Video: Inverness Business Improvement District begins chief executive recruitment search
Inverness Business Improvement District (BID) has launched the search for a new chief executive.
The post, which is being advertised at a salary of £45,000, will find a successor to Mike Smith, Scotland's first Business Improvement District manager, who is retiring early next year after 12 years in the post.
Outlining what the directors were looking for, Inverness BID chairman Peter Strachan said the new chief executive would represent 700 city centre businesses and have a real opportunity to contribute to the development of Inverness as a vibrant city.
"We are looking for someone who is really motivated and who can liaise with our businesses and understand their issues, but also be a really strong advocate for the city centre," Mr Strachan said.
"It's a big picture job, but at the same time it's a roll your sleeves up and get the job done role.
"Inverness is a brilliant place to do business, to work and to live and whoever comes here will find it a really challenging opportunity."
Mr Strachan said that the board would look far and wide for someone with the necessary qualities to fill the post, but the successful applicant would be someone with a real passion for the city.
He also pointed out that the new chief executive would take up their post at an exciting time for the city, with the redevelopment of Inverness Castle and the city's Victorian Market, moves to make Academy Street more footfall friendly and the development of an integrated transport hub among the projects currently planned or under way for the Highland capital.
“Whilst we are incredibly sad to see Mike go, it is a huge opportunity for somebody to come in and put their stamp on the city and really make a difference," Mr Starchan said.
The closing date for applications is Friday, November 12.
