Job Description

Purpose of the Role

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Commercial and Operations Manager to drive sustainable growth, improve operational efficiency, and lead innovative income-generating initiatives across the Aldingbourne Country Centre and the wider Aldingbourne Trust. This role plays a vital part in ensuring that every visitor experience is engaging, inclusive, and memorable -- while supporting our mission to empower people with learning disabilities and autism to live fulfilling, independent lives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Commercial Growth

Develop and implement strategic initiatives to grow sustainable income across hospitality, retail, venue hire, events, and fundraising.
+ Identify and evaluate new commercial opportunities aligned with the Trust's mission and values.
+ Lead on business planning, creating robust financial models and forecasts to inform decision-making.
+ Ensure that all commercial activities remain inclusive, accessible, and socially responsible.

Visitor Experience & Engagement

Design and deliver engaging, inclusive, and accessible visitor experiences throughout the year.
+ Lead a creative approach to event programming -- from seasonal attractions to conferences and community events.
+ Use visitor data and feedback to drive continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.
+ Collaborate with marketing and engagement teams to promote a compelling and consistent visitor journey.
Collaborate with our service user support teams to develop internal enhanced opportunities for the people we support.

Operational Excellence

Oversee all aspects of site operations, including health & safety, safeguarding, maintenance, and compliance.
+ Ensure all operations meet statutory and environmental standards (COSHH, fire, food safety, licensing).
+ Drive efficiency through cost control measures and sustainable operational practices.
+ Champion continuous improvement across processes, systems, and service delivery.

Retail, Community & Hospitality Management

Lead the retail and catering operations to maximise profitability while upholding service excellence.
+ Oversee retail stock management, merchandising, and product development aligned with the ACC brand and provide opportunities for product sales at wider Trust events and fundraising activities.
+ Collaborate with marketing to increase footfall, average spend, and customer loyalty.
+ Ensure all hospitality services are inclusive and reflect the Trust's values of accessibility and community.
Develop wider stakeholder management, engagement, collaboration and networking opportunities

Financial & Resource Management

Develop and manage annual budgets, forecasts, and financial performance reports.
+ Analyse commercial performance and identify opportunities for revenue optimisation.
+ Ensure effective allocation of resources and robust financial control.
+ Report performance outcomes and insights to senior leadership and trustees.

People Leadership & Development

Inspire and lead a multidisciplinary team to deliver exceptional results.
+ Foster a culture of inclusion, empowerment, accountability, and professional growth.
+ Oversee recruitment, succession planning, and performance management.
+ Support workforce wellbeing and engagement in line with the Trust's values.

Working Pattern

Flexible working is required to support seven-day trading and evening or weekend events.

Essential Experience & Skills

Proven experience in leading commercial and operational functions within hospitality, visitor attractions, or related sectors.
+ Strong track record of delivering income growth through strategic planning and execution.
+ Sound financial acumen with experience in budget management, forecasting, and ROI analysis.
+ Demonstrated leadership in managing diverse teams across multiple disciplines.
+ Knowledge of health & safety, safeguarding, and compliance regulations.
+ Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
+ High digital literacy and data-driven decision-making capability.

Desirable Experience & Qualifications

Experience in the charity or social enterprise sector.
+ Background in inclusive visitor experience design, commercial enterprise or community engagement.
+ Understanding of multi-site operations and strategic facilities management.
+ Project Management qualification (e.g., PRINCE2, APM).
+ Experience in customer and visitor marketing engagement.

Why Join Us

At the Aldingbourne Trust, you'll join a forward-thinking charity that celebrates innovation, inclusion, and meaningful impact. Your leadership will directly help us create opportunities for people with learning disabilities and autism to thrive.


We offer a competitive benefits package including:

Contributory pension scheme 25 days annual leave (plus service-based increments) Life assurance (2x annual salary) Employee Assistance Programme Bicycle and eye care vouchers Discounted gym membership and staff discounts at Aldingbourne sites Peer support groups and wellbeing initiatives * 200 refer-a-friend scheme and staff awards programme