Associate Director of Estates - Commercial in Manchester

The Role

The Associate Director of Estates Commercial will provide strategic leadership and end‑to‑end operational management of the University's commercial services portfolio – catering, retail, bars, hospitality, conference & events, venues and delivered catering. They will ensure services are safe, compliant, customer‑centred, and financially sustainable, enhancing the experience of students, staff, visitors and external clients.

You Will

• Lead the strategic direction of all Operations Commercial services lines, setting a clear vision, service standards, SLA’s and KPI’s that support income growth, customer satisfaction and value for money.
• Own the commercial strategy and P&L for catering, retail, bars, conferences & events, venues and delivered catering; deliver agreed revenue, contribution and cash targets.
• Develop brand, menu, merchandising and venue strategies aligned to audience needs and the University's values and reputation; lead demand generation for conferencing and venue hire.
• Negotiate, procure and manage commercial relationships with our in‑house catering vehicle UMC Ltd., and our partnerships, franchises, supplier frameworks and concession arrangements; ensure robust contract management and performance review.
• Lead multimillion‑pound operational budgets and capital programmes for outlets and venues; deliver accurate forecasting, cost control, stock integrity, cash controls and productivity gains.

You Will Bring

• Extensive senior leadership in complex, multi‑site commercial operations (hospitality, catering, retail, events, venues) with accountability for significant revenue and cost budgets.
• Proven delivery of service transformation, brand/offer development, and measurable improvements in financial and customer outcomes.
• Advanced financial acumen (forecasting, pricing, margin management, capital appraisal); data‑driven decision‑making; contract negotiation and supplier/partner performance management.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, negotiation and presentation skills; ability to influence at senior levels internally and externally, including partners and regulators.

Why Join Us

This is an opportunity to shape the future direction of Estates & Facilities. You will play a pivotal role in delivering transformational change across a major estate, helping to build a digitally enabled, sustainable and high‑performing organisation that supports the University's Manchester 2035 strategy.

What will you get in return

• Fantastic market‑leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays.
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period.
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers.