Director of Commercial Strategy

University of Reading; Weybridge; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A major visitor destination organization in Weybridge is seeking a dynamic Head of Sales & Marketing. This role involves leading sales and marketing strategies to enhance visitor engagement and expand brand presence. The ideal candidate will have a solid track record in marketing leadership, strong digital marketing skills, and the ability to lead a high-performing team. Flexibility in hours is required due to operational needs. Join us and help shape our visitor experience while working within a culture of trust, caring, and inclusivity.

Benefits

33 days holiday per annum

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• Proven experience in senior sales and marketing roles in tourism or related sectors.
• Strong digital marketing and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage budgets and performance tracking.

Responsibilities

• Develop integrated sales and marketing strategies to boost visitor engagement.
• Manage PR activity and build media relationships.
• Oversee customer engagement processes and enhance visitor experience.
• Lead a high-performing marketing team and manage budgets.

Skills

Sales and marketing leadership experience

Digital marketing expertise

Exceptional communication skills

Leadership style that empowers teams

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Head of Sales & Marketing to lead commercial growth, elevate brand presence, and enhance visitor engagement for a major visitor destination and charitable organisation. This role sits at the heart of shaping brand profile, driving visitor experience, and delivering long‑term commercial success.

Key Responsibilities

Sales & Marketing Strategy

• Develop and execute integrated sales and marketing strategies to grow visitor numbers, admissions revenue, memberships, and group sales.
• Expand the organisation's reach locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
• Lead digital marketing across website performance, social media, email, search, and analytics to engage diverse audiences.

Brand, Content & Communications

• Manage all PR activity, building strong media relationships and leading press interactions.
• Support fundraising, partnerships, and charity‑focused communications by showcasing the organisation's impact.
• Ensure all branding, signage, and promotional materials meet high quality standards and align with agreed guidelines.

Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and strengthen partnerships with tourism bodies, local businesses, media outlets, influencers, and community organisations.
• Collaborate with internal teams to support events, campaigns, and commercial initiatives.

Customer Experience & Engagement

• Oversee customer engagement and feedback processes, ensuring insights are captured, managed, and actioned effectively.
• Drive initiatives that enhance the overall visitor experience and deepen audience connection.

Team Leadership & Performance

• Lead and develop a high‑performing team, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and measurable impact.
• Manage marketing budgets, track KPIs, and ensure financial targets and performance metrics are achieved.

Skills, Experience & Personal Qualities

• Proven experience in a senior sales and marketing leadership role, ideally within tourism, attractions, heritage, leisure, or third sector environments.
• Strong digital marketing expertise and an analytical, insight‑driven approach.
• Exceptional communication and storytelling skills, with the ability to represent the organisation publicly.
• Demonstrated success in growing audiences, increasing footfall, and delivering innovative, results‑focused campaigns.
• Leadership style that empowers teams and encourages imaginative, forward‑thinking ideas.
• Experience managing budgets and performance reporting.
• Ability to adapt strategies to evolving market conditions without losing sight of long‑term objectives.
• Alignment with values such as trust, collaboration, creativity, inclusivity, and accountability.

Contract

Contract – 40 hours / 52 weeks, 33 days holiday per annum. Flexibility of hours/days required due to being a 7‑day operation – to meet the needs of the business.

Values & Culture

The organisation is committed to a culture built on: Trust, Caring, Respect, Collaboration, Positivity, Accountability, Creativity, Inclusivity, Accessibility, and Diversity. We celebrate bold ideas, encourage openness, and strive to create an environment where everyone can contribute, grow, and feel valued.