Senior Quality Advisor

Senior Quality Advisor

Tourism NI is responsible for the development of tourism product and experiences across Northern Ireland as well as marketing to visitors within Northern Ireland and from the Republic of Ireland. Tourism is an industry that makes a real difference to the economy and job creation, accounting for 70,000 jobs, 9% of all jobs in Northern Ireland. In 2023 overnight visitors to Northern Ireland spent £1.2 billion, demonstrating tourisms importance to the Northern Ireland economy. Tourism NIs consumer brand Embrace a Giant Spirit has been widely adopted and is playing an important role in creating stand out for Northern Ireland as a destination. The brand encapsulates the spirit of the people,





warmth of the welcome and the authenticity of the visitor experience in Northern Ireland. Brand campaigns are encouraging more visitors from key markets to experience a trip to Northern Ireland with particular success in attracting more visitors across the border. In 2023 there was an unprecedented number of visitors from the Republic to Northern Ireland, with over 1.3 million trips accounting for almost one quarter of all trips made in Northern Ireland. Overseas visitor accounted for over one third of all trips in Northern Ireland in 2023, while increasingly more Northern Ireland product is being added to tour operators itineraries from international markets. Tourism NI works closely with Tourism Ireland to win a bigger share of visitors to the island of Ireland. In 2024, Tourism Ireland set the target to grow regional, off-peak overseas tourism revenue by an average +6.5% year on year to 2030. Current investment includes a multi-million-pound refurbishment programme at Titanic Belfast, new hotels in Belfast, Derry~Londonderry,





and the North Coast and an expanding screen tourism product. Current investment includes a multi-million-pound refurbishment programme at Titanic Belfast, new hotels in Belfast, Derry~Londonderry and the North Coast and an expanding screen tourism product. Tourism NI is currently part of the bidding process to attract a number of major international events to Northern Ireland over the next five years, while planning is already underway to make the most of the opportunities in 2025 when The Open will return to Royal Portrush. Tourism NI is also closely involved in the tourism elements of the City and Growth Deal Programmes which will be crucial in helping to secure more spend from international visitors to the island. The Belfast Stories attraction,





a maritime visitor attraction for Derry, the extension to The Gobbins, the Mourne Gateway Project and the regeneration of Hillsborough will add to our portfolio and complement the better known attractions. With a significant investment by both Tourism NI and the Department for the Economy in supporting the industry through recent challenges, the focus is now firmly on full recovery and a return to growth. SENIOR QUALITY ADVISOR GENERAL RESPONSIBILITY This is an exciting opportunity to join Tourism Northern Irelands Quality & Standards team as a Senior Quality Advisor. Working with businesses right across the tourism industry, you will undertake statutory inspections as specified by the Tourism (Northern Ireland)





Order 1992 and Quality Assurance assessments under Tourism Northern Irelands (Tourism NIs) Quality Assurance Schemes. Whether a business is taking its first steps in the industry or seeking to mature an established business, the Senior Quality Advisor will often be their main point of contact in Tourism NI. The primary aim of this role is to work with businesses across Northern Ireland to ensure that they adhere to legislative requirements and to develop the quality of the visitor experience through delivery of Tourism NIs Quality Assurance Schemes. You will work on a one-to-one basis with businesses both new and existing, from small self-catering properties, to large hotels, and visitor attractions, encouraging,





motivating and helping businesses reach their full potential through participation in the Quality Assurance Schemes. You will provide a quality verbal and written advisory service to scheme participants and the tourism industry, and will directly drive a high-quality visitor experience supporting Northern Irelands reputation as a world-class destination. MAIN DUTIES The post-holder will be responsible for the following areas of activity: Operational responsibility for achieving the aims of the Quality Assurance Schemes and ensuring commitments are carried out under the Tourism (Northern Ireland) Order 1992 as required. Ensure accuracy, consistency, integrity, and objectivity to maintain the confidence of both the tourism industry and consumers. Carry out statutory inspections,





Quality Assurance assessments and provide advisory services for tourism businesses to objectively assess the quality of facilities and customer service. Acquire comprehensive knowledge of The Tourism (Northern Ireland) Order 1992, and provide accurate guidance to owners, managers, developers, and tourism partners regarding Certification, Quality Assurance Schemes, and relevant Tourism NI initiatives. Review architectural drawings and provide accurate feedback to architects and developers within two weeks of receipt. Conduct statutory inspections, issue certificates and licensing letters for court for Hotels and Guest Houses and provide relevant licensing advice to the industry for both new and existing premises. Inspect Conference Centres in accordance with the Licensing (Requirements for Conference Centres)





Regulations Northern Ireland 1997, and issue letters for court. Review new applications coloured license drawings for compliance and provide relevant advice to the industry as needed. Develop strong working relationships with the tourism industry in a client executive role, providing advice and guidance to support the industry and Tourism NIs strategic objectives. Evaluate and analyse assessment results, providing high quality verbal and written feedback to business operators. Produce high quality, professionally presented reports, adapting your style and content to specific business needs. Participate in internal and external working groups; research and development of existing schemes; and contribute to the creation of new schemes. Develop, oversee,





and deliver the schedule of assessments to ensure the most efficient and cost-effective use of resources. Identify and analyse trends within the industry to ensure that the Schemes remain up-to-date and fit-for-purpose. STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT Assist the Unit Manager in consulting and engaging with industry and external stakeholders. Act as an ambassador for the Quality Assurance Schemes and Tourism NI to include stakeholder engagement, workshops, and media enquiries. Work positively and proactively with colleagues and stakeholders to ensure that information and learning is shared across the organisation. Support the tourism industry and the consumer with a range of quality development matters, from general enquiries, to grade appeals, and consumer complaints. PEOPLE & FINANCE MANAGEMENT Provide effective Line Management responsibilities within the Quality & Standards Team as required. Take responsibility for the development of direct reports, including coaching and ensuring performance review processes are carried out. Support the Unit Managers in recruiting, managing, motivating, and developing the team to ensure that key activities are undertaken professionally in an efficient and effective manner. Ensure that valid expense claims are submitted in a timely manner and in accordance with Tourism NIs financial governance policies and procedures. Support the Unit Managers to ensure that all activities are managed in line with Tourism NIs Policies, Procedures, Values and Behaviours. ADDITIONAL DUTIES Provide briefing material, draft responses and correspondence as and when required by Tourism NIs Executive Leadership Team, Board, Department for the Economy, the NI Assembly, members of the tourism industry and the general public within the specified timelines and in an appropriate format Assist in the delivery of project work within the Unit and across Tourism NI including system testing, representation at working groups and meetings. Contribute to the development and implementation of the Annual Unit Operating Plan, the achievement of targets and promote the corporate values and behaviours within the Team and across the organisation. Provide cover for management within the Unit to include decision making and attending meetings/ working groups in their absence. Attend training as and when required and keep abreast of current developments in your area of work. Maintain, store, and dispose of Unit records in accordance with Tourism NIs information governance policy. Any other duties commensurate with the grade as required by Tourism NI. This Job Description has been written at a time of organisational change and it will be subject to review and amendment as the demands of the role and the organisation evolve. Therefore, the Job Holder will be required to be flexible, adaptable and aware that they may be asked to perform tasks, duties and responsibilities which are not specifically detailed in the Job Description, but which are commensurate with the role. PERSON SPECIFICATION ESSENTIAL CRITERIA EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE Option 1 i. A sixth-level qualification (undergraduate degree) as detailed in the qualification framework overleaf. AND ii. A minimum of 2 years demonstrable experience of managing a portfolio of client and/or professional relationships; preferably in the Tourism and Hospitality Sector. OR Option 2 i. A minimum of 4 years demonstrable experience of managing a portfolio of client and/or professional relationships; preferably in the Tourism and Hospitality Sector. ESSENTIAL CRITERIA - Personal Effectiveness The Job Holder will also possess an excellent standard of: Analytical and communication skills both oral and written, including report writing skills. IT and computer literacy. Negotiation, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills. Ability to work on own initiative and make effective decisions at pace. Organisational and time management skills including the ability to meet strict deadlines and prioritise tasks with attention to detail. Customer-focused care and a commitment to continuous improvement. Ability to liaise with multiple stakeholders to enhance the customer experience and maintain strong working relationships. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION This is not an exhaustive list of duties and requirements. The nature of the organisation is such that it must respond to the dynamic environment in which it operates and the nature of duties, tasks, knowledge and skills required for this post will evolve and change in time. The Job Holder is expected to adapt to these changes and develop the role as a result. Applicants must also possess a current driving licence and use of a car for business purposes or have access to a form of transport which will permit the applicant to meet the requirements of the post in full. EQUALITY STATEMENT Tourism NI is committed to equality and will comply with the Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998) statutory duties which requires designated public authorities to have due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity in relation to the nine equality categories and to have regard to the desirability of promoting good relations between persons of different religious belief; political opinion; and racial group. The Disability Discrimination Act (1995) Section 49A requires designated public authorities to have due regard to the need to promote positive attitudes towards disabled persons, and to the need to encourage participation by disabled persons in public life. FOR FULL APPLICATION PACK PLEASE CLICK APPLY BELOW COMPLETING APPLICATIONS Those wishing to apply should submit a completed application via no later than Monday 28th October at 12 noon. CVs will not be accepted as a substitute/supplement to the application form. TOURISM NI IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER

▶️ Senior Quality Advisor
🖊️ Tourism NI
📍 Belfast