At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial strategy and drive sustainable income growth for Cheltenham's cultural venues.
- Company: The Cheltenham Trust, a key player in local culture and heritage.
- Benefits: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for professional growth and community impact.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant organisation with a £9 million budget and 2 million annual visitors.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in enhancing visitor experiences and supporting local heritage.
- Qualifications: Proven track record in commercial leadership and revenue optimisation.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About The Cheltenham Trust
The Cheltenham Trust is the guardian of much of Cheltenham's heritage and a leading provider of culture, sport and leisure across the town. Through the stewardship of some of Cheltenham's most treasured venues, the Trust plays a vital role in supporting the local economy, attracting visitors, and ensuring these important community assets remain accessible, relevant and sustainable for future generations.
As an independent charitable trust, The Cheltenham Trust is responsible for the management and development of a diverse portfolio of venues, including Pittville Pump Room, Cheltenham Town Hall, the Imperial Garden Bar, The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum, Leisure at Cheltenham, and the Prince of Wales Stadium. The trust operates as a £9 Million pound organisation, receiving 2 million combined visitors annually. Together, these venues deliver a vibrant year-round programme of cultural events, exhibitions, entertainment, sport and leisure activities that enrich the lives of residents and visitors alike.
About the role
The role represents an exceptional senior leadership opportunity to strengthen and embed strategic commercial leadership across The Cheltenham Trust. The Commercial Director will be responsible for defining and delivering a trust-wide commercial strategy, driving sustainable income growth while enhancing the visitor experience across the organisation's diverse portfolio of venues.
With a broad and varied remit, the role will lead the development and optimisation of existing income streams, including hospitality, venue hire and events, while identifying and delivering new commercial opportunities. The Commercial Director will maximise the potential of the Trust's unique venue portfolio, improve commercial performance, build strategic partnerships, and help foster a culture of commercial awareness and innovation across the organisation.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, the successful candidate will be a key member of the senior leadership team, providing strategic direction and commercial insight while leading and developing a small but highly capable team.
About you
The Cheltenham Trust is seeking an entrepreneurial and externally focused commercial leader with a proven track record of driving sustainable income growth within complex, customer-facing organisations. The successful candidate will bring substantial senior-level commercial leadership experience, combining strong financial and commercial acumen with expertise in developing and optimising multiple revenue streams.
You will have a demonstrated ability to shape and execute commercial strategy, build high-performing teams, foster strategic partnerships, and lead organisational change. Equally important will be a customer-centric approach, using visitor insight and experience to drive engagement, maximise commercial performance, and support the long-term sustainability of the Trust's unique cultural, heritage and leisure assets.
Commercial Director in Cheltenham employer: The Cheltenham Trust
The Cheltenham Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead and innovate within a vibrant cultural and heritage environment in Cheltenham. With a strong commitment to employee development, the Trust fosters a collaborative work culture that values creativity and strategic thinking, while providing access to diverse growth opportunities in the arts, leisure, and community engagement sectors. Joining the Trust means being part of a dedicated team that plays a crucial role in enhancing the local economy and enriching the lives of residents and visitors alike.
