Job Opportunity - Business Manager

The Board of Upland CIC is looking to appoint a dynamic and motivated Business Manager who is passionate about developing the art and craft sector in Dumfries & Galloway, working closely with staff, board and the Upland membership.

You will have the vision, skills and capacity to lead the organisation successfully through the next phase of its growth and development.

Job Title: Business Manager

Salary: The salary is £34,000 FTE p/annum paid pro rata for 14 hours per week (with scope to increase to £36k FTE dependent on 2027/28 funding)

Contract: An initial 21-month contract (1^st July – 31^st March 2028) with the intention to extend.

Probationary period: 3 months

Location: A combination of home working and in the Upland office at Gracefield Arts Centre, 28 Edinburgh Road, Dumfries, DG1 1JQ

Responsible to: Chairperson & Upland Community Interest Company Board of Directors

Deadline for applications: 9am, Tuesday 19^th May 2026

Interview dates (provisional): 2^nd and 3^rd June 2026, in person at Gracefield Arts Centre

Job Description

Overview

The core purpose of the role is to lead fundraising, oversee financial and governance functions, and support strategic growth, and provide leadership and support to the Upland staff team. This is a key role within the organisation, contributing directly to the sustainability and expansion of our progamme. The Business Manager will work closely with the Creative Director. The two posts will jointly share the overall management responsibility for Upland working closely together on organization, vision and strategy and overseeing budgets and finance, funding, reporting and governance.

The Business Manager will manage Upland’s financial affairs and general operations including human resources, and lead on issues of governance, policy and business planning.

You will have at least two years' experience in a similar leadership role or be ready to take the next step up in charity leadership

The key elements of the role involve, but are not limited to, the following:

• Manage Upland’s financial affairs and general operations including human resources. Role of Company Secretary and administer the Board and its meetings.
• Responsible for line management of the Finance and Administration Officer (P/T)
• Liaise with the Company Accountant which is currently outsourced.
• Appoint/contracts for various freelancers
• Cover for the Creative Director during holidays and other periods of absence and allow cross over of responsibilities and duties as appropriate.
• Financial management, cash flow, forecasting and monitoring
• Business planning in conjunction with Creative Director and Board
• Grant and funding applications, particularly to our core funder Creative Scotland, together with identifying new sources of funding and sponsorship with local businesses
• Develop and implement sponsorship strategy and identify new funds
• Responsibility for governance, administering board meetings and returns to Companies House
• Review existing plans and policies and develop new policies as required
• Review and develop governance
• Human resources planning, management and training, recruitment and selection and staff contracts.
• Responsibility for General operational requirements including office management, information technology and office equipment, contracts, utilities, insurance, rent and building matters etc
• Responding to policy documents and consultations as appropriate
• Promote role of Upland to existing and new audiences and communities
• Occasional event set up & support.
• And any other responsibilities as agreed

Contract, hours and place of work

The contract is for a fixed term appointment of 21 months initially, with the view to extend dependant on funding. The post holder will be contracted for 14 hours per week, to be worked within the hours of Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm.

It would be ideal if the successful candidate could start from 1^stJuly, however we realise that may not be possible and are happy to discuss the start date with the right candidate.

Upland has a flexible, hybrid working approach.  A combination of home and office working is offered for this post, but office space is available 5 days a week if required.

Please note that candidates must be able to be in the Dumfries office at least 1 day per week.  Candidates should be aware that in person meetings are required on a regular basis.

Flexibility is required for the post with some occasional evening and weekend work (for example for exhibitions openings and events). Overtime is not paid but time is taken in lieu (Upland works to ensure this does not accrue beyond a reasonable amount).

Travel is required throughout Dumfries & Galloway and occasionally out with the region for the post.

How to apply

To apply please email Kat Hill, Creative Director – [email protected] with the following information:

• Cover letter explaining why you are the best candidate for this role and how you meet the essential specifications (max. 2 sides of A4 in Word of PDF format only)
• Relevant CV and contact details for two references, including at least one previous employer (max. 2 sides of A4 in Word of PDF format only)

The deadline to submit your application is 9am on 19^th May 2026

Shortlisted applicants should be available for interview on June 2^nd and June 3^rd. Interviews will be held in person at Gracefield Arts Centre, Dumfries. Zoom interviews will be considered in some circumstances but in-person is preferred.

Upland welcomes applications from candidates with a diverse background. We are always happy to talk to potential candidates about the role. Should you have any questions about the position or the application process, please contact Kat Hill [email protected] or call 07871201473 for an informal chat about the post.

DOWNLOAD THE FULL APPLICATION PACK HERE.