Commercial Director

Shorefields; Colchester; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff discount for School fees

Enhanced employee assistance programme

Occupational health support

Lunch available during term-time

Tea and coffee facilities provided

Pleasant working grounds and location

Free parking on site

Bike2Work Scheme

Job summary

St Mary's Independent School in Colchester seeks a Commercial Director to lead the development and growth of non-fee income across its two sites, focusing on facilities hire, lettings, holiday programmes and partnerships. An initial 8-12 week feasibility phase will establish the commercial baseline, test demand and create a clear pipeline.

The role owns the end-to-end commercial proposition, including pricing, marketing, securing customers, and evaluating financial performance, with

Qualifications

• Experience in commercial management or business development is advantageous.
• Ability to develop, price and market new income streams.
• Strong stakeholder management and financial evaluation skills.

Responsibilities

• Identify markets and opportunities for non-fee income.
• Develop and price the off er, market and sell facilities.
• Secure customers and partnerships; negotiate arrangements.
• Manage customer relationships and evaluate financial performance.

Job description

Job Ref No. ECC0-122S Position Type: Administration Pay Range: £40,000 basic (full time equivalent)

Position Start Date: Immediate Contract Type: Part-time Contract Term: Fixed

Application Close: 19/10/2026 4pm Date of Interviews: On a rolling basis

St Mary's Independent School is looking for an enthusiastic and hardworking Commercial Director.

The Commercial Director will lead the development and growth of non fee income across St Mary's two sites, maximising the commercial potential of the School's facilities, estate and assets. The postholder will develop and deliver a 3-5 year commercial strategy focused on facilities hire, lettings, holiday programmes, partnerships and other appropriate income generating opportunities.

The role begins with an 8-12 week feasibility and business case phase to establish the commercial baseline, test demand, assess pricing and costs, prioritise opportunities and create a clear commercial pipeline. All activity must remain compatible with the School's educational purpose, safeguarding responsibilities, values, reputation and operational requirements.

The Commercial Director will own the end-to-end commercial proposition: identifying markets and opportunities, developing and pricing the off er, marketing and selling facilities, securing customers and partnerships, negotiating arrangements, managing customer relationships and evaluating financial performance.

The postholder will also provide commercial input into longer-term estate and capital planning, identifying where investment could increase utilisation, generate additional income or strengthen the School's commercial proposition.

St Mary's is an Independent day school in Colchester, Essex for girls aged 4-16 and with a Kindergarten for children age 2-4. Our vision is to empower girls to thrive at school and beyond, and the Lower School has been ranked 12th highest performing Preparatory Schools in England by the Sunday Times. Many girls achieve scholarships to senior school, and we have an impressive 11+ pass rate for those who choose to sit the exam. At our Senior School, excellent GCSE results are achieved each year. We're able to achieve such success by tailoring the education to suit the needs of each individual in our small classes and by giving the girls the encouragement and support they need to aim high.

Benefits of working for St Mary's include:

• Staff discount for School fees (subject to qualifying criteria)
• Enhanced employee assistance programme including counselling sessions, coaching, and 24-hour helpline
• Occupational health support
• Lunch available during term-time
• Tea and coffee facilities provided
• Pleasant working grounds and location
• Free parking on site
• Friendly team
• Bike2Work Scheme

Information about the School

St Mary's School is a happy, high achieving independent day school for girls aged 4-16 years with a Kindergarten for children age 2-4 years. We are a member of the Girls’ Schools Association, Independent Association of Preparatory Schools and the Independent Schools Association.

At St Mary’s, we believe that girls are remarkable and have different educational needs. With us, girls will be inspired, build resilience, advance academically, learn what interests her and grow. We understand that the girls’ wellbeing matters and is critical to achieving. Girls at St Mary’s are not only self-confident and capable, but also kind and considerate.

Parents want the world for their daughters – and so do we. When she leaves us, she’ll be empowered to rise to the challenges and the opportunities the world presents.

We have a low staff turnover at St Mary’s, but occasionally we are in the position to invite suitably qualified individuals to join our friendly, close-knit team.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.

Documents

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St Mary's is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All candidates must be willing to undergo enhanced child protection screening.