Job Description

Wishford Education is a leading provider of independent education in the UK. When our pupils are not using the fantastic facilities at our schools and nurseries, we need to make sure they're earning an income to offset our running costs and keep our fees as competitive as possible. As a result, in a very competitive market, our commercial activities are an increasingly important part of our business.

We are seeking a motivated, entrepreneurial and highly organised Commercial Manager to support the growth and delivery of a diverse portfolio of events across the group's schools, with a particular focus on Westonbirt School (near Tetbury, Gloucestershire).

We offer high quality weddings, private and corporate dinners, wellbeing retreats, Christmas parties and lots more. Our sites are used for our residential and day activity camps, swim school, tennis and golf lessons, and more. We host film shoots, antiques fairs, film festivals and third-party residential sports camps and choir groups. Our sports pitches, halls and theatres, boarding houses and other facilities are available to hire. In addition, we run a fleet of minibuses and coaches and have a portfolio of residential properties available to let. In short, there are endless possibilities for a creative Commercial Manager!

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in the sales and management of high-quality events and will enjoy the challenge of growing the business and meeting targets. They will have the exceptional communication and organisational skills necessary to deliver excellence and will be able to work confidently and sensitively within a school environment.

Reports to: Head of Business Development

Hours, Salary & Benefits:

Hours: Full-time, year-round permanent position, based on 40 hours per week. A flexible approach to working hours is essential, including regular evening and weekend working, in line with the needs of the business.

Based at Westonbirt School with travel to other settings in the group where necessary.

Salary: 40,000 plus performance-related bonus

Benefits:

5% employer pension EV scheme with Octopus Cycle to work scheme and shopping discounts Means tested staff discount 25 days holiday + bank holidays pa, with the opportunity to purchase an additional 2 weeks Access to the group's counselling scheme Access to fully funded apprenticeships Personal accident at work cover Flexible working patterns, hybrid working available

What You'll Be Doing:

Business Development, Sales & Marketing:

Own and manage the Commercial activity calendar Plan and execute sales activities to ensure revenue targets are achieved Work closely with the marketing team to plan and implement suitable marketing activities to support the delivery of sales targets and ensure all marketing and communication is on brand and maintaining the highest standards. Maintain strong relationships with existing clients and suppliers to ensure retention and growth. Drive new business by identifying and securing new clients through networking, outreach and proactive sales. Identify and pursue opportunities for business growth through partnerships, new markets, and innovative event concepts Build and maintain a strong network of industry contacts to support ongoing business development Analyse sales, marketing, and financial reports to inform strategy and improve performance Develop accurate and competitive bids in collaboration with relevant departments Research and present new clients and event opportunities to the Management Team Produce timely and accurate reporting on sales pipeline and bookings Identify opportunities to leverage commercial events to promote the group's schools and nurseries

Event Management:

Lead the planning and execution of all Commercial activities Work closely with the schools and the wider commercial team, ensuring clear and timely communication and a joined-up approach to delivering excellent events Produce detailed event proposals including managing budgets, staffing, timelines, venues, suppliers and legal obligations Manage the team of duty managers and events staff; oversee their professional development, so that event delivery can increasingly be delegated to this team Manage all pre-event planning, on-site coordination, and post-event evaluation Oversee event logistics including catering, venue setup, travel, and guest experience Ensure smooth event delivery by coordinating suppliers, managing client communications, and troubleshooting in real-time Manage and coordinate event staff, including recruitment, training and scheduling Supervise event setup and breakdown, ensuring efficient use of resources and timely venue clearance Work closely with our residential camps, day camps, leisure and sports teams to support delivery, taking responsibility for ensuring the provision of 'house' services including catering, housekeeping and transport Report in a timely and accurate manner on the successes and lessons learnt from events.

Operational & Financial:

Ensure excellent communication with the schools, wider commercial team and group so that events run smoothly Manage daily commercial operations, contract negotiations, production planning and staffing Liaise closely with the finance team to ensure budgets are agreed, invoices are issued and payments received in a timely manner Recruit and train staff as required, ensuring Safer Recruitment policies are followed in every respect and working closely with the HR team Ensure all events comply with relevant insurance, contracts, and liability requirements Ensure suitable risk assessments are in place for all events and that these have been agreed with the school well in advance Maintain a thorough understanding of Safeguarding, undertake training as required and follow all relevant policies at all times

Person Specification:

A friendly, professional individual with the resilience and adaptability to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment. Demonstrated experience managing high quality events Proven track record of sales and business development Strong understanding of supplier management, contracts, and event-related legalities Confidence in handling complex logistics and high-pressure situations Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership skills A proactive, solutions-focused mindset with a passion for delivering exceptional experiences
Full details can be found in the job description - https://wishford.co.uk/vacancy/commercial-manager/

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: Up to 40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Cycle to work scheme Discounted or free food Employee discount Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking
Work Location: In person