Head of Commercial

Job Summary

The Head of Commercial will drive the organisation's earned income strategy, developing sustainable commercial activity that strengthens Contact's financial resilience while aligning with its artistic and social mission.

Job Description

Salary: £35,000 per annum
Location: Contact (may work at other venues as required - hybrid)
Responsibilities: Commercial Services Manager
Reports to: Director of Finance
Team: All Teams
Hours: Full Time
Status: Permanent

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver a multi year commercial strategy that grows earned income across all business areas, identifying new opportunities that complement Contact's artistic and social purpose.
• Lead financial modelling, pricing strategies, and business cases for new ventures.
• Embed commercial thinking across the organisation through close partnership with the Senior Leadership Team.
• Oversee the growth of venue hire, conferencing, and events, ensuring a high quality customer experience.
• Develop and manage Contact's bar, café, and hospitality offer, maximising profitability while maintaining accessibility.
• Manage relationships with suppliers, contractors, and partners to ensure efficient and cost effective operations.
• Develop and manage commercial partnerships with businesses, agencies, and creative industries.
• Lead and manage a commercial team, ensuring operational delivery and staff development.

Job Requirements

Essential

• Significant experience in commercial management within the arts, hospitality, events, or creative industries.
• Proven track record of growing earned income and delivering profitable commercial operations.
• Strong financial literacy, including budgeting, forecasting, and business modelling.
• Excellent negotiation, partnership building, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience leading teams and managing operational delivery.
• Commitment to Contact's values: youth leadership, equity, creativity, and community impact.

Desirable

• Knowledge of Manchester's cultural, commercial, and hospitality landscape.
• Experience developing hospitality or retail offers in cultural venues.
• Understanding of social enterprise models and youth led business development.
• Experience working in a charity or publicly funded arts organisation.