Burns Tourism Partnership Project Manager

Introduction

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to play a leading role in helping to transform Dumfries into a globally recognised visitor destination.

Robert Burns is one of the most famous cultural figures in the world. His legacy is celebrated internationally and remains a living part of global culture. Dumfries, as the place where Burns spent the final and most productive years of his life, holds a unique and powerful position within that story.

In recent years, the Burns Tourism Partnership has brought together a wide range of organisations, businesses and stakeholders to begin realising this opportunity. Significant progress has been made through collaboration, shared planning and early delivery.

However, the central challenge has been clear: the absence of dedicated capacity to drive delivery at pace and scale.
This role, which has been made possible through funding received from Dumfries Town Board as part of the UK Governments Pride in Place Plan, has been created to address that challenge directly.

The Burns Tourism Partnership Project Manager will build on existing work led by the Burns Tourism Partnership, providing the focus, momentum and leadership required to move from ambition to delivery – ensuring that Dumfries takes its rightful place as a leading global Burns destination.

About the Role

The Burns Tourism Partnership Project Manager is a full-time, fixed-term role through March 2028, with the potential for extension subject to future funding. Employed by the South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA) and based in Dumfries, the postholder will bridge strategic tourism expertise with local delivery.

This is a delivery-focused role requiring a proactive problem solver to drive existing plans forward. The postholder will unite stakeholders, translating joint priorities into tangible, visible outcomes for local businesses and communities.
The position offers significant autonomy and responsibility. The successful candidate will be trusted to work independently, maintaining momentum across a complex partnership environment. A sharp focus on measurable progress is essential; the postholder will track delivery against priorities and provide concise monthly updates to ensure transparency and accountability. This role is ideal for a tenacious self-starter committed to achieving impactful, high-momentum results.