Director of Commercial Services

Are you looking to make an impact?

Imperial College Union is a hard working students union that is seeking to make a positive impact on the experiences and outcomes of all Imperial College students, from all backgrounds.  We’re looking for a new Director of Commercial Services that will help us deliver this mission, an exceptional passionate leader with extensive experience in developing and running high volume commercial services. You will have comprehensive experience in financial and people management and will have the ability to lead and develop teams to deliver outstanding services. You will bring a clear understanding of delivering change and increasing profitability.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join an organisation that has an exciting future ahead, in a fantastic location, within a vibrant community. Become part of our journey to be an exceptional students’ union that delivers outstanding commercial services.

Key accountabilities

The Director of Commercial Services is a member of the Students’ Union’s Senior Management Team, with shared corporate responsibility for the management of all services and activities undertaken by the organisation.

They will provides strategic leadership for the Commercial Directorate and is therefore responsible for the development and implementation of ICU strategy relating to Retail, Licenced Trade, Venues and Events. They will ensure the delivery and resourcing of operating plans, policy and operating procedures to ensure that the Union delivers its strategic objectives across its commercial services.

They will also be responsible for ensuring that the Union delivers excellent services for its members whilst meeting financial commitments as per the Union’s financial model and operational budgets. The post-holder will ensure that the Union values of integrity, democracy, inclusivity, accountability and ambition guide the work of the directorate, and will develop and maintain excellent working relationships with internal, College and external partners.

As a senior leader in the organisation, the Director of Commercial Services will take personal accountability for delivering projects, developments and strategic improvements within their remit.

Essential Requirements

·       Personal License holder with the ability to become Designated Premises Supervisor

·       Experience of balancing multiple large budgets (i.e. turnover of more than £2 million)

·       Experience of senior level management and leadership

·       Experience of leading multi-site commercial operations (including bars)

·       Experience of leading a team to deliver sustained, incremental improvement to their commercial performance and customer service

·       Effectively building partnerships to enhance the reputation of an organisation

·       Experience of negotiating significant and sophisticated contracts

·       Experience of leading a customer focused culture

·       An in-depth knowledge of multiple commercial services, including licensed premises (preferably within a wider organisation)

·       A solid understanding of Health and Safety legislation, COSHH and relevant standard process

·       Significant understanding of Licensing Law and the requirements for operating licensed premises

·       Ability to work in a complex environment with the skills to develop positive relationships with a range of partners

·       Strong project management skills

·       Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to relate to and communicate efficiently with people at all levels

·       Generation and management of organisational change

·       Sound judgment and the self-confidence to handle competing priorities and an ambitious workload in a pressurized environment

·       Excellent business insight and financial expertise

·       Values, Attitudes & Personal Style

·       Evidence of commitment to continuing personal and professional development

·       A leader on equality of opportunity who values diversity and removes barriers to equality

·       An excellent role model who promotes high standards of probity, integrity, and honesty

·       A strong commitment to working in a democratic and student-led environment

Further Information

As well as a highly competitive salary, working at the Students’ Union means you’ll be part of an exciting and progressive environment. Whilst the Union is fully independent, all of our staff are on Imperial College employment contracts meaning that you will gain access to a fantastic range of benefits including:

·       Flexible working hours

·       39 to 40 days annual leave per year including bank holiday and Christmas closure

·       Generous pension scheme with employer contribution of 21.6%

·       Discounted membership of the College ‘s innovative gym and sports facilities

·       Health benefits such as free eye tests and well person screenings

·       A comprehensive range of training and development opportunities including access to the College’s full People and Organisational Development Programme

·       Other benefits including Bicycle loan scheme and Season ticket loan

To apply for this role please complete the online application form.

Should you require any further details on the role please contact the People Team at [email protected]

Closing date: 13th April 2023 at 12 Noon

Long list interviews: 20 April (Remote)

Final stage interviews: 27 April (On Site)