At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead marketing and commercial strategies to engage and grow CLA's membership.
- Company: Join the CLA, the leading voice for rural land and business in England and Wales.
- Benefits: Be part of a high-profile leadership team with significant influence and autonomy.
- Other info: Opportunity to drive transformation in a rapidly changing rural economy.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a nationally significant organisation while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in commercial and marketing leadership with a track record of growth.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) is the leading voice for rural land and business across England and Wales. We exist to champion our members, working at the heart of policy, advocacy and industry to shape a thriving, resilient rural economy. We are a powerful ally and expert adviser, supporting thousands of members who own and manage over half of the rural land in England and Wales.
With a newly agreed Corporate Plan for 2025–2030, the CLA has set out ambitious priorities to maximise its impact, grow and engage its membership, and strengthen long-term organisational resilience.
We are now seeking an outstanding Director of Marketing and Commercial to join our Executive Team at a pivotal moment for the organisation. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, this role will have responsibility for marketing, commercial partnerships, sponsorship, and all other non-subscription income streams, with a clear mandate to reshape and grow the CLA’s commercial and marketing capability.
This is a senior, high-profile leadership role with significant autonomy and influence. You will lead the development and delivery of a clear commercial and marketing strategy aligned to corporate priorities, increasing the contribution of non-subscription income and ensuring we maximise the value of our member base, platforms and partnerships. This work will be central to our future success.
A core part of the remit is embedding a more data-led, insight-driven approach, strengthening the use of CRM, and driving a step-change in performance across marketing and commercial activity.
Working closely with the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regions, you will ensure member acquisition, engagement and retention strategies are fully aligned, with a coherent end-to-end member journey and a compelling, consistent story about the value of CLA membership. You will also optimise key member service partnerships, develop new scalable commercial opportunities, and strengthen how events, learning and sponsorship operate as profit centres that also deepen member engagement.
As a member of the Executive Team, you will contribute to organisational leadership, performance and decision-making, advising the CEO and Board on commercial and marketing opportunities, risks and outcomes. You will build and lead a high-impact marketing function, establish clear KPIs and governance, and lead teams through change with credibility, pace and clarity.
This role calls for an experienced executive leader with a strong commercial and/or marketing background and a proven track record of growing diversified income streams and leading transformation. You will bring commercial judgement, collaborative leadership and the confidence to operate at board and CEO level in a complex membership organisation.
This is a rare opportunity to shape how a nationally significant organisation grows, engages its members and delivers value in a rapidly changing rural economy - combining purpose, profile and measurable commercial impact.
Director of Marketing and Commercial employer: Country Land and Business Association (CLA)
Contact Detail:
Country Land and Business Association (CLA) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Marketing and Commercial
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, be ready to discuss your achievements and how they relate to the role. Bring examples of your work or even a portfolio that highlights your marketing and commercial successes.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect fit for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Marketing and Commercial
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Director of Marketing and Commercial role. Highlight your achievements in marketing and commercial partnerships, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a senior role, we want to see your leadership style and how you've successfully led teams through change. Share examples of how you've driven performance and engaged members in previous roles to demonstrate your capability.
Be Data-Driven: Since the role emphasises a data-led approach, include any relevant experience you have with CRM systems or data analysis. Show us how you've used insights to shape marketing strategies and improve member engagement.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. This way, you can ensure all your details are submitted correctly and you won’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Country Land and Business Association (CLA)
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, take some time to research the Country Land and Business Association (CLA). Understand their mission, values, and recent initiatives. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate that you're genuinely interested in their work.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Director of Marketing and Commercial, you'll need to exhibit strong leadership qualities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or projects, particularly those that involved growing income streams or transforming marketing strategies.
✨Be Data-Driven
The job description highlights the importance of a data-led approach. Be ready to discuss how you've used data and insights to drive marketing decisions in previous roles. Bring specific metrics or KPIs that showcase your impact on commercial success.
✨Engage with Their Vision
The CLA has ambitious priorities for 2025-2030. Think about how your vision aligns with theirs and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their goals. Show enthusiasm for their mission and articulate how you can help shape their future.