Head of Commercial Operations

BCP Council; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Head of Service for Commercial Operations. This pivotal role involves leading a diverse portfolio of award-winning enterprises, driving commercial change, and enhancing operational efficiency. You will work collaboratively with local and national partners to achieve corporate objectives while maximizing financial success. If you have a passion for community engagement and a proven track record in strategic delivery within complex organizations, this is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in the Bournemouth area.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in strategic delivery and operational management.
• Proven track record of driving commercial change and increasing revenue.

Responsibilities

• Maximize business development opportunities and income.
• Champion partnership working with external organizations.

Skills

Strategic delivery

Operational management

Commercial change

Team leadership

Contract management

Partnership management

Local market knowledge

Education

Project management qualifications

Experience in public sector

Job description

Are you passionate about making a real difference to the commercial services BCP Council offers and enhancing the offer for the people of Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole? By delivering a highly commercial, focused approach, driving income and efficiency, you would contribute to a sustainable financial future for the council and support key services.

What you’ll be doing:

Reporting to the Director of Commercial Operations, this is an exciting, newly created opportunity where you will work with a diverse portfolio of established, unique, and award-winning business enterprises across our local area. As a commercially astute and visionary individual, you’ll maximize business development opportunities and income, reduce operational costs of commercial services, and ensure the achievement of corporate and community objectives.

As a key member of the Commercial Operations leadership team, you’ll be passionate about growing the financial success of our commercial portfolio, which includes heritage businesses such as Highcliffe Castle and Upton House, as well as numerous operations along 15 miles of beautiful coastline. You’ll be pivotal in enhancing the design and delivery of the commercial operations focus and act as an advocate for the service within Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole, meeting corporate objectives and maximizing our financial position.

As Head of Service for Commercial Operations, you’ll champion partnership working with external organizations to develop and deliver effective outcomes through collaboration.

What we’re looking for:

• Extensive experience in strategic delivery and operational management of commercial operations, ideally within a large and complex organization.
• A proven track record of driving commercial change, increasing revenue, and delivering operational efficiency.
• An accomplished leader with experience in influencing and motivating teams.
• Demonstrable experience in procuring and managing major contracts.
• Experience of achieving results in a fast-paced, complex, and multi-site organization.
• Experience in partnership and relationship management at local and national levels.
• Local market knowledge and passion.

Additionally desirable:

• Project management qualifications and experience, including delivering operations aligned with Lean Six Sigma processes.
• Experience or knowledge of working in a public sector environment.

A bit about the Team:

Our service vision is to be an efficient, forward-looking, and innovative department with safety and wellbeing at its core, working closely with council teams and external stakeholders to drive income growth and deliver objectives supporting the vision and ambitions of BCP Council.

The Commercial Operations directorate employs over 450 staff across four service areas:

• Leisure and Events: Supporting communities and event organizers, delivering arts development, managing facilities like Highcliffe Castle and Queens Park Golf Course, and fostering community growth.
• Car Parking Operations and Enforcement: Providing a safe, efficient, and customer-focused service supporting sustainable travel and community needs.
• Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management: Delivering services through a shared model to enhance resilience and the environment.
• Seafront Service Operations: Ensuring a safe, attractive, and vibrant seafront that balances environmental protection with commercial potential.