Job Description

About Reading Students' Union

Reading Students' Union (RSU) exists to represent, support, and enhance the experience of students at the University of Reading. Through a combination of representation, activities, and commercial services, RSU reinvests income back into services that directly benefit students.


Our commercial operations play a vital role in generating sustainable income while delivering high-quality, student-focused experiences across our venues, events, and services.

Business Development Manager (Maternity Cover)

Location:

Reading, UK

Salary:

Circa 41,000 (dependent on experience)

Contract:

Full Time, 37.5 hours per week (annualised hours)


(Evening and weekend working required in line with business needs)

Reports to:

Director of Commercial Services

Responsible for:

Events and Partnerships Manager

Role Purpose

We are looking for a Business Development Manager (Maternity Cover) to lead the

commercial growth and income generation strategy

for Reading Students' Union, maximising revenue across media sales, sponsorship, advertising, entertainments, events, conferences, and room bookings.


Working in close partnership with the Trading Operations Manager, the role ensures that commercial opportunities are

strategically sound, operationally deliverable, and aligned with Reading Students' Union values and the student experience

.

Check out our exciting new strategy and candidate information pack.

Summary of Key Responsibilities

Lead business development activity to grow income across all commercial streams Maximise revenue from media sales, sponsorship, and advertising Drive income through events, entertainments, conferences, and room hire Develop strategic partnerships with external organisations and University stakeholders Collaborate with the Trading Operations Manager to ensure operational feasibility, delivery and commercial success Manage sales performance, targets, pipelines, and reporting

Detailed Responsibilities

Commercial Strategy & Income Growth

Develop and implement a commercial income growth strategy aligned with the Students' Union Commercial Development Plan Identify new commercial opportunities and diversify income streams Maximise utilisation and profitability of RSU venues, spaces, and platforms Review and refine pricing, packages, and offers to ensure competitiveness

Media Sales, Sponsorship & Advertising

Lead all media sales activity, including digital screens, print advertising, online platforms, and event sponsorship Create attractive sponsorship and advertising packages for brands and partners Build and maintain strong relationships with advertisers, agencies, and sponsors Ensure all commercial partnerships align with RSU values and ethical standards

Events, Entertainments & Room Bookings

Drive commercial income from entertainment programming, club nights, conferences, and external hires Identify opportunities for external promoters, corporate clients, and University departments Work with the Trading Operations Manager to ensure events and bookings are operationally viable Support the development of a strong, commercially successful events calendar

Partnership Working

Act as a key commercial contact for external organisations and University departments Work collaboratively with Marketing, Venues, Events, and Student Activities teams Build strong internal relationships to ensure joined-up commercial planning and delivery

Sales Performance, Reporting & Governance

Set, manage, and deliver against income targets and budgets Maintain accurate sales pipelines and forecasts Produce regular performance and income reports Ensure compliance with RSU policies, governance, and commercial procedures

Person Specification - Business Development Manager

Essential

Experience

Proven experience in business development, event delivery, sales, or commercial income generation Experience developing and delivering sales strategies Track record of achieving or exceeding income targets Experience working with operational teams in hospitality, events, or venue environments

Skills & Knowledge

Strong commercial and negotiation skills Excellent verbal and written communication skills Ability to build effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders Strong organisational, reporting, and forecasting skills

Personal Attributes

Commercially focused and results-driven Collaborative and partnership-oriented Confident, adaptable, and professional Values-driven and committed to supporting students

Desirable

Experience in media sales, sponsorship, or advertising Experience in students' unions, higher education, hospitality, or events Knowledge of conference sales, venue hire, or entertainment programming Experience using CRM or sales management systems

Ready to make an impact?

Apply today and help us deliver outstanding services and experiences for our student community!