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- Tasks: Lead commercial growth and develop innovative strategies for Wells Cathedral.
- Company: Join the iconic Wells Cathedral, celebrating 850 years of heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous holiday, and staff discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on visitor experiences and heritage engagement.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in commercial operations and a passion for heritage.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to shape the future of a historic landmark.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Our new Commercial Operations Director will be an inspiring leader who will drive commercial growth. You will lead the development and delivery of a strong and successful Commercial Strategy for Wells Cathedral and Vicars' Close, to support the Cathedral's Strategic Plan including the celebration of 850 years since the Cathedral's foundation. We are seeking a forward-thinking Commercial Operations Director to lead and oversee commercial innovation and growth to inspire a wider range of people to visit the Cathedral with a creative and engaging approach.
You will have a demonstrable successful track record at a senior level and be an experienced operator and a creative problem solver. You will inspire and motivate your teams and set a clear shared vision for your department. You will be passionate about identifying emerging trends, technologies and consumer behaviours and working collaboratively across all teams to maximise income generation opportunities. You will be entrepreneurial and highly focused with a real enthusiasm for the internationally important heritage and visitor experience of the Cathedral and the exciting new visitor experience being developed with the Vicars' Close project.
As a commercial leader, you will bring experience in managing large budgets, along with a commercially skilled approach and a high level of self-motivation. The ability to meet demanding targets within tight deadlines will be essential. You’ll relish this role if you’re ambitious, focused, commercially astute and committed to providing outstanding customer experiences. We’re looking for someone to support our ambition to be the country’s most joyful cathedral!
Purpose of job
- You will be an inspiring leader promoting a positive and collaborative culture developing, supporting and managing the Cathedral's Commercial Teams.
- You will work closely with the Marketing team to create campaigns to promote the visitor offer and attract new audiences.
- Set and deliver ambitious financial targets, maximising profitability and developing new income streams across ticket sales, group trade and commercial operations, such as Shop, Café, and working closely with the Events team.
- Develop and successfully implement the Commercial Strategy to underpin this work.
- Work closely with COO and Chief Finance Officer to analyse and act on business data and to develop organisational performance measures that monitor progress towards financial targets.
- Working closely with the Vicars' Close project team to develop and implement an exciting Visitor journey with a compelling, integrated and exciting whole site approach across the Cathedral and Vicars' Close.
- Build visitor satisfaction and reputation with excellent customer service across all areas and develop creative programming with the Creative Facilitator to engage and inspire.
- Develop and implement an enticing and appealing retail strategy that offers a bespoke and creative range of merchandise aligned with the Cathedral's heritage and visitor experience.
- Ensure that operations are managed in a cost-effective way that maximises profit for the benefit of the Cathedral's charitable cause.
- Use visitor insights and sales analytics to identify trends, forecast demand, and adjust and adapt strategies accordingly.
- Successfully lead and develop a high performing visitor facing team (staff & volunteers), setting & monitoring personal objectives that achieve excellent customer service standards.
- Ensure compliance with all statutory and legal requirements.
Person Specification
- Significant experience of senior leadership role.
- Extensive track record of driving profitability across multiple income streams in an audience focused industry.
- Significant and evidenced success in setting and delivering stretching income targets and developing profitable new income streams.
- Experience of working with multifunctional teams to develop high quality product for programming and refreshment of the offer.
- Ability to analyse business data and draw evidenced conclusions for implementation.
- Leading and managing a multifunctional team.
- Managing operational risk & compliance.
Desirable: Recent senior experience within a heritage or visitor attractions environment.
Skills
- Strong commercial aptitude, results focused, analytical and highly numerate.
- Strong organisational and leadership skills, with a successful track record of leading and developing diverse teams.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to juggle multiple priorities calmly & effectively.
- Customer and audience focused.
Knowledge
- Clear understanding of what makes a world class visitor experience.
- Legal compliance, health and safety and risk management requirements and systems.
Interview date: Round 1 (online) 19th February 2026, Round 2 (in person) 24th February 2026. Closing date: 12th February 2026.
Main Terms and Conditions
- Employment status: Full-time, permanent.
- Hours of work: 35 hours per week.
- Remuneration: £60k per annum.
- Holiday: 6.6 weeks per annum inclusive of bank holidays.
Commercial Operations Director in England employer: WELLS CATHEDRAL-1
Contact Detail:
WELLS CATHEDRAL-1 Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Operations Director in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks 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
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will not only help you answer questions but also show your genuine interest in the role and the Cathedral's vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your creativity! When discussing your experience, highlight innovative solutions you've implemented in previous roles. For a position like Commercial Operations Director, demonstrating your ability to think outside the box can really set you apart.
✨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 our team and contributing to the exciting future of Wells Cathedral.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Operations Director in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for heritage and visitor experiences shine through. We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission to create joyful experiences at Wells Cathedral.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in commercial operations and leadership. We’re looking for specific examples of how you’ve driven growth and inspired teams in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your achievements and how they relate to the role. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
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 at Wells Cathedral.
How to prepare for a job interview at WELLS CATHEDRAL-1
✨Know Your Commercial Strategy
Before the interview, dive deep into the Cathedral's current commercial strategy and its goals. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their vision for growth and innovation. This shows you’re not just interested in the role but are genuinely invested in their mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a potential leader, it’s crucial to articulate your leadership style. Prepare examples of how you've inspired teams in the past, especially in high-pressure situations. Highlight your ability to motivate and set a clear vision, as this is key for the role.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since managing large budgets is essential, come ready to discuss your experience with financial targets and income generation. Use specific metrics from your previous roles to illustrate your success in driving profitability and managing costs effectively.
✨Engage with Visitor Experience Insights
Familiarise yourself with trends in visitor experiences, particularly in heritage sites. Be ready to share innovative ideas on enhancing visitor engagement and satisfaction. This will show that you understand the importance of creating memorable experiences for diverse audiences.
