At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate commercial strategies to boost income and support youth-driven initiatives.
- Company: Contact, a national leader in youth theatre and social change.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to creativity and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the arts while empowering young creatives.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial management and a passion for youth leadership.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
MAIN LOCATION: Contact but may be required to work at other venues as required (Hybrid)
RESPONSIBLE TO: Director of Finance
RESPONSIBLE FOR: Commercial Services Manager
WORKS WITH: All Teams
HOURS: Full Time
STATUS: Permanent
Contact is a national leader in youth‑driven theatre, creativity, and social change. The Head of Commercial will drive the organisation’s earned‑income strategy, developing sustainable commercial activity that strengthens Contact’s financial resilience while aligning with its artistic and social mission. This senior role leads the development and delivery of commercial operations including venue hire, bar and café services, commercial partnerships, and new revenue‑generating initiatives. It requires a balance of strategic thinking, hands‑on delivery, and a deep commitment to Contact’s values of youth leadership, equity, and community impact.
Key responsibilities
- Develop and deliver a multi‑year commercial strategy that grows earned income across all business areas.
- Identify new commercial opportunities that complement Contact’s artistic and social purpose.
- Lead financial modelling, pricing strategies, and business cases for new ventures.
- Work closely with the Senior Leadership Team to embed commercial thinking across the organisation.
Venue hire, events, and hospitality
- Oversee the growth of venue hire, conferencing, and events, ensuring high‑quality customer experience.
- Lead the development of Contact’s bar, café, and hospitality offer, maximising profitability while maintaining accessibility.
- Manage relationships with suppliers, contractors, and partners to ensure efficient and cost‑effective operations.
Partnerships and commercial collaborations
- Develop and manage commercial partnerships with businesses, agencies, and creative industries.
- Negotiate contracts, sponsorships, and in‑kind support that enhance Contact’s commercial portfolio.
- Work with the Marketing and Development teams to align commercial partnerships with brand and fundraising activity.
Enterprise and creative industry development
- Support the growth of youth‑led and community‑led enterprise initiatives, ensuring they are commercially viable and socially impactful.
- Explore opportunities for creative workshops, training programmes, and consultancy services.
- Champion Contact’s role as a hub for young creatives, freelancers, and emerging cultural entrepreneurs.
Financial and operational management
- Set and monitor commercial KPIs, reporting regularly to the Senior Leadership Team.
- Manage budgets, management accounts & forecasts, and performance dashboards for all commercial areas.
- Ensure compliance with licensing, health and safety, and operational standards.
Team leadership
- Lead and develop staff across commercial operations, including café and bar and events.
- Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and youth‑centred working culture.
- Provide coaching and support to young people involved in commercial activity.
GENERAL
- To act as a member of the Senior Management Team, working strategically on the development of the organisation as a whole.
- To provide mentoring and support to young people and on occasions deliver training/workshops in areas relevant to your job role.
- In line with Contact’s governance model, pro‑actively engage young people in decision‑making through consultations, young people’s panels and other mechanisms relevant to your job role.
- Manage all data in line with GDPR regulations.
- Undertake any other duties that may be reasonably required in connection with the position.
- To advise and report regularly on activity as required by the wider Senior Management Team, Board and sub‑boards, supplying any data required to meet funder reporting requirements.
- To manage all personal data in line with the General Data Protection Regulations, using the Spektrix database as directed.
Person specification
- Significant experience in commercial management within the arts, hospitality, events, or creative industries.
- Proven track record of growing earned income and delivering profitable commercial operations.
- Strong financial literacy, including budgeting, forecasting, and business modelling.
- Excellent negotiation, partnership‑building, and stakeholder‑management skills.
- Experience leading teams and managing operational delivery.
- Commitment to Contact’s values: youth leadership, equity, creativity, and community impact.
- Knowledge of Manchester’s cultural, commercial, and hospitality landscape.
- Experience developing hospitality or retail offers in cultural venues.
- Understanding of social enterprise models and youth‑led business development.
- Experience working in a charity or publicly funded arts organisation.
Head of Commercial in Manchester employer: Contactmcr
Contact is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that champions youth leadership and creativity. As the Head of Commercial, you will have the opportunity to drive innovative commercial strategies while contributing to meaningful social change in Manchester's vibrant cultural scene. With a strong focus on employee development, collaboration, and community impact, Contact provides a unique platform for professional growth and the chance to make a lasting difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial in Manchester
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Contactmcr. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Contactmcr
Don't be shy about reaching out to Contactmcr directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Contactmcr and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Contactmcr
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
