At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow commercial operations across cafés, events, and retail at nature reserves.
- Company: Join London Wildlife Trust, dedicated to connecting people with nature.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, private GP service, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to environmental responsibility.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on wildlife conservation while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality or visitor attractions and strong financial management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60257 - 60257 £ per year.
Salary: £60,257
Contract: Fixed term contract ending 31st August 2027
We also offer:
- 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) and a discretionary Christmas closure
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay policy
- Private GP Service
- Salary sacrifice schemes for gym, bicycles, annual leave buying, and nursery/childcare
- Free Premium Headspace membership
- Financial, life and leadership coaching
- Life Assurance policy of 3x annual salary
- Access to free online, in-person or telephone therapy
Location: Head office (Fivefields, 8-10 Grosvenor Gardens, London) and travel to our key reserves typically 3-4 days per week, the remaining from home.
Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm. We welcome flexible working requests from day one.
Role & Responsibilities:
London Wildlife Trust operates four visitor hub nature reserves that welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. From the iconic Walthamstow Wetlands to Woodberry Wetlands, Camley Street Natural Park and our newest visitor destination in Grosvenor Square, these sites provide inspiring experiences that connect people with nature while generating vital unrestricted income to support our conservation work.
We're looking for an experienced commercial leader to oversee and grow our visitor-facing income streams across cafés, venue hire, retail and ticketed events. This is an exciting opportunity to join us at a pivotal time, balancing strategic thinking with hands-on operational leadership to ensure our commercial activities are profitable, sustainable and aligned with our mission.
You'll lead a talented hospitality team, drive commercial performance across multiple sites and help shape exceptional visitor experiences that encourage people to engage with and support London's wildlife.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the strategic development and day-to-day oversight of cafés, private events, retail and charged-for ticketed events, ensuring each area has clear objectives, budgets and performance measures.
- Maximise commercial income and net contribution while ensuring all activity is consistent with London Wildlife Trust’s charitable purpose, brand, visitor experience standards and environmental commitments.
- Develop annual commercial plans, budgets, forecasts and trading reports, using financial and visitor insight to identify opportunities, manage risk and improve performance.
- Lead, coach and develop a high-performing team, creating an inclusive and collaborative culture.
Our ideal candidate will have:
- Significant experience leading commercial operations in hospitality, visitor attractions, cultural venues, events or a comparable environment.
- Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, margin analysis, stock control and performance reporting.
- Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop teams across multi-site or multi-function operations.
- Knowledge of operational standards relevant to cafés, retail and events, including health and safety, food safety, licensing, safeguarding, accessibility and risk management.
- Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across teams and with external partners.
- Commitment to London Wildlife Trust’s mission, values, equality, diversity and inclusion, and to delivering commercial activity in an environmentally responsible way.
Closing Date: 3rd August at 9am
Interviews: Are scheduled to take place on the 17th August and reasonable adjustments will be offered to all candidates.
Does this sound like you? We’d love to hear from you! Our vision is a London alive with wildlife, with nature in everyone's neighbourhood. To achieve our goal of inspiring everyone to help restore London’s wildlife, we recognise that our team must better reflect and represent all of London’s diverse communities.
Find out more about London Wildlife Trust’s commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion here: https://www.wildlondon.org.uk/jobs.
We are also committed to ensuring that the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and adults at risk is at the heart of our engagement with people. Read about our commitment to safeguarding here: https://www.wildlondon.org.uk/safeguarding.
Head of Commercial in Victoria employer: London Wildlife Trust
As an Assistant Reserves Officer with London Wildlife Trust, you will be part of a passionate team dedicated to conserving nature in South London. The organisation offers a supportive work culture that values employee growth through training and development opportunities, alongside a comprehensive benefits package including enhanced parental leave and wellness initiatives. With flexible working hours and a focus on community engagement, this role provides a meaningful opportunity to make a positive impact on local wildlife and habitats.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial in Victoria
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like London Wildlife Trust. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to London Wildlife Trust
Don't be shy about reaching out to London Wildlife Trust directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial in Victoria
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about London Wildlife Trust and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Wildlife Trust
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
