At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow UCL's commercial services, including retail, cafes, and events.
- Company: Dynamic charity organisation dedicated to enhancing student life at UCL.
- Benefits: Generous holiday entitlement, pension scheme, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and a supportive, engaging workplace culture.
- Why this job: Shape the future of student services and make a real impact on campus life.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial leadership and team management required.
We are a registered charity employing over 150 career staff and 300 student staff, delivering a wide range of services and representative functions for UCL students. We have the widest portfolio of services of any student organisation in the country, managing UCL’s extracurricular programmes for sport, music, drama, dance, media, volunteering, academic societies and intercultural engagement; providing a wide range of fantastic social spaces; leading on student democracy and representation across UCL; and offering excellent student support services.
This is an exciting time to join our growing organisation as we lead the delivery of UCL’s groundbreaking new Student Life Strategy. This is enabling us to build more programmes to improve students’ mental and physical wellbeing, promote genuine equity for all, build students’ skills and confidence, develop their international connections and intercultural skills, and make a real contribution to our local community.
We support hybrid working. Excellent benefits including defined benefit pension scheme and generous holiday entitlement. We are proud of high levels of staff engagement and pride ourselves on being a great place to work. We will consider applications to work on a flexible and job share basis wherever possible. The role is full-time and permanent. This role is based at our Bloomsbury campus with flexibility to work from home on a 40/60 basis (40% working from the office).
Are you a commercially driven leader who can grow income, lead high performing teams and turn ideas into successful services? We are looking for an ambitious and experienced Deputy Head of Commercial Services to play a key leadership role across one of the most dynamic Students' Union commercial portfolios in the UK. This is an exciting opportunity to shape and grow our retail, cafes, bars, catering and venue operations while developing new income streams that support the wider student experience.
Reporting to the Head of Commercial Services, you will lead the day to day management of our commercial operations through a team of managers covering Retail, Catering, and Venues & Entertainment. You will also drive new business development, identifying and delivering commercial opportunity to make a visible impact across both existing services and future ventures.
Deputy Head of Commercial Services employer: Students' Union UCL
As a leading charity dedicated to enhancing the student experience at UCL, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant work culture that values innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our support for hybrid working, generous benefits including a defined benefit pension scheme, and a focus on mental and physical wellbeing. Join us at our Bloomsbury campus, where you can make a meaningful impact while enjoying a flexible work environment and being part of a passionate team dedicated to student success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head of Commercial Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the organisation through LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info on the role and help you stand out when applying.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the charity's recent projects and initiatives. We want to see your passion for their mission, so be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their exciting Student Life Strategy.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've successfully led teams or projects. We love candidates who can demonstrate their ability to drive results and inspire others.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our fantastic team!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head of Commercial Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how excited you are about contributing to UCL’s Student Life Strategy and making a difference in students' lives.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Deputy Head of Commercial Services role. Highlight your experience in leading teams and driving commercial success, as well as any relevant skills that align with our mission at StudySmarter.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your achievements and experiences. We appreciate straightforward communication!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Students' Union UCL
✨Know the Organisation Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you research the charity thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and the specific services they provide. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Deputy Head of Commercial Services, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead high-performing teams. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed teams, driven income growth, or developed new services. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Commercial Strategies
Think about innovative ideas you could bring to the table for growing income streams and enhancing student experiences. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach business development and what strategies you would implement to improve existing services.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask. This could be about the future direction of the Student Life Strategy or how the organisation measures success in its commercial operations. It shows you're engaged and thinking critically about the role.
