Head of Commercial Enterprises

We now have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Commercial Enterprises to join Stamford School. The main objective for the Head of Commercial Enterprises is to maximise profits in the Stamford Enterprise business that is then donated up to the School. They should bring an entrepreneurial approach to income generation and constantly seek to find the “extra 20%” from opportunities that others might miss.

Given the objective of maximising the annual donation to the School, the Head of Commercial Enterprises will seek opportunities for continuous improvement and margin growth. They will be financially and commercially astute, a confident negotiator, and able to work successfully with a wide range of stakeholders. The successful candidate will have a proven track record of success in income generation and leading teams in any of the not-for-profit, hospitality, education or other commercial sectors, and will bring highly developed commercial acumen, a spirit of entrepreneurship and an appetite to build a highly effective team. They will be comfortable working towards ambitious targets and KPIs. They will be able to work collaboratively with academic and other stakeholders, will have gravitas to sensitively influence key figures at the school and beyond. They will be a compassionate and competent leader, self-starter and have a desire to find opportunities where others may not.

Stamford Enterprises is the commercial arm of the School and is responsible for generating non-fee income from the School’s assets. The Department run all community and commercial events over the three campuses, which is currently residential lets, sports events, the swim school, and hospitality events (such as weddings). Enterprises also operates the School’s uniform shop.

During holiday periods, we can host and cater for large residential courses in our seven boarding houses. Our exceptional sports facilities attract numerous sporting organisations, high-profile clubs, and youth groups. Groups can utilise both our sporting and academic facilities to achieve their course objectives.

Our diverse range of venues ensures we have the perfect setting for any event, from intimate weddings or business conferences, to residential study or activity courses. With a spacious hospitality suite, stunning historic buildings, extensive academic facilities, and beautiful grounds and gardens, we are an ideal partner for all your business needs.

Key Responsibilities will include:

• Develop and implement the strategic and operational plans for Stamford Enterprises alongside the Director of Estates & Facilities, Chief Finance and Operating Officer, Principal and Enterprise board. Ensuring that suitable plans are in place to meet agreed targets and KPIs.
• Provide operational leadership of the Enterprise business units; currently: the school shop, the lettings business, and the sports centre.
• Ensure that the School's commercial activities achieve the most profitable use of the School's facilities, whilst realising the best possible balance with the interests of the pupils, staff and broader strategic aims.
• Work with the Director of Estates & Facilities to define the resources and personnel required to effectively deliver the Enterprise Strategy.
• Build on existing commercial lettings relationships to deliver growth and plan the longer-term strategy.
• Identify, implement and develop alternative sources of income beyond the existing Enterprise business that are in keeping with the schools’ values and objectives.
• Develop strong internal relationships to enable delivery of Enterprise activity through collaboration and effective control.
• Make strategic commercial decisions for complex contracts, supported by thorough analysis and investment assessments.
• Ensure that all commercial activities meet or improve on budget, cost and efficiency targets in line with business objectives.

Essential Criteria

• Educated to degree level or by suitable relevant experience.
• Proven successful leadership experience in a senior position, managing, organising and motivating multi-disciplinary teams, including successfully managing change
• Proven experience of developing and implementing strategic, operational and financial plans and preparing related reports and proposals
• Acute commercial awareness and experience of leading and contributing towards a business achieving their commercial objectives (including sports, hospitality and/or events)
• Proven record of being targeted and results driven.
• Strong understanding of the education sector and the charitable objectives of independent schools. Previous experience of working in a school environment is desirable, but not essential.
• In-depth understanding and knowledge of the competitive landscape, to ensure informed and relevant decisions are made when formulating strategies.
• Excellent networking, collaboration, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Be an outstanding communicator (written and oral) with exceptional interpersonal skills.
• A strategic thinker, with dynamism, creative flair, resilience and sound judgement.
• A highly visible leader who is able to work both independently and as a key team member, with energy and ambition to inspire and empower colleagues and wider stakeholders.

This is a full time position, that attracts an annual salary of circa £60,000.

Closing date for applications is the 15th December 2024. Interviews will be held the week commencing 6th January 2024

Further details, including a full list of responsibilities and person specification criteria, can be found in the applicant pack attached in the documents section via our website.

Please note that to be considered for this position, all applications must be formally submitted via our website link: https://candidates.every.education/portal/stamfordendowedschools/Vacancies/Details?advertKey=a6b67761-5797-4747-b0ad-4c69cf5f0220

Stamford Schools are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).