Director of Commercial Enterprise - Candidate Information Pack

We are delighted that you are interested in joining the Senior Leadership Team at Reading Students’ Union during this exciting stage of our development. Our vibrant campus and social spaces are brimming with students who are eager for fresh, memorable experiences, which means there is huge potential for growth and innovation in our commercial offerings That's where you come in

We're on the lookout for a Director of Commercial Enterprise, someone who's well-versed in the world of licensed trade, events, and experiences Whilst our SU has seen its fair share of wins, including the ongoing success of our very own annual student festival, the Reading SU Summer Ball - we're not ones for sticking with the status quo. With over 19,000 students forming part of Reading’s dynamic campus life, the opportunities for innovation and transformation are huge

We’re looking for a leader who's both strategic and hands-on While big-picture thinking is crucial, we value someone who isn't afraid to get stuck in with the day-to-day operations too Our goal is not just to maintain our current offerings, but to diversify and expand We're keen to explore new avenues, from reimagining our food and beverage spaces to introducing creative ventures that boost our income and resonate with our student community

Reading SU is more than just a students’ union; it's at the heart of a thriving student community And we want our commercial spaces to be the vibrant hubs that students gravitate towards We've built a strong foundation and with the right leadership, we're confident we can elevate the student experience to new levels and fulfil our mission of helping students have the best time

If you're passionate about shaping successful commercial ventures and creating unforgettable experiences, we’d love to hear from you We hope you’re as excited as we are to lead the future of Reading SU’s commercial landscape

Ceri Davies Interim CEO

ABOUTREADINGSU

Reading Students' Union (Reading SU) exists to improve the lives of over 19,000 University of Reading students, every day.

An independent, student-led charity, everything we do is student inspired and, as a not-for-profit organisation, all funds raised through our activities are passed right back into the students’ union to benefit students

Our charitable purpose is the advancement of the education of students at the University of Reading for the public benefit, and we achieve this by:

Promoting the interests and welfare of students at the University of Reading during their course of study and representing, supporting, and advising students; Being the recognised representative channel between students and the University of Reading and any other external bodies; and

Providing social, cultural, sporting, and recreational activities and forums for discussions and debate for the personal development of our students.

Our mission is to provide a platform for good, creating a community where all voices are equal, and everyone is free and safe to express themselves, enjoy good times with friends and feel supported on their path through University, leading to a brighter future for all!

VISION&VALUES

Our vision is to be a strong, inclusive and dynamic Students’ Union that is central to the student experience. We want the SU to be a place for everyone, where students are inspired and empowered to change the world.

VALUES

Student-Led

We put students at the heart of everything we do, they shape our work and we empower them to improve their experience

Inclusive

We seek to challenge inequalities and create diverse spaces, activities and services that are accessible for all students from all backgrounds.

Purposeful

We are bold, principled, and strive to be a force for good. We are relentlessly focused on students and are not afraid to challenge the status quo

Accountable

We will ensure that we are transparent and fair in what we say and do.

Democracy drives us We will be honest when we get things wrong and always seek to learn from each other

Sustainable

We will champion sustainability in all that we do and harness opportunities to collectively make a difference

HOWWE’RERUN

Finance&Funding

Our annual income is just over £5 million. We receive some of our funding from the University which is given to us each year in the form of a block grant Our commercial services, bars, catering, events, and business development generate almost £2 million in turnover. Collectively, they make a significant contribution to the SU and student experience at Reading

TrusteeBoard

Our Board of Trustees has overall responsibility for ensuring that we act within the best interests of Reading students It includes 5 Full-Time Officers, 4 Student Trustees and 3 External Trustees who volunteer their time and professional expertise to support us

Our Structure

Membership Engagement

Student Activities

Student Voice & Representation

Advice Service

Digital Systems

Campaigns & Marketing

CEO & Senior Leadership Team

People, Finance & Resources Commercial Enterprise

Finance

HR

Nursery

Bars & Ents

Events, Partnerships & Commercial Marketing

Trustee Board

Elected Officers

OURLEADERSHIPTEAM

As an independent, democratic membership organisation, we are unbiased when working with the University on issues affecting students and campaign for the changes that our members want to see Each year, our student members elect five Fulltime Officers who are the driving force behind our organisation, making sure students' voices, ideas and opinions are heard

IshAaSujau SophieJordan EdwardGregory ShaniyaDyer GabeJames Welfare Officer Education Officer President Activities & Opportunities Officer Inclusion & Communities Officer

COMMERCIALENTERPRISE

We're unique and proud of it every penny spent in our commercial outlets goes right back into supporting the fantastic activities and services we offer to our students.

Eat,Drink,Shop

At Reading SU, we're all about creating unforgettable experiences We want every student to live their best uni life, no matter their interests. From our summer ball and sell-out union club nights, to chilled events to help students unwind, there's always something happening. And let's not forget our Freshers' Week which is packed with events and activities to help students discover new interests and opportunities

Events&Entertainment

Reading SU is the heart of the University campus It's where students come to relax, grab a bite, get their hands on University merch, or enjoy a drink Our cafes, bars, and fruit and veg market are all here to provide for students, staff, and visitors We're more than just a place to eat and drink, we're a community hub Whether it’s a coffee break, a hearty meal, the best night out, or even a haircut, students can find it at the Students’ Union

3sixty is a multi-purpose venue which hosts an array of activities, events and entertainment throughout the day and night, to cater to everyone’s taste This is our largest venue and after a £3 million refurbishment in 2018, hosts 3 bars over 2 levels, making it

the largest capacity nightclub venue in Reading!

The area provides space for all of the Union’s major events including the weekly fresh fruit and veg market, Job Fairs, Vintage Fair, big debates, and our popular Wednesday and Saturday Union nights.

Our student groups also practice here and our drama, dance, and cultural societies use it for their shows and performances.

This fantastic space is also home to Reading SU’s Wellbeing Hub, providing a chillout space for students to find peace and quiet (whilst resting in a massage chair) throughout the day

WORKING AT READING SU

OurLocation

Imagine your new place of work, set in 130 hectares of beautiful parkland and one of Britain’s top green spaces Not only is Whiteknights campus a thriving community hosting a wide range of activities and events, it also offers a wonderful place to relax when you need a bit of downtime

Our main address is Whiteknights, Pepper Lane, Reading, RG6 6EH We also have a presence at the London Road and Greenlands

Campuses

FlexibleWorking

We’re keen on making sure our colleagues thrive both at wo and in their personal lives We know that a lot of the Directo Commercial & Enterprise’s work will be most impactful whe delivered in person, and as a senior leader of the organisati we also want them to be a champion of positive well-being work-life balance So, we’re happy to talk about flexible and hybrid working options during the application and selection process. We can’t guarantee to accommodate every sugges but we do promise to work together to find an approach tha will help both you and Reading SU be at our best

Benefits&Perks

A total of 35 days’ holiday, increasing with length of service, and a holiday purchase scheme

Paid volunteering leave

Enhanced parental leave, 18 weeks’ full pay for new parents and occupational sick pay

Access to health and fitness facilities on campus at a reduced rate for you and your family

Onsite nursery for 0-5 year olds offering quality childcare in a convenient location

Perkbox and a free NUS Totum Card

Take part in University events, including the Summer Ball

Onsite car parking and car share scheme

Access to the University Library

OURCOMMITMENTTOINCLUSION

We believe strongly in the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace We’re proud of the work we do and constantly strive to create a fairer and more equitable experience for everyone in our community

Our campaigning includes lots of successful work to break down barriers for our members, including:

Decolonise the Curriculum - to ensure that the academic experience at Reading is racially diverse and culturally enriching

Never OK - to highlight the importance of respect and tolerance in our University community

Knight’s Pride - championing LGBTQ+ students in sport

I ♥ Consent - to raise awareness and understanding about sexual assault and misconduct

Time To Talk - to support the mental health of our students

Despite all of our hard work, we know that we’re not as diverse as we’d like to be as a workplace and we’re actively working to change that.

We recognise that we achieve more with a talented group of diverse individuals, who bring different experiences and perspectives that enable us to represent the full range of student voices at the University of Reading

We would particularly welcome applications from candidates from Global Majority backgrounds and those who are disabled, as these groups are currently under-represented within our Senior Leadership Team

ABOUT THE ROLE

JobTitle

SalaryRange

Reportsto

Responsiblefor

Location

WorkingHours

Director of Commercial Services

£56,000 per year

Chief Executive Officer

Events, Partnerships & Commercial Marketing Manager, Operations Manager (Bars & Ents)

Whiteknights, Pepper Lane, Reading, RG6 6EH

37 5 hours per week, to be worked flexibly and in line with operational and seasonal demands

Purpose

To develop and deliver a commercial strategy that maximises trading income and profitability of the students’ union for future investment

To deliver activities which further the student’s union’s wider strategy, aims and values.

To lead the commercial management team to success setting clear key performance indicators, developing plans and strategies to increase and diversify income potential.

Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Development

Develop and implement a comprehensive commercial strategy aligned with the goals and values of the Students' Union and complementary to the university’s strategic intent where possible

Ensure that business operations are supported by robust financial models

Identify opportunities to expand and enhance the commercial services, including the licensed premises, through market research and analysis

Collaborate with the senior management team to align commercial initiatives with the overall organizational strategy

Ensure long-term horizon scanning, particularly of the licensed trade in students’ unions and the Reading nighttime economy to ensure sound investment and strategic decision-making

ABOUT THE ROLE

Responsibilities(continued)

Financial Management

Prepare and manage the commercial services budget, ensuring financial targets are met and profitability is maximized

Monitor and analyse financial performance, identifying areas for improvement and implementing appropriate measures

Ensure robust agreements with vendors, suppliers, and partners to optimize costeffectiveness and service quality

Produce well researched capital investment plans with clear indicators of success and return on investment targets.

Manage the delivery of capital investment projects in partnership with University Estates Department where appropriate.

Compliance

Oversee the day-to-day operations of the licensed premises, ensuring compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and health and safety standards and in keeping with good practice.

Manage the bar and catering services, including rigorous stock control, purchasing, pricing, and quality control.

Participate in appropriate quality award schemes eg Best Bar None, Purple Flag Scheme as agreed with the CEO

Marketing and Promotion

Ensure that pricing and ticketing strategies to maximise profit and engagement are in place and subject to regular review and revision

Develop and implement marketing strategies to attract customers and promote the licensed premises as a preferred destination for students and the wider community including the use of relevant digital and social media platforms

ABOUT THE ROLE

Responsibilities(continued)

Lead, motivate and inspire a team of commercial services staff, providing clear direction, guidance, and support

Foster a positive departmental culture, encouraging teamwork, collaboration, and excellent customer service

Identify staff training and development needs, organizing appropriate training programs to enhance skills and knowledge

·Manage the student staff team effectively ensuring a positive developmental experience and driving productivity improvements.

Delivery

Continuously evaluate and improve customer experience, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty

Implement customer feedback mechanisms to gather insights and drive service improvements

Ensure that arrangements are in place to maintain all business premises clean and in good order

Ensure appropriate back office tools are in place to support the needs of the business and drive performance eg: rota software, Epos and stock control systems

Handle customer complaints and resolve issues promptly and effectively

Ensure that admission decisions and any licensee bans are monitored to ensure that all student demographic groups are treated fairly and equitably

Manage the relationship and service contract with our SIA contractor ensuring that value for money and excellent customer service are achieved

Staff Leadership and Development

ABOUT THE ROLE

Responsibilities(continued)

Stakeholders

Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including student representatives, staff, the Students' Union executive, and University representatives.

Collaborate with external partners, sponsors, and suppliers to enhance services and explore partnership opportunities

Represent the Students' Union at relevant events, meetings, and industry forums

Other Duties

·Attend board and committee meetings as appropriate

Be an active participant in SLT meetings. Produce reports as requested

Engage in own professional development

Be able to give and receive constructive feedback

·Other duties commensurate with the role

ABOUT YOU

Experience developing commercial strategies to increase income. Experience managing high-volume commercial operations, ideally within a hospitality or similar environment

Experience establishing commercial performance targets aligned with strategic goals

Experience researching, evaluating, and obtaining buy-in to new business propositions.

Skills&Abilities

Able to present strategy, plans, and proposals at a senior level

Strong financial acumen and ability to ensure effective budgeting, financial analysis, and cost control.

Demonstrable ability to lead and manage high performance, by motivating and inspiring diverse individuals and teams.

Capable of engaging, influencing, collaborating, and negotiating with stakeholders at all levels

Able to apply strategic thinking and creative problem-solving skills

Able to demonstrate knowledge of legislation, regulations, and health & safety standards relating to licensed premises.

An understanding of the Reading SU’s diverse membership and how this shapes the SU’s commercial services.

Values&Behaviour

A demonstrable commitment to Reading SU’s strategy and values

Able to demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.

An interest in and commitment to working as part of a democratic, student-led organisation and to championing equity and inclusion,

Closingdate

Monday16thOctober -12pm(noon)

ApplicationTimeline

ClosingDate: Monday 16th October

YourApplication

FirstStageInterviews: Thursday 26th October

SecondStageInterviews: Thursday 2nd November

Please apply online, after reading the full candidate pack

You will be asked to complete some personal details, send an up-to-date CV, and answer the following questions:

What makes you a great fit for Reading SU, and how do your values align with ours?

Tell us about your innovative approach to developing engaging services and memorable events

What skills would you bring to the role that you believe would be most impactful in increasing Reading SU’s commercial income?

Click here to apply

OurRecruitmentPartners

Yourapplicationwillbereceivedbyourrecruitmentpartner, AtkinsonHR Pleasedirectallenquiriestotheminthefirstinstance byemailingsannah@atkinsonhrconsultingcouk