At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow UCL's commercial services, including retail, cafes, and events.
- Company: Dynamic charity organisation supporting UCL students with diverse services.
- Benefits: Generous holiday entitlement, pension scheme, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to student wellbeing and community impact.
- Why this job: Shape the student experience while driving innovation and income growth.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership skills and a passion for commercial development.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are a registered charity employing over 150 career staff and 300 student staff, delivering a wide range of services and representative functions for UCL students. We have the widest portfolio of services of any student organisation in the country, managing UCL’s extracurricular programmes for sport, music, drama, dance, media, volunteering, academic societies and intercultural engagement; providing a wide range of fantastic social spaces; leading on student democracy and representation across UCL; and offering excellent student support services.
It's an exciting time to join our growing organisation as we lead the delivery of UCL’s groundbreaking new Student Life Strategy. This is enabling us to build more programmes to improve students’ mental and physical wellbeing, promote genuine equity for all, build students’ skills and confidence, develop their international connections and intercultural skills, and make a real contribution to our local community.
We support hybrid working. Excellent benefits including defined benefit pension scheme and generous holiday entitlement. We are proud of high levels of staff engagement and pride ourselves on being a great place to work. We will consider applications to work on a flexible and job share basis wherever possible. The role is full-time and permanent. This role is based at our Bloomsbury campus with flexibility to work from home on a 40/60 basis (40% working from the office).
Are you a commercially driven leader who can grow income, lead high performing teams and turn ideas into successful services? We are looking for an ambitious and experienced Deputy Head of Commercial Services to play a key leadership role across one of the most dynamic Students' Union commercial portfolios in the UK. This is an exciting opportunity to shape and grow our retail, cafes, bars, catering and venue operations while developing new income streams that support the wider student experience.
Reporting to the Head of Commercial Services, you will lead the day to day management of our commercial operations through a team of managers covering Retail, Catering, and Venues & Entertainment. You will also drive new business development, identifying and delivering commercial opportunity to make a visible impact across both existing services and future ventures.
Deputy Head of Commercial Services employer: University College London Students' Union - UCL
As a leading charity dedicated to enhancing the student experience at UCL, we offer a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With a diverse range of services and a commitment to innovation, our team enjoys excellent benefits, including a defined benefit pension scheme and generous holiday entitlement, all while working in a supportive environment that values flexibility and collaboration. Join us at our Bloomsbury campus and be part of a dynamic organisation that is making a real difference in the lives of students.
Contact Details:
University College London Students' Union - UCL Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head of Commercial Services
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by University College London Students' Union - UCL.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like University College London Students' Union - UCL.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at University College London Students' Union - UCL.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at University College London Students' Union - UCL. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head of Commercial Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of University College London Students' Union - UCL. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Deputy Head of Commercial Services, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at University College London Students' Union - UCL
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of University College London Students' Union - UCL. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
