General Secretary

A position has arisen for the General Secretary of The Showmen's Guild of Great Britain, based at the Guild’s Central Office in Staines-upon-Thames.

The Showmen’s Guild of Great Britain is the leading Trade Association for the Travelling Fairground Industry, representing circa 3000 members and their families UK-wide. 

It operates from its Central Office in Staines upon Thames with 10 regional Section offices across the UK.

Its members operate funfairs throughout the year from historical Charter Fairs; to Holiday Fairs and at most public outdoor events such as Festivals; Melas; Winter Wonderlands and Carnivals.

The position arises following the challenging period of the Covid-19 pandemic and the need for the Guild to respond to the pace of change in legislation and guidance at short notice. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Act as the chief administrative officer for the Guild.
  • Liaise with the Guild’s professional advisors.
  • Organise an annual parliamentary dinner, annual general meetings (AGMs), Central Council events and Committee (producing agendas, taking minutes, ensure compliance with decisions), update rule book.
  • Chair the industry wide Operator’s Safety Committee.
  • Maintain a large network of stakeholders including national and local politicians, other industry associations and regulatory bodies.
  • Act as company secretary to a company limited by guarantee.
  • Provide legal, financial and/or strategic advice to the organisation and board.
  • Manage a secretariat office with three staff to include the Assistant General Secretary and PR and Marketing Manager and line manage ten regional secretaries.
  • Manage all banking, insurance, and contractual matters.
  • Act as estates and facilities manager for grade II listed building.
  • Administer two substantial benevolent funds.
  • Manage all pension issues.
  • Arrange appropriate insurance cover.
  • Act as data controller and GDPR officer.
  • Oversee media relations programme and maintain website.
  • Manage the Guild’s quasi-judicial internal disciplinary system working with Tribunal Barristers and oversee case preparation.
  • Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.

Person specification:
The successful candidate must: 

  • Be able to work on own initiative as well as collaborate with senior management team in joint projects.
  • Have experience at a senior level, preferably within a general management, company secretarial or governance function.
  • Must be a robust, articulate individual comfortable addressing large groups.
  • Should be used to working under pressure and be able to balance competing interests.
  • Should be a good networker who can build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
  • Have excellent organisational and financial skills are essential and some legal knowledge would be an advantage, as would experience of industrial health & safety matters.

Qualifications:

  • Would suit a full/part qualified CGI (ICSA) chartered secretary or someone with a legal background.

Salary:

  • Circa £60k. Negotiable for the appropriate candidate. 

For further information about The Showmen’s Guild, please visit our website: www.showmensguild.co.uk


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