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.
- Other info: Collaborate with a dynamic team and engage with a vibrant community of makers.
- 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.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ 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 £25,000 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
The Craft Potters Association (CPA) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work within a respected cultural organisation that champions the arts and crafts community. With a flexible, part-time role that allows for hybrid working, employees can enjoy a collaborative work culture while contributing to meaningful commercial initiatives that support the studio pottery sector. The CPA fosters professional growth through strong partnerships and a commitment to excellence, making it an ideal place for those passionate about craft and design.
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