Commercial Director
Hailsham, East Sussex
Salary: £70,000 to £75,000 + performance related bonus
Step into a role where commercial ambition meets historic beauty.
We are working in partnership with a well known College and Heritage Site, based near Hailsham.
We are seeking an exceptional Commercial Director to build, lead and grow a diverse commercial portfolio spanning hospitality, events, weddings, retail, visitor income, accommodation, property lettings and new ventures. This is a rare opportunity to take a mission driven heritage environment and unlock its full commercial potential with a direct impact on preserving the Site for generations to come.
A role with purpose, scale and creative freedom
This newly created senior leadership position carries full accountability for delivering an annual net surplus of around £1 million, supporting the long-term sustainability of the estate. You will set the commercial strategy, shape new revenue streams, and lead hands on operational delivery while developing a high performing team around you.
From expanding hospitality and events, to forging partnerships, to reimagining visitor experiences, you will have the autonomy to innovate and the platform to make a lasting difference.
What you’ll lead
* Development and delivery of a multi year commercial strategy aligned with the College’s charitable mission
* Growth of diverse income streams including hospitality, weddings, events, retail, accommodation and estate lettings
* Exploration and launch of new ventures and commercial partnerships
* Full P&L responsibility, budgeting, forecasting and financial planning
* Operational oversight across all commercial services, ensuring excellence and efficiency
* Leadership of the Commercial Operations Manager and the wider commercial team as it grows
* Governance, compliance and risk management across all trading activity
* Representation of the Heritage Site and College as a senior ambassador and commercial lead
Who we’re looking for
You’ll bring a strong track record of senior commercial leadership, ideally across hospitality, events, visitor attractions, estates or mixed‑use environments. A background in sales, networking, business development or relationship driven roles within hospitality, events or the charity sector will be highly advantageous.
This is a role where influence, partnerships and creative deal making matter.
You’ll be financially astute, operationally confident and energised by the challenge of building something ambitious within a values driven, charitable setting. You’ll combine creativity with commercial discipline, and you’ll be as comfortable shaping strategy as you are rolling up your sleeves in the early stages. Above all, you’ll be motivated by the opportunity to protect and enhance a remarkable heritage site through sustainable commercial success.
You must be able to work on site near Hailsham and therefore reasonable commuting distance.
What makes this opportunity unique
* A chance to shape a commercial operation from the ground up
* A stunning heritage environment with untapped potential
* A mission led organisation where commercial success directly supports preservation and education
* The autonomy to innovate, diversify and grow
* A leadership role with visibility, influence and long term impact
Bonus and performance
The role includes eligibility for a performance related bonus of up to 10–20% of net income after threshold, based on delivery of the annual surplus target and wider commercial KPIs.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you are passionate about this unique opportunity and want to know more, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply now and this unique environment unlock their commercial advantage and continue to thrive for generations to come. email: team@gogecko.org.uk
GoGecko are advertising as a Recruitment agency in respect of this vacancy.