Job Purpose
The Commercial Manager is accountable for devising and executing business sales approaches, which involves negotiating contracts, identifying potential markets, managing business risks and forecasting/analysing sales trends and data. The role will also be key in managing customer relationships.
The role will support the Head of Accommodation Services, in the implementation of the Accommodation Services strategy and development of policies. These have a focus on service delivery, customer service, income generation, people management, estate management and legislative compliance, to ensure an excellent student experience, which enhances the University's reputation.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
1.Work in collaboration with the Head of Accommodation Services to implement commercial and residential strategies and develop associated policies which align to University goals and objectives to accelerate growth.
2.Responsible for identifying potential markets and analysing market trends and competitive landscape to maximise commercial income. This entails analysing customer needs, market dynamics for academic sales, and summer commercial business opportunities to develop strategies that can drive growth and profitability.
3.Responsible for reviewing and developing operational processes to improve performance and maximise growth in the delivery of summer operations. Collaborate with other departments to optimise operational and commercial performance and enhance customer satisfaction.
4.Conduct market research and analysis to create detailed business plans on commercial opportunities, establishing sales targets for summer commercial business, forecasting sales trends and ensuring performance is measured against budget.
5.Accountable for developing and managing relationships with language schools and online agents to drive business growth through additional income-generating partnerships.
6.Liaison, communication and relationship building with other University departments andprojects/working groups to support the growth of the summer and commercial business.
7.Support the negotiating of contracts for Nominations with purpose-built student accommodation providers and summer commercial business, working in alignment and collaboration with the University procurement team.
8.Accountable for developing and tracking Key Performance Indicators (KPI) and other metrics for the department to monitor performance standards, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and prepare monthly reports for senior management.
9.Build relationships with Partnerships and third-party providers and be prepared to work closely with the Head of Accommodation Services to develop and maximise the use of any systems or partnerships in place, to enhance department performance, maximise sales, and enhance the student experience.
10.Building and maintaining partnerships with key stakeholders, focusing on international and rest of UK partners to promote our facilities for conferencing events whilst understanding the requirements of existing customers to ensure their needs are being met.
11.Oversee resource allocation, including delegated responsibility for projects/budgetsto support the achievement of objectives, where appropriate.
12.Where appropriate and required support the management of the Operational teams for both academic and summer business.
Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience
Knowledge/Qualifications
Essential:
A1 Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in a similar or number of different roles. Or: Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 9 (Ordinary Degree, Scottish Vocational Qualification level 4), or equivalent (including professional accreditation with relevant formal training), and experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s)
A2 An up-to-date knowledge of Microsoft Packages (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
A3 Commercial knowledge of the student accommodation sector, including market trends
A4 Knowledge of procurement and contract management
Desirable:
B1 Knowledge of University Policies and Procedures
Skills
Essential:
C1 Ability to multitask and prioritise effectively whilst working well under pressure
C2 Initiative and independent judgement
C3 High level of professionalism
C4 Excellent leadership and pastoral skills
C5 Ability to motivate staff and manage performance
C6 Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills; an ability to interact positively with staff, students and a wide selection of external contacts at all levels
C7 Excellent written communication skills and the ability to write concise reports
C8 Excellent numerical skills and the ability to monitor expenditure in line with budgets
C9 Proven analytical and problem-solving skills associated with operational, management, and legislative related matters
C10 Innovative and ability to identify areas for continuous improvement
C11 Excellent coordination skills
C12 Project management skills
Experience
Essential:
E1 Proven management experience in university, accommodation, NHS, hotel or hospitality sector with above qualification or extensive management experience
E2 Proven staff management experience
E3 Experience of developing policy and procedures
E4 Proven financial management and budgeting experience
E5 Experience of market analysis and identifying/maximising commercial opportunities
E6 Experience of contributing to the development of strategy documents and drafting policy
E7 Experience of implementing continuous improvement programmes
E8 Demonstrable experience of building positive relationships with key stakeholders and customers
E9 Experience of planning and progressing work activities using initiative and independent judgement
Desirable:
F1 Previous experience in using room management/allocation; finance and HR systems
F2 Proven management experience in a student educational environment
Terms and Conditions
Salary will be Grade 7, £40,497 - £45,413 per annum.
This post is full time (35 hours p/w) and open ended. Although a Monday to Friday role the expectation is that the successful candidate will also work occasional weekends.
Relocation assistance will be provided where appropriate.
The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Please note that this post may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.
Closing date: 6 July 2025
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