Project Brief
The creation of the Northampton Leather Hub (working title) will bring together key organisations currently working in the British leather sector in a previously commercial property in Northampton town centre; Grosvenor Chambers. The primary objectives of the project are to:
a. Provide a central point of reference for the heritage and culture of the British leather industry and encourage greater industry collaboration;
b. Promote the British leather industry and the manufacture of leather goods;
c. Contribute to the retention and sustainability of traditional craft skills within the UK;
d. Contribute to the long-term strategic aims of the leather industry.
Project Partners (also referred to as the Consortium)
(1) THE NATIONAL LEATHER COLLECTION (NLC), Grosvenor Shopping Centre, Northampton NN1 2EW
(2) COCKPIT ARTS, Cockpit Yard, Northington St, London WC1N 2NP
(3) THE LEATHER CONSERVATION CENTRE (LCC), University Campus, Boughton Green Road, Northampton NN2 7AN
(4) THE WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF LEATHERSELLERS (LEATHERSELLERS), 7 St Helen's Place, London EC3A 6AB
(5) UK LEATHER (UKLF), Leather Trade House, Kings Park Rd, Moulton Park, Northampton NN3 6JD
(6) THE INSTITUTE FOR CREATIVE LEATHER TECHNOLOGIES (“CLT), Park Campus, Boughton Green Road, Northampton NN2 7AL
The premises this brief relates to is Grosvenor Chambers in Northampton town centre; currently occupied by the NLC. The LCC will relocate into this building by the end of September 2018; construction will commence shortly to adapt certain parts of the building for their specific access, storage and working requirements, with quotes provided for renovations to other areas of the building for independent studio spaces.
The studio spaces are intended for Cockpit Arts, who plan to implement a creative makers hub with up to 20 independent craft makers working within the premises. The other proposed residents within Grosvenor Chambers include the ICLT library and UKLF.
A further consideration of this project is the possible availability of the adjoining Grade II* listed Beethoven House property to be included within the Northampton Leather Hub project which may provide the long-term home for the NLC.
Job Description
Purpose of role:
1) To be the single point of contact for the local community and stakeholders for all aspects of the project;
2) To produce a business plan, feasibility study and procure legal advice to ensure the long-term sustainability of the project in its proposed entirety;
3) To manage the day-to-day requirements of the building renovation and relocation of organisations into Grosvenor Chambers;
4) To develop an effective Board of Trustees for a new Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) with representatives from each party within the Consortium;
5) To manage the fundraising elements of the project during this initial phase, including grant applications and liaison with local authorities and other parties.
Responsible to: The CIO Board
Managed by: UK Leather Federation
Responsible for: None
Number of hours: 37.5
Key relationships: CIO Board, Consortium parties, local authorities
Duration: 6-month contract starting early August 2018
Salary: Project fee provided on request
The Northampton Leather Hub Project Manager will be the first member of staff to be employed by the CIO. The Project Manager will primarily be responsible for turning the Board into an effective group to manage and operate the Hub, to oversee the renovation and relocation phase and to manage the financial aspects of the project, from business plan to fundraising.
Person Specification
The person appointed is likely to have the skills and experience listed below:
• Four years’ experience in a development role or similar, preferably with a focus on working with Consortiums and developing them into effective organisations.
• Experience of working with voluntary trustee boards and experience of working in or with heritage/voluntary organisations is preferred.
• Commitment to the ethos of the organisation and working with diverse business interests.
• Effective project management skills with sound judgement and good analytical skills.
• Sound financial management skills and experience of working within tight financial control.
• Some experience of fundraising, preferably from grant making trusts.
• Effective negotiator with the ability to adopt a diplomatic approach to sensitive issues.
• Strong communicator - able to present large and complex ideas in a way that enables broader groups to see common ground.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills, MS Office suite proficient.
• UK driving licence and access to own vehicle.
