Head of Commercial Services - #1740429

Head of Commercial Services

Are you a dynamic commercial leader with a passion for customer experience and revenue growth? Do you have the vision and drive to transform unique spaces into vibrant, high-performing destinations?

If so, Capel Manor College invites you to lead its diverse commercial portfolio as our new Head of Commercial Services. As the Head of Commercial Services, you will lead the strategic and operational development of Capel Manor’s public-facing commercial activity.

From beautiful visitor attractions and events to hospitality, retail, and venue hire, you’ll be responsible for shaping an ambitious, high-quality offer that delights guests, supports learners, and drives income. You will design and implement a bold, customer-focused commercial strategy that maximises the value of our unique estate, deepens community and visitor engagement, and aligns with our educational mission.

The post holder will be responsible for delivering a high-impact commercial strategy focused on revenue growth and experience excellence. They will be leading a cross-functional team across events, visitor attractions, retail, and hospitality.

The post holder will help grow audience engagement and brand reach through data-led marketing and strategic events. They will be responsible for working with internal and external partners to create synergy between commercial and educational objectives and driving performance, quality, and profitability across all commercial services. The post holder will champion a culture of service excellence across every guest touchpoint.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in strategic and operational leadership within commercial services — ideally in visitor attractions, education, hospitality, or cultural sector. They will have experience managing income-generating activities and achieving commercial growth. the candidate will have strong business acumen and the ability to identify and deliver new income opportunities and hold inspirational leadership skills and the ability to develop a high-performing, customer-focused team.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Qualifications

 Possess a Level 2 qualification in English and Maths or a willingness to achieve within a specified period

 Relevant professional qualifications in business, events, marketing, or hospitality (desirable)

 Evidence of continuous professional development Experience

 A proven track record in strategic commercial leadership and operational delivery — ideally within visitor attractions, hospitality, education, leisure, or cultural sectors

 Experience of leading diverse income-generating services and improving both revenue and quality Skills, Abilities and Knowledge

 Commercially astute, with the ability to spot, evaluate, and deliver on opportunities

 Strategic thinker with a strong grasp of audience development, marketing, and customer insight

 Collaborative, inclusive leader with excellent communication and influencing skills

 Comfortable using data and feedback to guide decisions and drive improvement Other Factors

 Flexibility to work evenings and/or weekends

 An understanding of and commitment to safeguarding young people and vulnerable adults

 Ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries with children and young people/vulnerable adults

 Emotional resilience

 The ability and determination to promote equality, diversity and inclusion throughout all aspects of College life, including employment and service delivery

 Should the position involve regular driving, a clean driving licence is required