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- Tasks: Lead and innovate commercial services to enhance student experiences.
- Company: Join the vibrant Reading Students’ Union, dedicated to student welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Shape unforgettable experiences for over 19,000 students at University of Reading.
- Qualifications: Experience in licensed trade, catering, events, and marketing required.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace celebrating diversity and personal development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 ÂŁ per year.
Salary: ÂŁ60,727
Location: University of Reading Students’ Union
Contract: Full Time – 37.5 hours per week (worked flexibly)
Are you ready to shape exceptional student experiences through vibrant and innovative commercial services? Reading Students’ Union 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 Reading SU
Reading Students’ Union is a vibrant, student‑led charity dedicated to enhancing the lives of over 19,000 University of Reading students. Its mission is to provide a platform for good, creating a community where all voices are equal and everyone feels free and safe to express themselves, enjoy time with friends, and feel supported throughout their university journey, leading to a brighter future for all. Reading SU is more than a Students’ Union; it sits 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. Reading Students’ 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
Reading SU 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 Reading SU’s commercial services while also being involved in delivery of the operations. If you’re passionate about shaping successful commercial ventures and creating unforgettable experiences for a thriving student community, we’d be excited to have you on board.
Reading Students’ Union offers an inclusive and engaging working environment and is 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 Reading Students’ Union particularly welcomes applications from candidates from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and from candidates with disabilities. It’s a genuinely exciting time for Reading Students’ Union and we 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
Optional Q/A session with the CEO and Interim Commercial Director: Click here to register
How to Apply
Please click 'Apply' to be redirected to our website, where you can download the Candidate Information Pack and apply. For an informal conversation about the role and the application process, please contact our recruitment partners at Atkinson HR Consulting: sannah@atkinsonhrconsulting.co.uk.
Director of Commercial Services in Reading employer: Reading Students' Union
Contact Detail:
Reading Students' Union Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Commercial Services in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of Reading Students’ Union on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the culture and what they’re really looking for in a Director of Commercial Services.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the latest trends in commercial services, especially in student environments. We want to show that we’re not just a fit for the role but also passionate about enhancing student experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase our hands-on experience! When discussing our past roles, highlight specific examples where we’ve successfully led projects or initiatives that align with the mission of Reading SU.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can easily access all the resources and information we need to make our application stand out.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Commercial Services in Reading
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 Director of Commercial Services role. Highlight relevant experience in licensed trade, catering, events, and marketing. We love seeing how your background fits with what we do!
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 your vision for our commercial services and how you plan to engage with the student community. We’re all ears!
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 info you need in the Candidate Information Pack there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Students' Union
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, take some time to understand the student community at Reading. Familiarise yourself with their needs and interests, as well as the current commercial services offered by the Students’ Union. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate that you’re genuinely invested in enhancing their experiences.
✨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. Share specific examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams to achieve goals, and how you plan to bring that same energy to Reading SU.
✨Be Strategic Yet Hands-On
This role requires a balance between strategic thinking and operational involvement. Prepare to discuss how you can develop innovative commercial services while also being actively involved in their delivery. Think of examples where you’ve successfully implemented strategies and been hands-on in execution.
✨Embrace Inclusivity
Reading SU values diversity and inclusivity, so be ready to talk about how you can contribute to creating welcoming spaces for all students. Share your thoughts on promoting inclusivity within commercial services and any initiatives you’ve led in the past that align with this commitment.
