Commercial Director - Leisure & Events

Michael Page (UK); Wetherby; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious estate in the UK seeks a Commercial Director to lead a vibrant leisure and events business. The role involves designing a long-term commercial strategy, expanding business opportunities, and overseeing operational delivery. The ideal candidate has proven experience in a senior commercial role within the leisure or hospitality industry, strong leadership skills, and a passion for creating memorable experiences. This position offers competitive salary and performance-based incentives, along with the opportunity to shape a flagship venture within a historic estate.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Performance-based incentives

Collaborative working environment

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior commercial role within leisure, hospitality, or events sector.
• Demonstrable track record of delivering growth.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement a long-term commercial strategy.
• Identify and develop new revenue-generating opportunities.
• Lead the marketing strategy for leisure and events.

Skills

Strategic and financial acumen

Leadership skills

Stakeholder management

Entrepreneurial mindset

Marketing and brand development

Job description

• Shape Bramham Estate's future: Lead leisure and events at a prestigious estate
• High-impact leadership: Drive growth and innovation in a family‑run business

Bramham Estate, an historic 18th‑century estate located in the heart of Yorkshire, renowned for its formally laid out landscape garden and park, heritage architecture, the prestigious Bramham International Horse Trials and Leeds Festival. Run by the Lane Fox family, the Estate combines rich history with modern ambition, offering a unique setting for leisure, hospitality, and cultural experiences. Bramham Estate is seeking a visionary and sales‑driven Commercial Director to lead the development of a vibrant leisure and events business across the Estate. This strategic role will be instrumental in shaping Bramham's future as a premier destination for public and private events, outdoor leisure, and hospitality experiences. Working closely with the Estate & Horse Trials Director, you will ensure alignment with the wider estate operations whilst respecting Bramham's heritage and enhancing its reputation as a leading venue in the region.

Job Description

• Strategic Development: Design and implement a long‑term commercial strategy to establish and grow a sustainable leisure and events offering across the Estate.
• Business Expansion: Identify and develop new revenue‑generating opportunities including public events, private functions, outdoor leisure activities, and hospitality services.
• Marketing Leadership: Lead the Estate's marketing strategy for leisure and events, ensuring strong brand positioning, effective audience engagement, and consistent messaging across all channels.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with external partners, event organisers, local authorities, and community stakeholders to support the Estate's commercial objectives.
• Operational Delivery: Oversee the planning and execution of events and leisure activities, ensuring operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and alignment with the Estate's heritage and values.
• Financial Oversight: Develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and performance metrics to ensure profitability and long‑term financial sustainability.
• Team Leadership: Recruit, lead, and inspire a high‑performing team to deliver exceptional service and innovative experiences.
• Collaborative Working: Work closely with the Estate & Horse Trials Director to ensure coordination across estate operations and integration of leisure and events into the broader estate strategy.

The Successful Applicant

• Proven experience in a senior commercial role within the leisure, hospitality, or events sector.
• Strong strategic and financial acumen with a demonstrable track record of delivering growth.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to identify and capitalise on new opportunities.
• Passion for heritage, countryside, and creating memorable visitor experiences.
• Experience in leading marketing and brand development initiatives.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary and performance‑based incentives.
• Opportunity to shape a flagship commercial venture within a historic estate.
• Collaborative and values‑driven working environment.