At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial operations across multiple museum sites and drive income growth.
- Company: Join the Royal Navy Museums, a leading heritage organisation with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and discounts at attractions.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team in a unique heritage environment with great career prospects.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a national museum group and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in multi-site operations and strong commercial awareness required.
The predicted salary is between 65515 - 72248 £ per year.
Salary (Grade 9) – £65,515 - £72,248 per annum (dependent upon experience)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week – Permanent
Location: Royal Navy Museums: Portsmouth, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, with hybrid working available.
Royal Navy Museums is one of the UK's leading museum groups, caring for nationally significant collections, historic ships and museum sites across Portsmouth, Yeovilton, Hartlepool and Belfast. Through our Strategy 2025‑2030, Linking Navy and Nation with inspiring stories and experiences, we are delivering ambitious plans to grow audiences, strengthen financial sustainability and develop inspiring visitor experiences across our sites. Our museums and historic fleet welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors annually and generate the majority of our income through admissions, commercial activity and visitor operations.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading operational and commercial performance across multiple museum sites.
- Driving growth in commercial trading income and secondary spend.
- Leading, supporting and developing General Managers / Museum Managers and operational leadership teams.
- Ensuring consistent visitor experience and operational standards across museum sites.
- Coordinating operational planning, collaboration and performance across sites.
- Supporting delivery of strategic and financial objectives.
- Developing commercial partnerships and operational improvement initiatives.
- Supporting operational delivery of major organisational projects and capital programmes.
What you can bring:
- Substantial leadership experience within a multi-site, visitor-facing or commercially complex organisation.
- Operational leadership capability with the ability to develop high-performing teams and deliver strategic objectives.
- Commercial awareness and experience delivering income growth and operational sustainability.
- Experience leading multi-site operational teams.
- Strategic planning, communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience of translating organisational strategy into effective operational delivery.
- A collaborative, inclusive leadership style aligned to the Royal Navy Museums values.
What we offer:
- The opportunity to be part of a friendly and diverse workplace within a unique heritage environment.
- Group pension plan with Royal London (6% employer contributions, 2% employee contributions and death in service benefit).
- 25 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays) pro rata for part‑time employees, increasing to 30 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays) after 5 years’ service, pro rata for part‑time employees, with the option to purchase additional annual leave.
- Enhanced maternity/adoption and paternity pay.
- Flexible working.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Free admission to other national museums and attractions within the reciprocal agreement.
- Discounts at our shops and cafes.
- Free and discounted tickets for family and friends.
- A range of other benefits including cycle to work, electric vehicle scheme, employer supported volunteering leave, mobile tech, etc.
- Paid reservist leave.
This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future operational and commercial success of a transforming national museum group with ambitious plans for growth, engagement, sustainability and effective operational delivery. We welcome applications from candidates with experience across the heritage, cultural, visitor attraction, hospitality, leisure or other relevant public‑facing sectors.
Multi-Site Museum Commercial Operations Leader in Portsmouth employer: The National Museum of the Royal Navy
Royal Navy Museums offers an exceptional work environment where employees can thrive in a diverse and friendly atmosphere, all while contributing to the preservation of the UK's rich maritime heritage. With a strong focus on employee growth, the organisation provides generous benefits such as a competitive pension plan, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional development, making it an ideal employer for those passionate about culture and visitor engagement.
Contact Details:
The National Museum of the Royal Navy Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Multi-Site Museum Commercial Operations Leader in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the museum and heritage sector, attend events, and connect 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 off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to their mission and growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the Royal Navy Museums and their current projects. Tailor your responses to highlight how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around commercial operations and visitor engagement.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and contributing to the exciting future of the museums.
We think you need these skills to ace Multi-Site Museum Commercial Operations Leader in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in multi-site operations and commercial growth. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Royal Navy Museums!
Showcase Leadership Experience:We’re looking for someone with substantial leadership experience, so don’t hold back! Share specific examples of how you've developed high-performing teams and driven operational success in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and skills. Remember, we appreciate a well-structured application!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with Royal Navy Museums.
How to prepare for a job interview at The National Museum of the Royal Navy
✨Know Your Museums
Before the interview, dive deep into the Royal Navy Museums' history, mission, and current projects. Understanding their Strategy 2025-2030 will help you align your answers with their goals and show that you're genuinely interested in their work.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led multi-site teams in the past. Highlight your ability to develop high-performing teams and deliver strategic objectives, as this role heavily relies on operational leadership.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Be ready to discuss your experience in driving income growth and operational sustainability. Think of concrete examples where you've implemented successful commercial strategies or partnerships that resulted in increased revenue.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
This role requires a collaborative leadership style. Prepare to talk about how you've worked with diverse teams and stakeholders to achieve common goals. Share instances where your inclusive approach led to improved visitor experiences or operational standards.
