At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sales and create unique experiences in the arts and cultural sector.
- Company: Join Opera North, a leading arts organisation transforming communities across the North of England.
- Benefits: Be part of a new team with performance bonuses and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by connecting communities with music and the arts.
- Qualifications: Entrepreneurial mindset and a passion for creativity and collaboration.
- Other info: Inclusive recruitment; we celebrate diversity and welcome all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you drawn to the arts, events or cultural sector? Do you seek a sales role where you can influence strategy, develop fresh ideas, and create meaningful experiences? If so, this brand-new position could set the stage for you to shine. Opera North is on a journey that will enable an emerging myriad of opportunities that will transform perceptions of what a cultural arts institution can be, while further enhancing their existing positive impact on communities across the North of England.
Following the appointment of a Director of Strategy & Commercial, the leading arts organisation is seeking an entrepreneurial and results-focused Commercial Sales Manager who will conceptualise and collaboratively define a growing portfolio of viable and profitable offerings and packages. From the atmospheric Howard Assembly Room to Kino, the Howard Opera Centre’s studios and rehearsal spaces, and the expansive Kirkstall warehouse, you’ll bring their vibrant and distinctive range of venues to life.
We are looking for a self-starter, someone who will think creatively and act commercially, driven to ignite fruitful partnerships, generate reliable revenue streams, and connect the organisation more deeply than ever before across the city of Leeds and beyond. This is unlike any other sales role out there right now. Driving income will directly fuel Opera North’s inspirational and purposeful initiatives with schoolchildren from impoverished areas across Yorkshire, and will bring music and the arts to communities who are too often overlooked, powering programmes that build creativity, confidence, and opportunity.
Opera North is looking for someone who will become part of the fabric of the organisation and help shape its future. You’ll deliver a seamless client experience from first conversation to final applause, representing the company across Leeds and the wider region with confidence and pride.
With this being a brand-new position within an emerging commercial team, you’ll work closely with the Director of Strategy & Commercial to set ambitious yet attainable targets and performance bonuses.
To apply: Please submit your CV to: louis@hire-purpose.uk. The JD can be found via the Hire Purpose website. The closing date for applications is 12pm on Wednesday 3rd December 2025. First stage interviews will take place in person between 11:00 – 16:30 on Tuesday 9th, and 12:00 – 17:00 on Wednesday 10th December, with the final stage taking place online on Friday 12th and Monday 15th December.
Hire Purpose champions inclusive recruitment. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. We uphold equal opportunity principles and challenge bias at every stage, partnering only with organisations that share our commitment to integrity, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Hire Purpose is also proud to be an active member of The TEAM Network, the UK’s largest recruitment community of independently owned recruitment businesses.
Commercial Sales Manager in Leeds employer: Opera North
Contact Detail:
Opera North Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Sales Manager in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend events related to the arts and cultural sector, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. We all know that who you know can sometimes matter just as much as what you know.
✨Tip Number 2
Be ready to showcase your creativity! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, come armed with fresh ideas on how to drive sales and engage communities. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who can truly make an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We recommend mentioning something specific from your conversation to show you were engaged and are genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Opera North.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Sales Manager in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Arts: When you're writing your application, let your love for the arts and cultural sector shine through. We want to see how your enthusiasm aligns with Opera North's mission to transform communities through creativity.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored specifically for this role. Highlight your sales experience and any creative projects you've been involved in. We’re looking for someone who can think outside the box, so don’t be shy about showcasing your unique skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this brand-new position. Be sure to mention how you can contribute to Opera North’s goals and how your entrepreneurial spirit can help drive income and partnerships.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Don’t forget to double-check everything before hitting send!
How to prepare for a job interview at Opera North
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, take some time to research Opera North and its mission. Understand their role in the arts and cultural sector, and think about how your skills as a Commercial Sales Manager can contribute to their goals. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the organisation.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Since this role requires someone who can think creatively, come prepared with fresh ideas for potential offerings and packages. Think about how you can leverage the unique venues they have, like the Howard Assembly Room or Kirkstall warehouse, to create memorable experiences. Presenting these ideas during the interview will demonstrate your proactive approach.
✨Highlight Your Results-Driven Mindset
Be ready to discuss your previous sales achievements and how you've driven revenue in past roles. Use specific examples that showcase your entrepreneurial spirit and ability to forge partnerships. This will help the interviewers see you as a results-focused candidate who can make a real impact at Opera North.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful queries that reflect your interest in the role and the organisation's future. For instance, you could ask about the strategic vision for the new commercial team or how they measure success in this position. This shows you're not just looking for any job, but are invested in their mission.