Associate Director Of Commercial Services

The Management Recruitment Group; Leicester Forest East; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Leicester is seeking an Associate Director of Commercial Services to lead their estates commercial portfolio. This role focuses on strategic leadership, revenue generation, and maintaining high-quality services. The ideal candidate should have a proven track record in commercial leadership and a strong commitment to enhancing student experience and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of the university's estates commercial portfolio.
• Develop and deliver a university-wide commercial strategy aligned with institutional priorities.
• Act as the university's lead advisor on all estate's commercial matters.

Job description

About De Montfort University

We believe our campus is one of the finest in the country; we have made a heavy investment in making it an exciting and inspiring place in which to study and work. Located in the heart of Leicester, DMU's campus blends the historical and the new, reflecting the great tradition of our home city and its buildings, while creating a legacy. Our buildings and facilities are all within walking distances of each other and only a five‑minute walk from the city centre. The centrepiece is the stunning Vijay Patel Building with an open top roof seating area, the new home of our art and design courses. There is also our newly refurbished Campus Centre, home of the De Montfort Students' Union, our striking Hugh Aston building, for business and law, our magnificent 19th‑century Hawthorn building for health and life sciences, and many others.

Role Overview

The AD of Commercial Services provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of the university's estates commercial portfolio, driving commercial value with targeted growth in revenue and surplus for the University in support of the University's strategic ambitions. This includes developing and delivering a university‑wide commercial strategy aligned with institutional priorities and the Estates Masterplan, maximising income generation, ensuring the efficient delivery of high‑quality services, and maintaining a strong focus on student and academic experience. The post holder will act as the university's lead advisor on all estate's commercial matters, overseeing accommodation, catering, retail, conferencing, sport and leisure facilities and car parking while driving innovation, financial resilience and sustainability.

Responsibilities

Overall, this is one of the most innovative roles of its kind in the higher education sector, requiring a combination of commercial ability with a strong service ethos. You will be a leader who is passionate about people and culture with a proven track record in the development of resilient and high functioning teams. This is a post that will suit individuals who can adopt a long‑term approach to strategy alongside the rigours of ensuring best in class operations.

Contact

For a confidential discussion please contact our advisor James Gregory of The Management Recruitment Group.

Application Deadline

Closing date for online applications is Sunday 7th December 2025

Recruitment Agency

The Management Recruitment Group has been exclusively retained for this campaign. All direct and third‑party applications will be forwarded to them.