Salary: £60,727
Location: Reading
Contract: Full Time – 37.5 hours per week (worked flexibly)
Are you ready to shape exceptional student experiences through vibrant and innovative commercial services?
Our client is seeking a progressive and values-driven Director of Commercial Services to provide strategic and hands-on leadership across all commercial services, helping to deliver outstanding spaces, services and experiences for the student community.
About Our Client
They are an independent education charity led by, and for, students.
They are central to the University experience and work to support all aspects of student life for the 19,000 plus students studying. Located in one of Britain’s top green spaces, the Students’ Union is an ambitious and diverse organisation, committed to supporting every student in achieving personal success.
They sit at the heart of a thriving student community, with activities and initiatives inspired by students themselves. They are committed to promoting the interests and welfare of its members, representing their needs, and offering opportunities for personal development through a wide range of social, cultural, sporting and recreational activities.
This commitment to student experience also underpins the Union’s commercial activity. Venues, services and events are designed to be inclusive, welcoming and vibrant spaces where students can connect, feel a sense of belonging and create lasting memories. Guided by student insight, the commercial services play an important role in supporting the Union’s mission while enhancing student life across campus.
About the Role
They are thrilled to be searching for a Director of Commercial Services, a dynamic leader experienced in licensed trade, catering, events, and marketing. This role is not just about maintaining the status quo but about reimagining and diversifying the commercial services in line with student community needs.
The ideal candidate will be both strategic and hands-on, with an ability to develop commercial services while also being involved in delivery of the operations.
The successful candidate will not necessarily come from the Higher Education sector but will be able to demonstrate a strong understanding of the trends, challenges and opportunities that shape student life and the Union sector. They will bring a sound understanding of charity governance and financial management, alongside the strategic and operational capability required to lead complex commercial services within a democratic, student-led organisation.
Our client offers an inclusive and engaging working environment and is passionate about developing its people. The organisation is committed to ensuring its workforce reflects the diversity of the community it serves, respecting individual identity and celebrating differences. Applications are encouraged from all candidates regardless of background, and they particularly welcome applications from candidates from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and from candidates with disabilities.
They offer a range of sector-leading benefits including enhanced leave, onsite nursery, occupational sick pay, access to campus facilities and winter shutdown over the Christmas period- a rare opportunity within the hospitality and commercial sector.
We look forward to receiving your application.
Key Dates
Closing Date: Thursday 9th April, 12pm
First Stage Interviews (Remote): 20th April
Final Interviews (In-person): 27th April
Optional Q/A session with the CEO and Interim Commercial Director: 26th March, 12pm. Email to register (see below)
REF-227333