Head of commercial operations

Head of commercial operations

Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
University of Sussex Students' Union

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and innovate commercial operations that impact thousands of students.
  • Company: Join the vibrant Sussex Students' Union, a student-led organisation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a nine-day-fortnight, extra leave, and professional development opportunities.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with strong support for all staff.
  • Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while shaping services for your peers.
  • Qualifications: Strategic leadership experience and a passion for student engagement.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

Are you a strategic commercial leader who thrives in a fast-paced, purpose-driven environment? Do you want to shape services that directly impact thousands of students? Sussex Students' Union is seeking an ambitious, values-driven and strategic Head of Commercial Operations to lead and develop our diverse trading portfolio, driving innovation, performance, and inclusive service delivery across our commercial activities.

As a key senior leader, you will provide strategic direction and operational leadership across our commercial services and events. You will play a vital role in ensuring our offer remains relevant, financially sustainable, and aligned with the needs and expectations of University of Sussex students. From identifying new income streams and delivering commercial growth, to fostering a high-performing and inclusive culture, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a student-led organisation.

You will lead high-volume commercial operations and deliver excellent student-focused customer service, drive innovation and develop new business opportunities to enhance income and student experience, and develop and manage financial plans, budgets and performance targets. You will build strong partnerships and manage external contracts, embed a positive performance culture across teams, and champion equality, diversity and inclusion across all services and operations. You will also support strategic planning, risk management, and organisational culture and development.

We are looking for skilled, friendly and highly motivated people who share our values. With our vibrant environment and organisational culture, the Students' Union is a dynamic workplace only a few places could match. Led by students, we are all about working with students to help them get the most out of their time here at the University of Sussex or Brighton and Sussex Medical School.

Working on Sussex Campus and for the Students' Union has lots of perks: our staff receive one day off each fortnight as part of our nine-day-fortnight working trial, and access to enhanced time off, which normally amounts to an extra 6 days leave in addition to 20 days of annual leave per year, plus bank holidays. We also allocate funding for staff socials, learning and development opportunities for all our roles, and create a supportive workplace through regular 1-to-1's, an employee assistance programme and professional health services.

We really welcome applications from abroad for all of our vacancies. Due to legal regulations we have to ensure that everyone is eligible to work in the UK, and this would be done by us checking and making a copy of the correct original identification/documentation before your first day of work. You may also be limited in the number of hours you would be allowed to work.

We are committed to maintaining a diverse workforce because we know how important it is to have decision makers and collaborators with varied lived experiences and backgrounds that reflect the range of needs from our diverse student community. We welcome applications from everyone, and we want to strongly encourage applications from: people with an ethnic minority or Chinese background, people with a disability, people with dependents, and people who identify as LGBTQ+.

The Students' Union aims to implement reasonable adjustments for all staff and applicants with disabilities, creating a culture of cooperation, shared responsibility and proactiveness to ensure equitable access to jobs. We want to make sure everyone is supported in our selection processes, and are equipped to work safely and get as much as possible out of their role as possible.

Head of commercial operations employer: University of Sussex Students' Union

At Sussex Students' Union, we pride ourselves on being a vibrant and inclusive workplace that empowers our staff to make a meaningful impact on the student experience. With a unique nine-day-fortnight working trial, generous leave policies, and a strong commitment to professional development, we foster a supportive culture where innovation thrives. Located on the beautiful Sussex Campus, just a stone's throw from Brighton & Hove, our dynamic environment encourages collaboration and creativity, making it an excellent place for ambitious leaders to grow and succeed.

University of Sussex Students' Union

Contact Details:

University of Sussex Students' Union Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of commercial operations

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We think you need these skills to ace Head of commercial operations

Strategic Leadership
Commercial Acumen
Innovation Management
Financial Planning
Budget Management
Performance Target Setting
Customer Service Excellence

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