Senior Manager - Retail and Commercial Income in Carlisle

Right2Work supports people facing barriers to education and employment to develop skills, confidence and independence. We focus particularly on people with additional support needs, disabilities, or those disengaged from traditional education. This role is central to ensuring the sustainability and growth of that work.

The Senior Manager – Retail & Commercial Income will lead the development and delivery of a clear commercial strategy, growing income from existing activity while creating new opportunities through partnerships, contracts and commissioned services. This position may be considered on a full or part-time basis.

Main Responsibilities

Principle duties may include but are not limited to the following:

This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties, but a reflection of the present requirements of the role. The actual job content will be subject to periodic review on discussion with the post holder.

Role Purpose:

• Grow and diversify income across retail and commercial activity
• Develop and deliver a Commercial Growth Strategy aligned to organisational priorities
• Expand partnerships, contracts and commissioned services
• Ensure commercial activity supports long-term financial sustainability and social impact

Key Responsibilities

Leadership:

• Lead and manage teams delivering business development and income-generating activity
• Build a clear, outcome-focused and values-led performance culture
• Work collaboratively across delivery and leadership teams

Income Growth & Business Development:

• Develop and implement a robust commercial growth plan
• Identify and secure new income streams, contracts and partnerships
• Lead or contribute to bids, tenders and funding applications
• Ensure new opportunities are financially viable and aligned to purpose

Partnerships & External Engagement:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with commissioners, employers, funders and partners
• Represent Right2Work at external meetings, negotiations and forums
• Support contract mobilisation, performance and review

Commercial Performance:

• Set and monitor income targets, budgets and KPIs
• Ensure contracts are delivered effectively and meet required outcomes
• Drive efficiency and value for money across commercial activity

Market Development:

• Use insight on labour market trends and commissioning priorities to shape new services
• Support innovation in programmes that respond to community need

Quality, Compliance & Safeguarding:

• Ensure all activity meets safeguarding, regulatory and contractual requirements
• Promote Right2Work’s values in all commercial decisions and relationships

Person Specification – Essential Criteria

Knowledge, Skills, Experience, Values, & Qualifications

Essential:

• Proven track record in business development, commercial leadership or income generation
• Experience of securing and managing contracts, tenders or commissioned services
• Strong experience of building partnerships with public, private or not-for-profit organisations
• Experience of setting and managing budgets, income targets and financial performance
• Experience of leading and developing teams
• Ability to identify opportunities and turn them into deliverable, viable services
• Strong communication, negotiation and influencing skills
• Strategic thinking with a practical, delivery-focused approach
• A clear commitment to social impact and inclusive opportunity

Desirable:

• Experience in education, employability, skills or charity sector
• Experience writing successful bids, tenders or funding applications
• Knowledge of public sector commissioning (e.g. local authority, DWP, ESFA)
• Understanding of barriers to employment and supported pathways into work
• Experience balancing commercial growth with social purpose

Safeguarding

Right2Work is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. The successful candidate will be expected to uphold these standards. An enhanced DBS check is required.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Terms and conditions of employment are as per your Statement of Employment Particulars and Right2work’s policies and procedures.

TRAINING: A Training Plan for this role outlines an induction programme including mandatory elements. Employees will also be required to attend ongoing training from time to time to maintain their skills and to comply with Right2Work’s requirements. There will be a Performance & Achievement Probation Review at 3 months of employment.