Commercial Manager

Bristol City Council; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A municipal government in England is seeking a Commercial / Business Development Manager to shape Bristol's waterfront. Key responsibilities include developing a commercial strategy, leading complex projects, and building stakeholder partnerships. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills and experience in commercial strategy development. In return, the role offers a supportive work environment with flexible arrangements and an excellent rewards package, including pension membership and generous annual leave.

Benefits

Flexible working

Membership of the Local Government Pension scheme

Generous annual leave allowance

Qualifications

• Proven experience in commercial strategy development and business growth.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage complex, high-risk projects.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.
• Financial acumen and experience in contract management.
• Knowledge of maritime, waterfront, or regeneration sectors would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Shape the future of Bristol's waterfront.
• Implement a forward-thinking commercial strategy.
• Identify and develop new business models.
• Lead complex, commercial projects and programmes.
• Forge strategic partnerships with stakeholders.

Skills

Commercial strategy development

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Financial acumen

Contract management

Job description

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Job description
Full Time, Permanent

About the Role

As Commercial / Business Development Manager, you will:

• Shape the future of Bristol's waterfront.
• Implement a forward-thinking commercial strategy aligned with the Harbour's operational and financial objectives.
• Identify and develop new business models, investment opportunities, and revenue streams across marine services, moorings, events, leisure, and waterfront development.
• Lead complex, commercial projects and programmes with confidence and clarity.
• Forge strategic partnerships with stakeholders locally, regionally, and nationally, including commercial operators, funding bodies, and regulatory authorities.
• Represent Bristol Harbour Authority at industry forums.
• Lead on commercial strategic planning initiatives, in conjunction with the Harbour's 5-Year Strategic and Business Plan, the Harbour's Place Shaping Strategy and its Commercial Prospectus and the Western Harbour Development.
• Drive commercial performance through robust financial controls, pricing strategies, and contract management.
• Embed a commercial mindset across operational teams while balancing innovation with compliance and risk management.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop commercial frameworks and policies that support growth and sustainability.
• Lead feasibility studies, business cases, and financial modelling for new ventures.
• Build strong, trust-based relationships with stakeholders and partners.
• Monitor and report on commercial performance, ensuring value-for-money outcomes.
• Act as a key liaison between the Harbour Authority and Bristol City Council, aligning with city-wide regeneration strategies.

About You

We're looking for a commercially astute, innovative, and collaborative leader who can navigate the complexities of a public-sector environment while delivering entrepreneurial outcomes.

You will bring:

• Proven experience in commercial strategy development and business growth.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage complex, high-risk projects.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.
• Financial acumen and experience in contract management.
• Knowledge of maritime, waterfront, or regeneration sectors would be advantageous.

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of Bristol Harbour, contributing to a vibrant, sustainable, and economically resilient waterfront. You'll work at the intersection of commerce, community, and culture, making a lasting impact on the city's maritime heritage and future.

Why Bristol City Council?

At Bristol City Council, we go that extra mile for our people; we offer a work environment which is fast moving and supportive, giving you the chance to use your skills and develop new ones within a high-profile organisation. For the majority of our roles hybrid working arrangements are available, giving teams the opportunity to work in a way that suits them, balancing service need and individual choice - mixing both home and office working.

Join us and you'll receive an excellent rewards package including flexible working and flexitime, membership of the Local Government Pension scheme, and a generous annual leave allowance. In addition, you'll be working in a supportive environment where you'll have the chance to make Bristol a better place and contribute to its future.

How do I apply?

If you share our values and are ready to be part of our exciting journey please select the apply button below.

To be shortlisted for interview you'll need to demonstrate how you meet each of the essential criteria in the Person Specification within the Further Information section of your application. On occasion we will receive high numbers of applications, we may then shortlist against the desirable criteria along with the essential criteria, so if you can, please demonstrate how you meet this in your application.

We're a Disability Confident employer which means we value recruiting and retaining disabled people. Any job applicants who consider themselves to be disabled and meet the essential criteria in the Person Specification are guaranteed an interview. We'll make reasonable adjustments throughout the interview process and provide continued workplace support throughout your career.

For further information, please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification or alternatively, please contact Tony Moore [e-mail]. At Bristol City Council, we value having a workforce as diverse as the city we serve. We therefore welcome, develop and promote people from all sections of the community. Appointments will be made on merit.

The personal information section (including your name) you'll complete as part of the application form will not be visible to hiring managers, but is used confidentially to make sure that everyone is treated fairly.