At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead marketing and commercial strategies to enhance member engagement and grow income streams.
- Company: Join the CLA, the leading voice for rural land and business in England and Wales.
- Benefits: Be part of a high-profile leadership team with significant autonomy and influence.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a dynamic environment focused on a thriving rural economy.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a nationally significant organisation while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in commercial and marketing leadership with a track record of transformation.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 € per year.
The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) is the leading voice for rural land and business across England and Wales. We exist to champion our members, working at the heart of policy, advocacy and industry to shape a thriving, resilient rural economy. We are a powerful ally and expert adviser, supporting thousands of members who own and manage over half of the rural land in England and Wales.
With a newly agreed Corporate Plan for 2025–2030, the CLA has set out ambitious priorities to maximise its impact, grow and engage its membership, and strengthen long-term organisational resilience. We are now seeking an outstanding Director of Marketing and Commercial to join our Executive Team at a pivotal moment for the organisation.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, this role will have responsibility for marketing, commercial partnerships, sponsorship, and all other non-subscription income streams, with a clear mandate to reshape and grow the CLA’s commercial and marketing capability. This is a senior, high-profile leadership role with significant autonomy and influence.
You will lead the development and delivery of a clear commercial and marketing strategy aligned to corporate priorities, increasing the contribution of non-subscription income and ensuring we maximise the value of our member base, platforms and partnerships. This work will be central to our future success.
A core part of the remit is embedding a more data-led, insight-driven approach, strengthening the use of CRM, and driving a step-change in performance across marketing and commercial activity. Working closely with the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regions, you will ensure member acquisition, engagement and retention strategies are fully aligned, with a coherent end-to-end member journey and a compelling, consistent story about the value of CLA membership.
You will also optimise key member service partnerships, develop new scalable commercial opportunities, and strengthen how events, learning and sponsorship operate as profit centres that also deepen member engagement.
As a member of the Executive Team, you will contribute to organisational leadership, performance and decision-making, advising the CEO and Board on commercial and marketing opportunities, risks and outcomes. You will build and lead a high-impact marketing function, establish clear KPIs and governance, and lead teams through change with credibility, pace and clarity.
This role calls for an experienced executive leader with a strong commercial and/or marketing background and a proven track record of growing diversified income streams and leading transformation. You will bring commercial judgement, collaborative leadership and the confidence to operate at board and CEO level in a complex membership organisation.
This is a rare opportunity to shape how a nationally significant organisation grows, engages its members and delivers value in a rapidly changing rural economy - combining purpose, profile and measurable commercial impact.
Director of Marketing and Commercial employer: Sprague Gibbons
The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead marketing and commercial strategies that directly impact the rural economy across England and Wales. With a strong commitment to employee growth, a collaborative work culture, and the chance to shape the future of a nationally significant organisation, the CLA provides a meaningful and rewarding environment for its team members. Join us at this pivotal moment to make a real difference while enjoying the benefits of working in a dynamic and supportive setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Marketing and Commercial
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get that interview, make sure to express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Talk about how your values align with the CLA’s mission and how you can contribute to their goals. A genuine connection can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the unexpected! Research common interview questions for marketing and commercial roles, but also be ready for curveballs. Think about how you would handle challenges specific to the CLA’s objectives, like increasing non-subscription income or enhancing member engagement.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. Reiterate your interest in the position and mention something specific from the conversation that resonated with you. It shows you’re proactive and genuinely interested in joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Marketing and Commercial
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Director of Marketing and Commercial role. Highlight your achievements in marketing and commercial partnerships, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:This is a senior role, so we want to see examples of how you've led teams and driven change in previous positions. Share stories that demonstrate your collaborative leadership style and your ability to operate at a high level within an organisation.
Be Data-Driven:Since the role emphasises a data-led approach, include any relevant experience you have with CRM systems or data analysis. We love seeing candidates who can leverage insights to drive performance and make informed decisions.
Apply Through Our Website:To ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, please apply through our website. This helps us keep everything organised and makes it easier for us to review your application thoroughly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sprague Gibbons
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, take some time to research the Country Land and Business Association (CLA). Understand their mission, values, and recent initiatives. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate that you're genuinely interested in their work.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Director of Marketing and Commercial, you'll need to exhibit strong leadership qualities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams, driven change, or developed strategies that align with organisational goals. Be ready to discuss how you can bring this expertise to the CLA.
✨Emphasise Data-Driven Decision Making
The role requires a data-led approach, so be prepared to discuss how you've used data and insights to inform marketing strategies in the past. Bring specific examples of how you've leveraged CRM systems or analytics to enhance performance and drive results.
✨Align with Their Vision
Familiarise yourself with the CLA's Corporate Plan for 2025–2030. Think about how your vision for marketing and commercial growth aligns with their ambitious priorities. Be ready to articulate how you can contribute to their goals and help shape a thriving rural economy.
