Working at Argyll Holidays - Ross Coutts
Working at Argyll Holidays - Ross Coutts
If you live in Argyll and Bute you may think there’s a shortage of fantastic job opportunities available out there – but we’re one of the biggest employers in our part of Scotland so it’s always worth keeping an eye on our jobs page to see what’s new! As part of our series on all the great jobs in Argyll, we caught up with the recently promoted Ross Coutts to find out more about his career path.
How long have you been at Argyll Holidays?
I’ve been here for almost 9 years, I started at the beginning of 2013
What has been your career journey with AH - from your first position to now?
I joined straight from university as a Digital Marketing Assistant and grew my skills in that role for around 4 years before progressing to Digital Executive. I was delighted to be promoted to Marketing Manager around a year ago.
My role as Marketing Manager has given me the opportunity to develop my team management skills and gives me responsibility for all areas of Marketing, not just what’s online, but every aspect. I have greater say over planning the strategy for the team and for Argyll Holidays as a whole.
What made you begin your journey with AH?
I was keen to find a graduate job that was away from home as I’d studied in Glasgow. The role of Digital Marketing Assistant really appealed to me and at the time there was the option for me to move into employee accommodation. I thought brilliant, it sounds cool – even though at first, I had never heard of Lochgoilhead! I’ve always been interested in hospitality, events and entertainment so the combination of the company, the role and the location was really attractive.
It was an adventure and great fun, plus I could earn extra money by working bar shifts in my free time!
What do you enjoy about your role?
We have a great team right across Argyll Holidays, from the Directors and Senior Leadership Team right through to the wider operation. In holiday park industry, no two days are the same. I really enjoy working in the Marketing team here. Some jobs in marketing can be routine day in, day out and there is less chance to be creative. Working for a family business we can be creative and show flair. At Argyll Holidays we continuously create and implement fresh campaigns, constantly upgrade the parks and, as an individual, I’m given a lot of opportunity to be creative.
How would you describe AH as an employer?
Argyll Holidays is definitely a company that cares about its team and a lot of that is driven by the People Management team. The family ethos and strong work ethic filters down from the Director at the top of the business.
The implementation of schemes like the Clans project and other wellbeing initiatives show that the company leaders put time and effort into encouraging, training and retaining staff and ensuring a positive working atmosphere. The company also has a great range of employee benefits and rewards, like Achievers’ night and other incentives throughout the year. They care about people.
Why would you recommend AH as an employer?
Yes, absolutely.
What training and development have you achieved during your time here?
As part of my development plan, I was lucky to be able to complete the CIM Advanced Marketing Certificate, funded by the company under a training contract. It was a challenge managing it alongside a full-time job, even harder than my degree dissertation – some nights I’d stay in the office till midnight to complete the work on time. I’m glad I did it though, it was worth it. The first Gig in the Goil was taking place at around the same time, so it was a lot of work, but it helped teach me a lot that I didn’t learn at university. Also, I was given the opportunity to work with Frame, one of our external communication agencies, which allowed me to work on different projects and gain more knowledge of PR. This was an invaluable experience
What has been your biggest achievement whilst being part of the team?
Working my way up to Marketing Manager.
What is your next step?
To keep developing my management and leadership skills.
What would be your top tip to anyone starting their career with AH?
Be open to learning new things, ensure that you are regularly communicating with different parts of the organisation. There is a lot to be learned from different sectors of the organisation. The key to doing well is regular communication amongst all departments, there is so much you can take from people from different areas or who are in the front-line of the operation.
What is your favourite memory from your time with AH so far?
Being given the responsibility to run Gig in the Goil. That first year, to finally get it on the go and combine my passion for music promotion, food and drink and have Gerry Cinnamon headline was cool.
Do you have any funny stories?
In the early days, I worked with Antony who is now our Account Manager at Everything Tech. We had quite a young team at the time and when Antony told us he was leaving we decided to play a prank. On his last day, we had wrapped up his desk, every item on his desk with pink wrapping paper for him to enjoy after his leaving night.
