisitScotland operates a hybrid working culture, partially office and partially home based.
With family-friendly and flexible working policies, we offer an impressive range of benefits and professional development. We are an equal opportunities employer, and value diversity in all its forms. You can read more about working for us, our benefits and our culture by clicking here.
ResponsibilitiesWhat you must have
- Degree level relevant qualification or equivalent; or extensive relevant experience
- Proven experience in strategic market development, tourism, events, or a related sector, with a strong track record of leading the development of pan-market growth strategies that deliver measurable economic impact.
- Extensive knowledge of global tourism and events markets, including trends, distribution channels, and the role of international stakeholders, partners, and intermediaries in driving demand.
- Expert analytical skills and demonstrable ability to translate complex data and insight into clear strategic direction, using evidence-based analysis to shape priorities, influence investment decisions, and drive organisational outcomes.
- Strong commercial acumen, with experience identifying and prioritising high-value opportunities that drive sustainable growth, increased visitor value, and improved seasonal and regional distribution.
- Highly developed influencing and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage and shape thinking at senior levels across organisations, including government, industry partners, and international stakeholders.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage and influence senior national and international audiences.
- Proven leadership and managerial skills, including developing capability within teams, eg coaching, mentoring and empowering others to deliver 4S outcomes.
Skills Required
- Degree-level relevant qualification or equivalent, or extensive relevant experience
- Proven experience in strategic market development, tourism, events, or a related sector
- Track record of leading pan-market growth strategies that deliver measurable economic impact
- Extensive knowledge of global tourism and events markets, including trends, distribution channels, and international stakeholders, partners, and intermediaries
- Expert analytical skills and ability to translate complex data and insight into clear strategic direction
- Experience using evidence-based analysis to shape priorities, influence investment decisions, and drive organisational outcomes
- Strong commercial acumen and experience identifying and prioritising high-value growth opportunities
- Highly developed influencing and stakeholder management skills, including engagement with senior organisational, government, industry, and international stakeholders
- Excellent communication and presentation skills for senior national and international audiences
- Proven leadership and managerial skills, including coaching, mentoring, and empowering team members
What We Do
VisitScotland is Scotland’s national tourism and events organisation and an economic growth agency. It promotes Scotland as a destination, provides travel inspiration and visitor information, supports tourism and events businesses with research, marketing, advice and development, and works to grow the visitor economy sustainably. Its activities also aim to create better places for people to live, work and visit.









