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- Tasks: Lead and innovate commercial operations to enhance student experience and financial sustainability.
- Company: Royal Holloway Students’ Union, a vibrant student-led organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on innovation and community engagement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of student services and make a real impact on campus life.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial leadership and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Royal Holloway Students’ Union (RHSU) is a vibrant, student-led organisation at the heart of the Royal Holloway, University of London community. Dedicated to enhancing the student experience, RHSU delivers a wide range of services, activities, and opportunities that support student life, wellbeing, and development. With a strong focus on community, inclusion, and innovation, the Union plays a vital role in shaping a positive and engaging university experience.
As part of its strategic ambitions, RHSU is committed to strengthening its commercial operations to ensure long term financial sustainability while continuing to deliver high quality, accessible services for its diverse student body. To shape the future direction of commercial services, driving innovation, long term sustainability, and an enhanced student experience, the Students’ Union is seeking to appoint a Head of Commercial Operations.
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and sitting on the Senior Leadership Team, the Head of Commercial Operations will play a pivotal role in leading the Union’s commercial and building services strategy. The postholder will oversee a diverse portfolio including commercial services, events and entertainment, facilities management, and health and safety, ensuring that all operations are innovative, efficient, and aligned with organisational priorities.
Leading a team of experienced managers, this role will drive the long-term commercial strategy, focusing on sustainable income growth, service improvement, and the development of new opportunities aligned to student needs. The postholder will ensure that services and facilities are continuously enhanced, efficient, and fully compliant.
A key priority will be leadership by building and empowering high-performing teams, fostering a collaborative culture, and driving organisational change. The role will also play a central part in financial planning and performance, overseeing significant budgets and ensuring delivery against strategic objectives.
The successful candidate will bring strong experience in commercial or operational leadership, with a proven track record of delivering strategic outcomes and leading complex, multi-functional teams in a dynamic environment. They will demonstrate excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and build partnerships across a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. We encourage applications from candidates with a range of professional backgrounds, including retail, hospitality, and leisure. The role is site based and predominantly Monday to Friday.
Applications should include a CV and a covering letter of no more than two pages. The closing date for applications is Thursday, 7th of May.
Head of Commercial Operations in Guildford employer: Royal Holloway Students' Union
Contact Detail:
Royal Holloway Students' Union Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial Operations in Guildford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at RHSU on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the culture and what they really value in a Head of Commercial Operations.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into RHSU's mission and values. We want to show that we’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the vibrant community they’ve built. Tailor our responses to reflect their focus on innovation and student experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our leadership style! Think of examples where we’ve empowered teams or driven change. This role is all about building high-performing teams, so let’s highlight our collaborative approach and success stories.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the RHSU team and contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial Operations in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Commercial Operations role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant commercial or operational achievements to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about enhancing the student experience and how your background fits with our mission at RHSU. Keep it concise and engaging!
Showcase Your Team Leadership Skills: We’re looking for someone who can build and empower high-performing teams. In your application, share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past and fostered a collaborative culture.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your materials and can review them promptly. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Holloway Students' Union
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into RHSU's mission and values. Understand their focus on community, inclusion, and innovation. This will help you align your answers with their goals and show that you're genuinely interested in enhancing the student experience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Commercial Operations, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead high-performing teams. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully built and empowered teams, driven change, or improved service delivery. Be ready to discuss how you can foster a collaborative culture at RHSU.
✨Be Financially Savvy
Since the role involves overseeing significant budgets and financial planning, brush up on your financial management skills. Be prepared to discuss your experience with budget oversight and how you've driven sustainable income growth in previous roles. Highlight any innovative strategies you've implemented to enhance financial performance.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Stakeholder management is key for this position. Think about how you've influenced and built partnerships in the past. Prepare to share specific examples of how you've navigated complex relationships and collaborated with various stakeholders to achieve strategic outcomes.