Commercial Director

Abingdon School; England; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading independent educational institution is looking for a Commercial Director to lead its commercial division. The successful candidate will develop a commercial strategy to grow profits and manage a positive team culture. Ideal applicants will possess strategic thinking skills and relevant commercial experience in education or related fields. This full-time role offers competitive benefits including paid time off, pension contributions, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

25 days paid time off plus bank holidays

Up to 14.1% employer pension contribution

Private healthcare insurance

Free use of leisure facilities

Discounted school fees

Qualifications

• Relevant commercial experience in a senior role, ideally within education or related sectors.
• Proven track record in managing diverse income streams and achieving financial growth.
• Effective and inspiring leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a commercial strategy to grow profits.
• Lead and motivate the commercial team to meet financial goals.
• Identify new revenue opportunities and partnerships.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Revenue growth experience

Sales capabilities

Education

Degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Overview

Abingdon School is looking to appoint an ambitious, driven and commercially successful individual to be its Commercial Director.

Location: Abingdon Foundation, OX14 1DE

Job Type: Full Time, Permanent

Salary: Competitive

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

Work pattern: typically 08.30 - 17.00 Monday to Friday

Closing Date: 14 October 2025 (midday)

About Us

Abingdon School is a leading independent day and boarding school with more than 1,000 pupils aged 11-18. Currently a boys school, it will become co-educational from September 2026. Abingdon Prep School is a vibrant and warm day preparatory school with around 200 pupils aged 4-13 which has been co-educational since last year. Both Schools are situated in beautiful and extensive grounds, with the senior school in the heart of Abingdon on Thames, just south of Oxford, and the Prep School located a few miles away in nearby Frilford.

The Role – Commercial Director

The post holder will take on the leadership of Abingdon's commercial division at a point when we are actively challenging ourselves to think creatively about how to further develop profitable commercial income streams. We are therefore looking for someone who wants the opportunity to innovate and shape the agenda, and has the commercial initiative and strategic experience to build on our already successful operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop an ambitious and forward-thinking commercial strategy and annual business plan to significantly grow sustainable commercial profits for the Foundation
• Lead and motivate the commercial team to deliver ASE's financial and operational goals within a positive team culture
• Support the integration of the Foundation's commercial activities into School life to help deliver the educational goals of the Foundation
• Identify and capitalise on new profitable revenue opportunities, partnerships and business models to diversify income streams
• Develop commercial relationships with potential new users, clients and organisations

The Role – You

• Qualified to degree level or demonstrably equivalent experience
• Relevant commercial experience in a senior role, ideally within education, leisure, sports or hospitality sectors but industry/commerce sector experience likely to be very relevant too
• Entrepreneurial and strategic thinker with the ability to align commercial initiatives with broader organisational goals
• Revenue growth experience and sales capabilities: excellent record in managing diverse income streams and delivering profitable and sustainable financial growth
• Effective, inspiring leadership and team management skills

Benefits

• You'll get 25 days off paid time off each year plus bank holidays
• Up to 14.1% employer pension contribution
• Abingdon Foundation Death in Service Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Private healthcare insurance
• We may be able to offer flexible working from home
• Free use of leisure facilities with discounted exercise classes
• Free lunches during term time
• Cycle to work scheme
• Christmas closure days
• Discounted school fees (eligibility criteria apply)
• There are regular staff social events and opportunities to join other staff
• We offer free on-site parking and bike storage for all staff
• We offer a range of online and in-person courses to staff for free including first aid, mental health first aid and health and safety courses

We aim to ensure that our staffing at all levels and in all roles is diverse and we welcome applications from all backgrounds and all sections of the community.

Abingdon is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.

Candidates are advised that a cover letter outlining their motivation for the role must be uploaded in order to complete the application process. The cover letter should be addressed to Justin Hodges, Director of Finance & Operations.

Closing date: 14 October 2025 (midday)

First round interviews: w/c 20 October 2025
Second round interviews: w/c 10 November 2025

To submit your application for this Commercial Director opportunity, please click Apply now!