Commercial Manager (Conference and Events)

LUCY CAVENDISH COLLEGE IN THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

36 days holiday pro rata

Free meals on shift

6% employer contributory pension

Job summary

Lucy Cavendish College, University of Cambridge is seeking a Commercial Manager to lead growth of the conference, events and summer school business. The role combines strategic thinking with strong commercial leadership and operational delivery.

You will own sales strategy, develop in-house summer school programmes and nurture partnerships with clients and guests for sustainable, profitable growth.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in conference and events, hospitality or related commercial roles.
• Experience in developing sales strategies and managing client relationships.
• Knowledge of the higher education sector is advantageous but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the sales and commercial strategy for conferences, events and summer school.
• Develop and deliver in-house summer school programmes and related offerings.
• Build and maintain long-term client partnerships to drive repeat business.
• Collaborate with operations, delivery and support teams to ensure delivery to high standards.

Skills

Relationship building

Sales strategy

Business development

Hospitality knowledge

Tools

CRM systems

Event management software

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Commercial Manager to lead the growth and development of the College’s conference, events and summer school business. This is a newly created opportunity for an ambitious individual who can combine strategic thinking with strong commercial acumen and operational leadership.

As Commercial Manager, you will take ownership of the sales and commercial strategy, including the development and delivery of in-house summer school programmes. Working closely with our operations, delivery and support teams, you will identify opportunities, convert them into successful business and ensure events are delivered to a consistently high standard, while achieving strong commercial returns.

A key part of the role will be developing and maintaining strong relationships with prospective and existing clients, partners and guests. You will understand their needs, deliver an excellent customer experience and identify opportunities to encourage repeat business and build long-term partnerships.

We are looking for a confident, commercially driven professional with a strong track record in conference and events, hospitality, business development or a similar commercial environment. You will be an accomplished relationship builder, with the ability to identify new opportunities, develop compelling propositions and turn them into profitable and sustainable business.

You will also bring experience of developing and implementing effective processes, systems and service improvements, together with practical experience of using event management software and CRM systems to support sales, customer relationship management and operational delivery.

Knowledge of the higher education sector and a professional events management or related qualification would be advantageous but not essential.

In return we can offer a benefits package including:

• 36 days holiday pro rata


• Free meals on shift


• A 6% employer contributory pension scheme


• Free car parking (if available)


• Life assurance x3 salary


• A health cash back scheme


• Cycle to work scheme


• Wellbeing programme including free yoga and bootcamp sessions


• College gym


• College punt hire


• Employee Assistance Programme

Closing date: Sunday 11 October 2026
Interviews: Wednesday 21 October 2026

Lucy Cavendish College is committed to recruiting, retaining and developing a workforce that reflects the diverse communities that we serve. Candidates are requested to complete the Equality Opportunities Monitoring Form as part of their application. The information provided is anonymous and will not be used in considering your application or given to the selection panel.