Company Overview
The Craft Potters Association (CPA) is the UK's leading organisation representing studio potters and ceramic artists. With a mission to promote excellence in contemporary ceramics, the CPA supports a vibrant community through its gallery, Contemporary Ceramics, and its award-winning publication, Ceramics Review magazine. It also organises major UK ceramics fairs, including Ceramic Art London. Operating with a skilled and collaborative team of 15, the CPA is dedicated to championing handmade ceramics through exhibitions, publishing, membership and events.
Summary
The Commercial Manager will lead the CPA’s commercial development across all areas of activity - magazine, gallery, fairs and membership - to strengthen long-term financial sustainability and reduce reliance on any single income source.
Working with the Director and senior team, this role will develop, implement and manage income-generating opportunities that align with the CPA’s values and promote excellence in studio ceramics.
This is a cross-organisational, strategic role selling advertising both print and digital, building partnerships, attracting sponsorship and commercialising assets.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
* Lead and deliver a coherent commercial plan for the CPA, identifying and growing income streams across advertising, sponsorship, partnerships and digital platforms.
* Develop and manage sponsorship and partnership opportunities for the CPA’s major events, exhibitions and digital channels – building relationships that add both financial and reputational value.
* Drive advertising and media sales across print (Ceramic Review and fair catalogues) and digital platforms, ensuring an excellent client experience and consistent messaging.
* Identify and commercialise CPA assets – including content, digital reach, and audience data – to create new, brand-aligned opportunities (e.g. collaborations, retail or content partnerships).
* Support income forecasting and reporting, working with the Finance Manager to set realistic targets and track progress against them.
* Represent the CPA externally, building relationships with potential sponsors, advertisers, and partners in the craft, design and creative sectors.
Experience and Attributes
* Significant experience in advertising, partnerships, sponsorship or business development, ideally within the arts, culture or creative industries.
* Proven ability to translate ideas into deliverable, income-generating initiatives.
* Confident negotiator and relationship-builder, able to engage senior decision-makers with credibility.
* Strong commercial awareness and understanding of financial reporting and targets.
* Collaborative, adaptable and motivated by working across creative teams.
* An appreciation for craft, design and the values of the studio pottery community.
Do you have a creative eye for opportunity? The Craft Potters Association is seeking a Commercial Manager to grow income and partnerships across our gallery, magazine, fairs, and membership network.
If you’re experienced in advertising, sponsorship, or business development – and passionate about arts and culture – we would love to hear from you. We’re after someone who can turn creative ideas into practical, income-generating projects that support the work of the organisation and promote excellence in studio ceramics.
How to Apply
To apply, please send a CV and short covering letter outlining your relevant experience to hr@ceramicreview.com, with “Commercial Manager application” in the subject line.
Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months
Starting Salary: £25,000.00 per year plus options for commission and performance-based incentives
Expected hours: 21-28 per week
Benefits:
* Casual dress
* Employee discount
* Flexitime
* Work from home
Education:
* Bachelor's (required)
Experience:
* commercial management: 5 years (required)