Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the British Museum Company through a transformative period, ensuring outstanding visitor experiences.
- Company: Join the iconic British Museum during an exciting phase of change and development.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, hybrid work, and exclusive museum perks.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Be part of a historic transformation in one of the world's most renowned cultural institutions.
- Qualifications: Proven commercial leadership in visitor-focused organisations, with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 115000 - 115000 £ per year.
Location: London
Category: Other
Salary: Up to £115,000 per annum + Hybrid, 27 days annual leave, pension
Contract type: Contract
Hours: Full time
Telephone: 020 7323 8000
Application deadline: 12pm (midday) on 15 May 2026
About the role
We are seeking an exceptional Interim Commercial Director with an international profile to lead our commercial enterprise, the British Museum Company (BMCo), through an exciting period of change, transformation and transition. The British Museum is entering one of the most significant and ambitious periods in its history. With our Masterplan moving into delivery, and the transformative Western Range programme in development, we are redefining how millions of visitors experience our collections, our buildings, and our stories.
As Interim Commercial Director, your leadership will ensure we continue to offer an outstanding visitor experience through unavoidable disruption while maintaining strong commercial performance. Through careful planning, you will balance these disruptions to maximise revenue, elevate our brand, and ensure visitors feel welcomed and inspired.
About you
We’re looking for a seasoned commercial leader with experience in complex visitor‑focused organisations, ideally across culture, heritage, attractions, retail, hospitality or leisure. You will bring a strong track record of driving commercial growth and operational excellence, along with creative thinking grounded in robust commercial discipline. You have experience confidently navigating environments with estate closures, redevelopment, or large‑scale transitions, and possess exceptional communication skills and the ability to bring people with you through change. You are aware of the role of museums in contemporary society with a passion for culture and public engagement.
Key areas of responsibility
- Strategic leadership: Provide clear commercial leadership aligned with the Museum's strategic priorities, Masterplan objectives, and the Western Range development timeline.
- Operational excellence: Ensure consistent commercial performance during periods of estate change, temporary closures, and shifting visitor patterns.
- Innovation and growth: Identify and activate new revenue streams to enhance the Museum's global brand and support long-term financial stability.
- Stakeholder engagement: Collaborate with internal and external partners, ensuring commercial insights are used to planning, programming, and capital decisions.
- Team leadership: Lead, motivate and develop the Commercial Directorate, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and high performance.
Benefits
- Free exhibition entry for you and guests, exclusive private views, ICOM and reciprocal museum access.
- 27 days' annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Discounts at onsite catering, Museum shops and local Bloomsbury partners.
- Social and wellbeing perks including employee parties, social clubs, and peer support and allyship with five diversity networks for community.
- Learning and development through courses and mentoring with our online learning hub Athena, as well as support for professional qualifications.
- Employee Assistance Programme available 24/7 for counselling, wellbeing support and more.
- Eyecare vouchers for VDU tests and contributions toward glasses.
- Enhanced parental leave including maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave.
- Support for carers through Employers for Carers.
- Defined contribution pension scheme with generous employer contributions.
- Interest‑free loans including season ticket, rental deposit and bicycle loans.
Our Values
- Care Deeply
- Embrace the Unknown
- Spark Curiosity
- Value Many Voices
Interim Commercial Director employer: British Museum
Contact Detail:
British Museum Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Commercial Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend events, and engage with professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their current projects, values, and challenges. This way, when you walk into that interview, you’ll be ready to show how you can contribute to their exciting transformation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. We want you to shine when discussing your experience and how it aligns with the role of Interim Commercial Director.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who are eager to join us in redefining visitor experiences at the British Museum.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Commercial Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Interim Commercial Director role. Highlight your relevant experience in visitor-focused organisations and how it aligns with our exciting transformation at the British Museum.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see how you’ve led teams through change before. Share specific examples of how you've navigated complex environments, especially during periods of disruption or redevelopment.
Communicate Clearly: Your application should reflect your exceptional communication skills. Be clear and concise in your writing, and make sure to convey your passion for culture and public engagement throughout your application.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this amazing opportunity at the British Museum.
How to prepare for a job interview at British Museum
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the British Museum's current projects and initiatives. Familiarise yourself with the Masterplan and the Western Range programme. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with their vision.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership style and how you've successfully navigated change in previous roles. Think about times when you've led teams through transitions or closures, and be ready to discuss the strategies you employed to maintain morale and performance.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since stakeholder engagement is key for this role, come prepared with ideas on how to collaborate effectively with both internal and external partners. Share past experiences where you’ve successfully built relationships and leveraged insights to drive commercial success.
✨Be Ready to Innovate
Think creatively about potential new revenue streams for the museum. During the interview, don’t hesitate to share innovative ideas that could enhance the visitor experience while ensuring financial stability. This will demonstrate your forward-thinking approach and commitment to the museum's growth.