Interim Commercial Director
Organisation
Cranfield University
Faculty or Department
Commercial
Based at
Cranfield Campus, Cranfield, Bedfordshire
Hours of work
37 hours per week, normally worked Monday to Friday. Flexible working will be considered.
Contract type
Fixed term contract
Fixed Term Period
Initial 6-month fixed term appointment
Salary
Level 8 - open band
Posted Date
15/10/2025
Apply by
29/10/2025
Role Description
We are seeking a highly experienced, credible and inclusive commercial leader with a significant track record of leading commercial activities including account management, sales and marketing and creating new opportunities, preferably from the HE sector, for the new role of Interim Commercial Director (CD).
About the Role
Reporting to a member of our Executive Board, the Interim CD will be responsible for the day-to-day line management of the newly created commercial team as well as leading the implementation of agreed new roles and structures. You will lead our commercial activity, looking for improvement opportunities in terms of costs and improving outcomes, enhancing revenue and margin streams, driving profitable growth and streamlining business operations.
As a key member of Cranfield's Senior Leadership Team, the ability to work effectively with colleagues across the University is essential. In addition to be successful in this role, you will be a commercial thinker with strong business and analytical skills. You will have previously operated at senior management level and have proven experience of commercial leadership and line management. With strong business and analytical skills, you will have the ability to understand priorities and quickly establish relationships that allow you to make rapid decisions that will have both short-term and long-term impacts and support the successful delivery of objectives and initiatives in both the short and medium term.
An understanding of Higher Education, including its purpose, governance, funding, and markets, is desirable.
For further details, including deliverables and accountabilities, please refer to the attached job description and person specification.
Our Values and Commitments
Our shared, stated values help to define who we are and underpin everything we do: Ambition; Impact; Respect; and Community. Find out more here.
We aim to create and maintain a culture in which everyone can work and study together and realise their full potential. Find out more about our key commitments to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Flexible Working here.
Working Arrangements
Collaborating and connecting are integral to so much of what we do. Our Working Arrangements Framework provides many staff with the opportunity to flexibly combine on-site and remote working, where job roles allow, balancing the needs of our community of staff, students, clients and partners.
How to apply
For an informal, confidential conversation about this opportunity and to apply please contact either Jenna Moore, Senior Business Partner – Employee Relations, email: or Anne West, Business Partner – People and Culture, email:
Your application should include your CV and a covering letter which outlines your vision and ambition for the Commercial Team and outlines your ability to contribute as a member of the University leadership team (maximum two pages). Please ensure your CV includes any details of any other jobs you currently hold.
Closing date for receipt of applications: 29 October 2025