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- Tasks: Lead and innovate commercial services to enhance student experiences.
- Company: Dynamic education charity focused on student life and community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and a commitment to personal development.
- Why this job: Shape vibrant spaces and services that make a real difference for students.
- Qualifications: Experience in licensed trade, catering, events, and marketing.
- Other info: Inclusive environment welcoming diverse candidates and promoting personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 ÂŁ per year.
Salary: ÂŁ60,727
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 in England employer: EASYWEBRECRUITMENT.COM
Contact Detail:
EASYWEBRECRUITMENT.COM Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Commercial Services in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of the Students’ Union on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the culture and expectations, plus it shows our genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the organisation's mission and values. We should be ready to discuss how our experience aligns with their commitment to enhancing student life and creating vibrant spaces.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our hands-on leadership style! During interviews, we can share specific examples of how we've successfully led teams in commercial services, especially in catering or events, to demonstrate our strategic and operational capabilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through their website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can download the Candidate Information Pack to get all the details we need to ace the process.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Commercial Services in England
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, and events, and don’t forget to showcase any strategic leadership roles you've held.
Be Authentic: We love authenticity! Share your unique perspective and experiences that have shaped your understanding of student life. This will help us see how you can bring fresh ideas to our commercial services.
Follow the Application Process: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s super easy, and you’ll find all the info you need in the Candidate Information Pack. We can’t wait to see your application!
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 making a positive impact.
✨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 experiences where you've successfully led teams or projects, particularly in licensed trade, catering, or events. Highlight how you’ve engaged with diverse groups and fostered an inclusive environment.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to challenges. Think about potential scenarios related to student needs and how you would approach them. This could include reimagining services or responding to feedback from the student community. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Emphasise Your Understanding of Trends
The role requires a solid grasp of trends affecting student life and the commercial sector. Be prepared to discuss current challenges and opportunities within the Higher Education landscape. Show that you’re not just aware of these trends but also have ideas on how to leverage them to enhance the Students’ Union's offerings.
