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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate commercial services to enhance student experiences.
- Company: Independent education charity focused on student welfare and success.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and a diverse, inclusive work environment.
- Why this job: Shape vibrant spaces and services that truly impact student life.
- Qualifications: Experience in licensed trade, catering, events, and marketing.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to celebrating diversity and personal development.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
Salary: £60,727
Location: Reading
Contract: Full Time – 37.5 hours per week (worked flexibly)
Are you ready to shape exceptional student experiences through vibrant and innovative commercial services? Our client is seeking a progressive and values-driven Director of Commercial Services to provide strategic and hands-on leadership across all commercial services, helping to deliver outstanding spaces, services and experiences for the student community.
About Them
They are an independent education charity led by, and for, students. The Students’ Union is central to the University experience and works to support all aspects of student life for the 19,000 plus students studying at the University. Located in one of Britain’s top green spaces, the Students’ Union is an ambitious and diverse organisation, committed to supporting every student in achieving personal success. They sit at the heart of a thriving student community, with activities and initiatives inspired by students themselves. The Students’ Union is committed to promoting the interests and welfare of its members, representing their needs, and offering opportunities for personal development through a wide range of social, cultural, sporting and recreational activities. This commitment to student experience also underpins the Union’s commercial activity. Their Union’s venues, services and events are designed to be inclusive, welcoming and vibrant spaces where students can connect, feel a sense of belonging and create lasting memories. Guided by student insight, the commercial services play an important role in supporting the Union’s mission while enhancing student life across campus.
About the Role
They are thrilled to be searching for a Director of Commercial Services, a dynamic leader experienced in licensed trade, catering, events, and marketing. This role is not just about maintaining the status quo but about reimagining and diversifying the commercial services in line with student community needs. The ideal candidate will be both strategic and hands-on, with an ability to develop their commercial services while also being involved in delivery of the operations. The successful candidate will not necessarily come from the Higher Education sector but will be able to demonstrate a strong understanding of the trends, challenges and opportunities that shape student life and the Students’ Union sector. They will bring a sound understanding of charity governance and financial management, alongside the strategic and operational capability required to lead complex commercial services within a democratic, student-led organisation. They offer an inclusive and engaging working environment and are passionate about developing its people. The organisation is committed to ensuring its workforce reflects the diversity of the community it serves, respecting individual identity and celebrating differences. Applications are encouraged from all candidates regardless of background, and they particularly welcome applications from candidates from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and from candidates with disabilities. It’s a genuinely exciting time for them and they look forward to receiving your application.
Key Dates
- Closing Date: Monday 9th February, 12pm
- First Stage Interviews (Remote): 16th/17th February (TBC)
- Final Interviews (In-person): w/c 23rd February tbc
How to Apply
Please click 'Apply' to be redirected to their website, where you can download the Candidate Information Pack and apply.
Director of Commercial Services employer: EASYWEBRECRUITMENT.COM
Contact Detail:
EASYWEBRECRUITMENT.COM Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Commercial Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector or related fields. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your enthusiasm for enhancing student experiences. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to their mission and make a real impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their values, recent initiatives, and challenges they face. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly gets what they’re about.
✨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 all about supporting candidates from diverse backgrounds, so take that leap and submit your application today!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Commercial Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for enhancing student experiences shine through. We want to see how your values align with ours and how you can contribute to our vibrant community.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Director of Commercial Services. Highlight your experience in licensed trade, catering, events, and marketing, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant achievements that demonstrate your strategic and hands-on leadership skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Be specific about how your background and skills will help us reimagine and diversify our commercial services to meet student needs.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you can find all the details you need in the Candidate Information Pack.
How to prepare for a job interview at EASYWEBRECRUITMENT.COM
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, take some time to research the Students’ Union and its mission. Understand their commitment to enhancing student life and how your experience in commercial services can align with their goals. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in their work.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Director of Commercial Services, you'll need to demonstrate both strategic thinking and hands-on leadership. Prepare examples from your past roles where you've successfully led teams or projects, particularly in licensed trade, catering, or events. Highlight how you’ve engaged with diverse communities and adapted services to meet their needs.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to innovate. Think about challenges you’ve faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach diversifying commercial services to better serve the student community.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity and Diversity
Given the organisation's commitment to diversity, be sure to highlight your understanding of inclusivity in commercial services. Share any relevant experiences where you’ve promoted diversity or created welcoming environments. This will resonate well with their values and show that you’re a good cultural fit.
