Job Title: Commercial Director - Yorkshire Events Centre Ltd
Location: The Great Yorkshire Events Centre, Yorkshire Agriculture Society Showground
Department: Yorkshire Events Centre Ltd
Working Pattern: 5 days 37.5 hours per week Monday - Sunday
Reporting to: CEO
About Us
The Yorkshire Agricultural Society (YAS) is a registered charity founded in 1837 and best known for the Great Yorkshire Show. The Society invests over £500,000 annually to support and promote agriculture through education, research, environmental sustainability, and championing the role of farmers.
The Yorkshire Events Centre Ltd is the Society's commercial arm, operating the Great Yorkshire Event Centre and the Pavilions of Harrogate, as well as Fodder (award-winning regional food shop and cafe) and the thriving Harrogate Caravan Park. Profits from these activities support the Society's charitable mission.
The Opportunity
YAS is seeking a high-impact Commercial Director to lead and accelerate the growth of its commercial activities. This senior leadership role is suited to a commercially driven, energetic individual with a proven ability to win new business, secure new clients, and re-energise commercial performance.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, the role combines strategic leadership with hands-on delivery and plays a pivotal role in securing the Society's long-term financial sustainability.
Purpose of the Role
To develop and lead the commercial strategy for YAS, maximising revenue, profitability, and customer experience across all commercial operations, creating business momentum while supporting the Society's charitable objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Commercial Strategy & Leadership
* Develop and deliver a cohesive commercial strategy aligned with YAS's mission and long-term objectives.
* Identify growth opportunities, new revenue streams, and strategic partnerships.
* Lead commercial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and performance management.
* Oversee marketing, PR, and sales strategies to support growth and brand positioning.
* Act as an ambassador for YAS and its PROUD values.
Business Development & Innovation
* Actively pursue new business opportunities, partnerships, and markets.
* Lead the development of new commercial propositions.
* Personally lead key pitches, negotiations, and deal closures.
* Monitor market trends, customer behaviour, and competitor activity to inform decisions.
* Drive innovation across the commercial portfolio.
Customer & Stakeholder Engagement
* Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with customers, partners, suppliers, and stakeholders.
* Support commercial negotiations and contractual agreements.
* Represent YAS at relevant industry, networking, and partner events.
Operational Oversight
* Provide executive oversight of the Great Yorkshire Events Centre, Pavilions of Harrogate, Harrogate Caravan Park, Fodder Farm Shop, and Cafe.
* Drive improvements in service quality, operational efficiency, and profitability.
* Oversee pricing, product development, and service innovation.
* Ensure operations meet all safety, regulatory, environmental, and quality standards.
Financial Management
* Own the P&L for all commercial activities.
* Ensure robust financial control, cost management, and reporting.
* Oversee procurement and contract management, ensuring compliance and value for money.
Leadership & Culture
* Lead, motivate, and develop diverse commercial teams, with direct line management of the Fodder General Manager, the Events Group Head of Sales, the Head of Venue Operations and the Caravan Park managers.
* Foster a culture of accountability, commercial awareness, and customer service excellence.
* Support workforce planning, recruitment, and performance management.
* Champion fairness, equality, and respect across the organisation.
Experience & Qualifications
* Proven experience in a senior commercial leadership role, delivering revenue growth and profitability.
* Experience operating across multi-site commercial environments (hospitality, events, retail, tourism, or similar).
* Strong background in business development, commercial negotiations, and contract management.
* Solid financial acumen, including P&L ownership, budgeting, and performance reporting.
Personal Attributes
* Commercially driven with a strong alignment to charitable purpose.
* Confident, influential leader with excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.
* Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into action.
* Customer-focused with a commitment to high-quality experiences.
* Resilient, adaptable, and comfortable leading through complexity and change.
* Proactive and innovative, with a solutions-focused mindset.