Operations & Business Development Director

Hull University Students' Union; Hull and East Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A university student organization in Hull is seeking an experienced Operations and Business Development Director to lead its Commercial Services, ensure sustainable financial practices, and enhance the student experience. The role involves strategic leadership, business development, and operational management, requiring significant experience and strong commercial acumen. Ideal candidates should have a relevant degree and robust stakeholder engagement skills. The organization offers attractive benefits including generous leave and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement

Employer funded Health Cash Plan

USS pension scheme with substantial employer contribution

Shopping discounts and rewards

Discounted membership at Hull University Sport and Fitness Centre

One day paid Volunteering day a year

Qualifications

• Experience in hospitality, retail or Students’ Union commercial environments is desirable.
• Knowledge of legal, regulatory, licensing and H&S requirements.
• Motivation, adaptability and alignment with HUSU values.

Responsibilities

• Drive new business development opportunities, partnerships and income diversification.
• Provide expert support to the CEO and Board of Trustees.
• Lead recruitment, development and performance of teams.

Skills

Senior management/director-level leadership experience

Strong commercial acumen

Excellent stakeholder engagement

Strategic planning

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as an Operations and Business Development Director. This role will ensure HUSU's success by providing leadership and management of our Commercial Services, Facilities, Sustainability, Health & Safety, and Marketing functions as well as driving business development and growth.

A little bit about us

Hull University Students’ Union is a registered charity, with a large trading subsidiary; Our vision mission and values are set out below.

Vision:

For every student to feel, seen, heard, valued and empowered.

Mission:

HUSU exists to champion student priorities helping you succeed in your studies and beyond. As your Students’ Union, we represent your voice to the University of Hull and to other representative bodies, making sure your academic interests and wellbeing are supported. We offer loads of opportunities to get involved, from societies and sports to events, campaigns, and student‑led change. Whether you are here to meet new people, make a difference, or just enjoy your time at university, we are here to support your journey and help build a community where everyone feels they belong.

Our Trading Subsidiary provides an on campus Bar in partnership with J D Wetherspoon, a mini‑supermarket in partnership with SPAR, and our nightclub and live gig space Asylum.

Our Values:

• Inclusive - We are committed to fostering equity, diversity, Inclusion and belonging, by continuously adapting our services to meet the evolving needs of our members.
• Innovative – We look to the future seeking new opportunities, collaborations and partnerships; we are imaginative, creative and progressive.
• Positive – We continually work to improve your Union, we are confident, optimistic and solution focused.
• Fun – We focus on making your time at university as enjoyable as possible.
• Supportive – We listen, look out for your best interests and make sure your voice is heard.

About the Role

This role is pivotal in shaping the future direction of HUSU's commercial offer, enhancing the student experience, and ensuring services are ethical, financially sustainable and innovative.

• Leadership of Commercial Services, Facilities, Sustainability & HSE, Marketing & Communications
• Developing and executing business plans for HUUS Ltd.
• Driving new business development opportunities, partnerships and income diversification.
• Leading organisational culture, people development and internal communications.
• Championing the HUSU brand and ensuring high‑quality service delivery across all functions.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Influence and deliver organisational strategy as an active SLT member.
• Provide expert support to the CEO, Board of Trustees, Presidents and HUUS Ltd. Board.
• Lead strategic planning for areas of responsibility.
• Develop income diversification initiatives, partnerships and sponsorships.

Operational & Service Development

• Champion the HUSU brand and oversee marketing strategy.
• Build strong relationships with partners, suppliers and the University.
• Lead digital marketing strategy and data‑driven decision‑making.

Service Delivery & Financial Performance

• Drive a customer‑focused culture and ensure services meet diverse student needs.
• Maximise profitability across commercial operations while maintaining ethical standards.
• Oversee budgets across all responsible areas.
• Ensure continuous improvement informed by student insight.

People Leadership

• Provide leadership and management for Commercial Services, Facilities, Sustainability & HSE, Marketing & Communications.
• Lead recruitment, development and performance of teams.
• Mentor and support elected Presidents in their leadership roles.
• Role model HUSU values and help shape organisational culture.

Compliance & Governance

• Lead on Health & Safety, GDPR (as Data Protection Officer), trading regulations and internal policy compliance.
• Maintain the risk register and ensure safe, ethical, legally compliant operations.

Operations and Business Development Director - Job Description

About You

Essential

• Senior management/director‑level leadership experience.
• Relevant degree or equivalent.
• Strategic planning, change management and budget management.
• Strong commercial acumen and negotiation experience.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Knowledge of legal, regulatory, licensing and H&S requirements.
• Motivation, adaptability and alignment with HUSU values.

Desirable

• Experience in hospitality, retail or Students’ Union commercial environments.
• Experience leading a marketing and communications function.
• Relevant professional qualifications or leadership development training.

Benefits

We believe our people are our greatest asset, so we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support wellbeing and help staff thrive both professionally and personally. Alongside the benefits, you’ll have access to development opportunities to grow your skills and achieve your full potential within an innovative and supportive environment.

• Generous annual leave entitlement - 27 days plus bank holidays, plus 3 extra days over Christmas and New Year
• Employer funded Health Cash Plan
• USS pension scheme with a substantial employer contrbition of 14.5% (employee 6.1%)
• Exclusive discounts in our SPAR shop, Wetherspoon Sanctuary, and Asylum, plus free tickets to selected events
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Shopping discounts and rewards
• On-site parking at a minimal cost
• Discounted membership at Hull University Sport and Fitness Centre
• One day paid Volunteering day a year
• Option to attend all staff event days

Additional Information

We are committed to ensuring our workforce accurately reflects the diversity of the world we live in. We positively encourage applications from all individuals irrespective of gender, age, home country, ethnic background, sexuality, religious beliefs or disability.

All candidates will be treated equally and all appointments made on merit.

If you require any further information or wish to discuss this role please email [e-mail] or telephone [phone].

Closing date: Friday 23rd January 2026, 4pm

Interviews: w/c 2nd February 2026