At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial strategy and drive revenue growth for iconic Antarctic retail operations.
- Company: Join the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust, a purpose-driven organisation with global impact.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, generous holiday, and a chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to sustainability and heritage.
- Why this job: Combine your commercial skills with a passion for conservation in a unique setting.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in retail leadership and e-commerce growth.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.
The UK Antarctic Heritage Trust, working with Antarctic Heritage Ltd, is seeking an experienced Head of Commercial to drive revenue and profit growth across our trading activity. This is a hands‑on commercial leadership role with real purpose. You will lead our product proposition, trading performance and commercial strategy across e‑commerce, wholesale, licensing, partnerships and our iconic on‑continent retail operation at Port Lockroy in Antarctica. Port Lockroy is distinctive, successful and globally known. The biggest growth opportunity now is to scale online sales, develop wholesale, and broaden our licensing reach, turning global interest in Antarctica into sustainable unrestricted income that directly supports UKAHT’s conservation and public engagement work.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and deliver a commercial strategy for retail, wholesale, e‑commerce and licensing.
- Drive revenue, margin, contribution, conversion and stock performance.
- Lead product range development, pricing, merchandising and customer proposition.
- Grow online sales and develop wholesale opportunities.
- Build a strategic licensing programme with carefully selected partners.
- Ensure commercial activity supports UKAHT’s mission, values and environmental commitments.
- Use product, storytelling and customer experience to communicate why Antarctica matters.
- Work closely with colleagues across fundraising, communications, public engagement, operations and finance.
- Represent commercial activity confidently with senior stakeholders, including the Board and Directors of Antarctic Heritage Ltd.
About You
You will be an experienced retail or commercial leader looking for a distinctive opportunity to apply your skills in a purpose‑led organisation with global reach. You will bring strong commercial judgement, creativity, collaboration and a commitment to sustainability. You will be confident working across e‑commerce, product development, trading performance and partnerships, and motivated by the opportunity to turn commercial success into conservation impact.
Proven senior leadership experience in multi‑platform retail. Experience driving online sales growth in an e‑commerce, D2C or digitally led retail environment. Strong commercial and financial capability, including trading metrics, P&L or budget accountability. Experience developing and optimising product offers. The ability to build commercial partnerships, ideally including licensing or brand collaborations. Strong judgement on brand fit, commercial value and reputational risk. A collaborative leadership style and the ability to influence senior stakeholders. A personal commitment to conservation, heritage and environmental impact.
Experience in cultural, heritage, museum or visitor attraction retail would be an advantage, as would experience of licensing programmes, purpose‑led brands or seasonal and logistically complex retail operations.
Terms
- Location: Hybrid, based at our Cambridge office
- Salary: £50,000 pro rata
- Hours: 30 hours per week, Monday to Friday
- Holiday: 25 days pro rata, plus public holidays
- Deadline: 12 noon, 25 June 2026
- Interviews: Week commencing 6 July 2026, online
Equal Opportunities
UKAHT is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We particularly encourage applications from people currently underrepresented in the polar regions, including Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, disabled people and LGBTQI+ people.
Head of Commercial in Cambridge employer: UK Antarctic Heritage Trust
The UK Antarctic Heritage Trust offers a unique and meaningful opportunity for the Head of Commercial role, where you can lead commercial strategies that directly support conservation efforts in one of the world's most iconic locations, Port Lockroy. With a strong commitment to sustainability, a collaborative work culture, and opportunities for professional growth, this hybrid position based in Cambridge allows you to make a tangible impact while enjoying a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion.
Contact Details:
UK Antarctic Heritage Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Head of Commercial role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for conservation and heritage! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, make sure to highlight how your values align with UKAHT’s mission. It’ll set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company, understand their commercial strategy, and think about how you can contribute to their growth. Bring your A-game and be ready to discuss your experience in driving online sales and partnerships.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission at UKAHT.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in retail and commercial leadership. We want to see how your skills align with our mission and the specific responsibilities of the Head of Commercial role.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your past roles; tell us about your successes! Use numbers and examples to demonstrate how you've driven revenue growth or improved trading performance in previous positions. We love a good success story!
Express Your Passion for Conservation:Since we’re all about making a positive impact, let your passion for conservation and heritage shine through in your application. Share any relevant experiences that show your commitment to sustainability and environmental issues.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets into the right hands and helps us keep track of all applicants. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Antarctic Heritage Trust
✨Know Your Commercial Strategy
Before the interview, dive deep into the commercial strategy of the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust. Understand their current trading activities and think about how you can contribute to driving revenue growth. Be ready to discuss specific ideas on scaling online sales and developing wholesale opportunities.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires a collaborative leadership style, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight your ability to influence senior stakeholders and how you've built strong partnerships in previous roles, especially in retail or e-commerce.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Conservation
Since this position is purpose-led, it's crucial to express your personal commitment to conservation and environmental impact. Share any relevant experiences or initiatives you've been involved in that align with the mission of the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your commercial judgement and decision-making skills. Think about challenges you've faced in multi-platform retail environments and how you overcame them. Be ready to discuss metrics like P&L accountability and trading performance in detail.
