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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: Hireful
Contact Detail:
Hireful 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 want to show that we’re not just a fit for the role but also aligned with their commitment to enhancing student life. Bring examples of how we’ve done this in past roles!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up! After interviews, send a thank-you email expressing our appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce our enthusiasm for the position and keep us top of mind.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen. Plus, we can tailor our submission to highlight how our skills align perfectly with the needs of the Director of Commercial Services role.
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 you can bring vibrant ideas to the table that align with our mission.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the Director of Commercial Services role. Highlight your strategic and hands-on leadership experience in commercial services, catering, or events.
Be Authentic: We value diversity and authenticity, so don’t be afraid to share your unique perspective and experiences. This is your chance to show us who you are beyond just your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember 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 Hireful
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, take some time to research the Students’ Union and its mission. Understand their values and how they support student life. This will help you tailor your responses to show that you’re aligned with their goals and can contribute to enhancing the student experience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Director of Commercial Services, your leadership approach is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences in leading teams, especially in licensed trade, catering, or events. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've successfully managed operations while being hands-on and strategic.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since financial management is key for this role, brush up on your understanding of charity governance and financial strategies. Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed budgets in previous roles and how you plan to ensure the commercial services are financially sustainable while meeting student needs.
✨Engage with Student Insights
Highlight your ability to gather and utilise student feedback to shape services. Discuss any initiatives you've led that were inspired by user insights, showing that you value inclusivity and community engagement. This will resonate well with their commitment to creating vibrant spaces for students.
