Director of Commercial and Unions Operation

The Director of Commercial and Union Operations is responsible for the strategic direction and effective operational management of the commercial services and facilities which includes venues, bars, catering, events, and the fitness centre.

As a key member of the Senior Leadership team the Director of Commercial Union Operations will lead the development of commercial services to deliver exceptional services to our customers and members that maximises profitability.

More about this role can be found in the Candidate Information Packed attached.

Who are we looking for?

An experienced commercial leader, someone passionate about providing excellent commercial services, delivering outstanding customer care, who is outcome-focused and delivers results. You ’ll also become part of a great team and be invited to share in our successes and get to know the people behind the impact, making sure you feel valued for the important work that you do. If this sounds like you, then please do get in touch and apply.

About LSE SU

We are an independent, registered charity dedicated to helping LSE students make the most of their time at University. We are governed and managed separately from the University, but work closely with them to help deliver the best for our students.

We’ve been part of LSE since 1897, and all LSE students automatically become LSESU members when they enroll. Our total income is c.£4.2m per year, which comes partly from a block grant from the University, and partly from commercial activities which generate extra revenue.

Our main services include:

• Student Voice – supporting our students with representation, campaigning, policy change, and elections Student
• Communities – supporting over 300+ clubs and societies, and managing the SU gym Social – running our Union events and spaces, such as the student bar the Three Tuns, and the Denning Cafe
• Student Advice – providing free, independent, and confidential advice to our students
• Not For Profit
• All proceeds from commercial activities go back into putting on amazing events, activities, and support for students and help us to reinvest into the things we do for our members.

Recruitment

Our recruitment processes are free from bias or discrimination and are fair and accessible, therefore we ask that all candidates complete our Application Process in three stages:

• Part 1 Supporting statement Personal statement and covering letter stating what skills and experience you must bring to the role and why you want to work for London School of Economics Students ’ Union. Please ensure that your personal statement is no longer than two pages.
• Please ensure that you pay particular attention in your application to detailing how you meet the requirements of the person specification. In addition, please answer the following questions in a cover note;
  • Why do you want to work for London School of Economics Students’ Union and how do your values align with ours?
  • What skills, experience and qualities can you bring to the role to develop our commercial services and facilities?
  • Please can you tell us when you have turned around a failing service or business and increased profitability and improved service?
• Part 2 (CV ) outlining your career history to date.
• Part 3 (Equal Opportunities Monitoring and Contact Form ) is personal information. It helps us gather and analyse demographic information about our applicants. This part will only be seen by HR and will not have any impact on shortlisting. Application forms are formatted to ensure the equality monitoring data is removed before applications are seen by the shortlisting panel.

This process allows us to ensure that the shortlisting is done in a fair and consistent manner and all applicants are given the same opportunity to demonstrate their abilities.

Please send us a CV, complete a supporting statement outlining how you meet the persons specification of the role along with equality monitoring form which will be seen by our human resources team.

Staff benefits

• 25 days of holidays per year plus 8 Bank Holidays? Increased to 30 days of annual leave after 5 years
• Up to 6 additional days at Christmas and Easter closure periods.
• Enrollment in the pension scheme – Scottish Widows
• Free LSE Students
• ’ Union gym membership, advice from dedicated professionals with a wide range of activities including yoga, dance, and pilates classes.
• Cycle to Work scheme enabling significant savings on bicycle purchase.
• Employee Assistant Programme provides confidential advice and guidance to support the health and well-being of our workforce.
• Access to LSE staff training courses and ongoing personal development.
• Flexibility for work-life balance.
• Interest-free Travel loan.

Closing date: Sunday, 26th January 2025

Interview: Wednesday, 5th February 2025

Please note that you must be available for interview on the specified dates.

Compulsory Requirement – The UK Government sets the legal regulations that we are required to follow. As an employer we must ensure that everyone is eligible to work in the UK and this is done by us checking and making a copy of the correct original identification/documentation before your first day of work. Currently we require you to have the right to work in the UK, as we are not a Home Office approved sponsor.