At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial development across publishing, events, and partnerships for a cultural organisation.
- Company: Join the Craft Potters Association, the UK's leading organisation for studio potters.
- Benefits: Flexible part-time role, hybrid working, and a chance to shape new initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the arts while building sustainable income streams.
- Qualifications: 5 years in commercial management, strong relationship-building skills, and a passion for craft.
- Other info: Collaborate with a dynamic team and engage with a vibrant community of makers.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 ÂŁ per year.
The Crafts Potters Association (CPA) is seeking an experienced and imaginative Commercial Manager to lead our commercial development across all areas of activity, including our magazine, gallery, fairs and membership programme. This is a strategic, cross-organisational role at a pivotal moment for CPA.
Working closely with the Director and senior team, you will play a central role in strengthening our long-term financial sustainability, reducing reliance on any single income stream and shaping how CPA develops commercial partnerships in a way that aligns with our values and supports excellence in studio ceramics. This role offers real autonomy and influence. You will have the opportunity to bring ideas, test new approaches and build meaningful partnerships.
Why This Role Is Exciting
- An opportunity to work across publishing (Ceramic Review), events, exhibitions, fairs and digital platforms within one respected cultural organisation.
- High visibility and influence, with direct input into CPA’s commercial strategy and future direction.
- The chance to develop and grow partnerships with brands, organisations and individuals who value craft, design and making.
- A role that combines strong commercial thinking with cultural impact and purpose.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver a coherent commercial plan for CPA, identifying and growing income streams across advertising, sponsorship, partnerships and digital platforms.
- Lead advertising and media sales across print (Ceramic Review and fair catalogues) and digital channels, ensuring a high-quality client experience and consistent messaging.
- Develop and manage sponsorship and partnership opportunities for CPA’s major events, exhibitions and digital channels, building relationships that add both financial and reputational value.
- Identify and commercialise CPA assets including content, digital reach and audience insight to create new, brand-aligned opportunities such as collaborations, retail or content partnerships.
- Work with the Finance Manager to support income forecasting, set realistic targets and track performance against agreed goals.
- Represent CPA externally, building and maintaining strong relationships with advertisers, sponsors and commercial partners.
About You
You are a confident, relationship-driven commercial professional who enjoys working across teams and spotting opportunities. You are comfortable balancing strategy with delivery and are motivated by building sustainable income in a values-led organisation. You may come from the arts, media, publishing, events or a related creative or cultural sector. You do not need to be a ceramics specialist but curiosity, openness and an appreciation for craft and design are what matter most.
You will bring:
- Significant experience in advertising sales, partnerships, sponsorship or business development.
- A proven ability to translate ideas into deliverable, income-generating initiatives.
- Confidence negotiating and building relationships with senior decision-makers.
- Strong commercial awareness, including experience with targets, forecasting and reporting.
- A collaborative, adaptable approach and comfort working across creative and editorial teams.
- An interest in craft, design and the values of the studio pottery community.
What We Offer
- A flexible, part-time role with hybrid working.
- The opportunity to shape and lead new commercial initiatives from the ground up.
- A chance to work within a respected national cultural organisation with an engaged and passionate audience.
- Collaboration with a small, committed team and a broad network of makers, partners and supporters.
Company Overview
The Craft Potters Association (CPA) is the UK’s leading members’ organisation representing studio potters and ceramic artists. With a legacy of promoting excellence in contemporary ceramics, the CPA supports a thriving community of ceramic practitioners and enthusiasts. The organisation operates the Contemporary Ceramics gallery, publishes the internationally renowned Ceramics Review magazine, and organises major ceramics fairs including Ceramic Art London. Our small but dynamic team of 15 staff and freelancers works collaboratively to champion handmade ceramics through exhibitions, publishing, and events.
How to Apply
If you are passionate about supporting the arts through sound financial stewardship, we invite you to bring your expertise to our vibrant community. Join us in shaping the future of CPA. To apply, please send a CV and short covering letter outlining your relevant experience to hr@ceramicreview.com, with “Commercial Manager application” in the subject line.
Location: London / Hybrid
Hours: Part-time (21 hours per week)
Salary: Up to ÂŁ25,000 pro rata
Contract: Fixed-term / Contract
Artform: Crafts
Closing date: Friday 30 January 2026
Benefits: Casual dress, Company pension, Employee discount, Work from home
Education: Bachelor's (required)
Experience: Commercial management: 5 years (required)
Commercial Manager employer: Craft Potters Association
Contact Detail:
Craft Potters Association Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the ceramics and arts community. Attend events, fairs, and exhibitions to meet potential partners and collaborators. Remember, it’s all about building those relationships!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for craft and design! When you’re chatting with potential employers or partners, let your enthusiasm shine through. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to their mission and values – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to organisations like CPA directly, even if they’re not advertising a position. Express your interest and share how you can help them grow their commercial initiatives.
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website for applications! We’ve got all the info you need to apply for roles like Commercial Manager. Make sure your CV and cover letter reflect your experience and passion for the arts – we want to see what makes you unique!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Commercial Manager role. Highlight your experience in advertising sales, partnerships, and any relevant projects that showcase your commercial awareness.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about the arts and how your background makes you a perfect fit for CPA. Don’t forget to mention your interest in craft and design!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to generate income and build partnerships. Numbers speak volumes, so include any targets you've met or exceeded!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. Make sure to follow the application instructions carefully, including using the correct subject line in your email. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Craft Potters Association
✨Know Your Craft
Even if you're not a ceramics expert, show genuine curiosity about the craft and design. Research the Craft Potters Association's values and recent projects to demonstrate your understanding of their mission and how you can contribute.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Prepare specific examples of your past successes in advertising sales, partnerships, or business development. Be ready to discuss how you've translated ideas into income-generating initiatives and how you can apply that experience to CPA.
✨Build Relationships
Highlight your relationship-building skills during the interview. Share stories about how you've successfully negotiated with senior decision-makers and maintained strong partnerships. This role is all about collaboration, so make sure they see you as a team player.
✨Be Strategic Yet Flexible
Discuss your approach to balancing strategy with delivery. Prepare to talk about how you've set realistic targets and tracked performance in previous roles. Show them that you can adapt your strategies based on the evolving needs of the organisation.