The Golden Hinde is a full-scale reconstruction of Sir Francis Drake’s famous ship, permanently moored in the heart of London near Borough Market and London Bridge.
Having sailed over 100,000 miles before arriving at St Mary Overie Dock in Bankside in 1996, where she has served as a museum and educational resource ever since, The Golden Hinde is now firmly part of London’s cultural landscape. Alongside welcoming visitors and schools aboard, she operates as one of London’s most unique venue hire and experience spaces, hosting everything from corporate events and private parties to weddings, filming, immersive experiences and children’s pirate parties.
We’re now looking for a commercially-minded, proactive person to help grow revenue and develop the commercial side of the business.
Designated a National Historic Ships UK Flagship of the Year 2026 (also her 30th Anniversary year in Bankside), The Golden Hinde is currently undergoing a multi-million-pound refit funded entirely through her own income - making this an incredibly exciting time to join our small, dynamic team.
The role
This is a hands‑on business development and commercial growth role focused on increasing revenue across venue hire, partnerships, events and wider commercial opportunities.
The role is focused on proactively generating new business and building relationships - not event delivery or operational management.
The successful candidate will spend their time:
- building partnerships
- developing corporate relationships
- generating leads
- growing bookings
- identifying new commercial opportunities
- helping drive overall revenue growth
Key responsibilities:
- Proactively grow revenue across all areas of the business
- Drive new business through outreach, networking and relationship-building
- Build relationships with:
- corporate clients
- tourism and hospitality partners
- local businesses
- filming and location agencies
- Actively promote The Golden Hinde as a venue and experience space
- Build a strong pipeline of future bookings and opportunities
- Increase repeat business and referrals
- Identify new partnership and sponsorship opportunities
Drive bookings and revenue across:
- private hire
- weddings
- networking events
- seasonal parties
Responsibilities include:
- proactively following up leads and enquiries
- converting enquiries into bookings
- outbound outreach to generate new enquiries
- identifying opportunities to increase spend per booking
- helping shape commercial packages and offers
- building relationships with repeat and referral customers
Strategic partnerships
- Help position The Golden Hinde more strongly within London’s visitor and education landscape
- Build partnerships with London tourism and visitor organisations
- Explore opportunities with nearby attractions and cultural partners
- Identify ways to increase group visits
- Identify which areas of the business have the strongest commercial potential
- Help prioritise the most commercially valuable activity
- Explore new revenue opportunities and partnerships
- Increase visibility across venue platforms and commercial networks
- Work closely with the operational team to ensure opportunities can be delivered successfully
Important note about the role
This role is focused on:
- partnerships
- revenue growth
It is not an event delivery or operational management role.
What we’re looking for
We’re looking for someone who is:
- commercially minded and proactive
- confident building relationships and networking
- comfortable with outreach and business development
- energetic, organised and self‑motivated
- excited by unusual venues, events and experiences
- motivated by growing revenue and creating opportunities
Most importantly, we want someone who naturally looks for ways to make things happen rather than waiting for opportunities to come in.
Ideal experience
Experience in one or more of:
- venue hire
- events sales
- hospitality
- partnerships
- tourism
- experiential marketing
Experience working with unique venues, heritage spaces or experience‑led businesses would be a bonus but isn’t essential.
Success in this role looks like
- Increased bookings and venue hire revenue
- Stronger pipeline of enquiries and partnerships
- Better utilisation of quieter periods
- Increased repeat business and referrals
- New commercial opportunities and partnerships being developed proactively
- Clear commercial momentum and growth
- Opportunity to shape and grow the role over time
- Location: Hybrid/flexible working possible depending on operational requirements
- Job Type: Full-time, part-time, freelance or flexible arrangements considered
- Salary: Competitive salary, depending on experience and structure
- To Apply: Please complete short application form here: https://form.typeform.com/to/dUK0FoMY
Equal opportunities
The Golden Hinde is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
Business Development & Partnerships Manager employer: The Golden Hinde
The Golden Hinde offers a dynamic and supportive work environment in the heart of London, making it an excellent employer for those looking to thrive in business development. With a focus on hybrid working, competitive salaries, and opportunities for professional growth, employees are encouraged to take initiative and shape their roles while building meaningful partnerships. The unique setting of this historic venue adds an exciting dimension to the work culture, fostering creativity and collaboration.
