Commercial Operations Director

Are you ready to drive commercial growth across the world's leading group of science museums? Are you an inspiring leader who can motivate teams and bring people together behind a shared vision?

About us

The Science Museum Group (SMG) encompasses the Science Museum (London), the National Railway Museum (York), the Science & Industry Museum (Manchester), the National Science & Media Museum (Bradford), Locomotion (Shildon), and the Science & Innovation Park (Wiltshire). Together, we form the world's leading group of science museums. As part of our mission to Inspire Futures , we aim to connect people with the science that shapes our lives.

About the role

We are now seeking an innovative and forward-thinking Commercial Operations Director to manage the strategic development and delivery of SMG's commercial portfolio. This is a rare opportunity to oversee the commercial innovation for one of the world's most influential cultural institutions, supporting sustainable growth and promoting inspiring visitor engagement through its offers.

As a member of the Leadership Team, you will oversee all Commercial Operations across the Group and set a clear plan for the next 5-10 years. Reporting to the Deputy Chief Executive of the Group, we are seeking a strategic thinker, an experienced operator and a creative problem-solver to lead a department of over 100 colleagues to inspire and motivate them to deliver outstanding results for the Group. You will ensure that all current and future commercial activity aligns and complements our visitor offer and delivering our mission.

About you

Joining us, you will bring demonstrable experience at a senior level in commercial operations, particularly in the cultural, visitor attractions, retail, or hospitality industries. You will be an effective communicator, able to build influential relationships at all levels, and be a visible leader, inspiring and supporting your team through change and improvement. You will be able to set a clear shared vision for your department which encourages creativity and promotes personal development. As a commercial leader, you will bring experience in managing large budgets, along with a commercially skilled approach and experience in leading complex contract negotiations. A high level of self-motivation and the ability to meet demanding targets within tight deadlines will be essential.

Don't feel you meet all the criteria? We welcome you to apply even if your experience doesn't match directly. With your transferable skills, you could be the right candidate for this, or other opportunities that we have.

Applying

View the Vacancy Information Pack listed under 'Attachments' on the vacancy listing on our website for more details about the role and the application process or click 'Apply Online' to submit an application.

What we offer

Working with a world-leading museum group that offers access to truly unique environments and collections, you'll benefit from the perks listed below, as well as full support for life events such as parental and adoption leave, sickness, and career breaks.

• Meaningful work. We're a mission-led organisation where the work you do supports us in Inspiring Futures.

• Career growth. We offer enhanced support with personal and professional development.

• Work/life balance. We offer 27 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays, along with flexible policies which support you and your home life.

• Health & Dental Insurance. Extra peace of mind, from day one.

• Wellbeing. All our colleagues can access an employee assistance programme, access to the Unmind app, and other wellbeing support.

• Colleague networks. Our colleague-led networks are an informal forum for colleagues to come together to discuss topics of shared interest and lived experience. They create a space for people to exchange ideas, discuss best practice, socialise and build a sense of community.

• Enhanced contributory pension. To support you in saving for the future.

• Interest-free loans. When you need a little extra cash for life events or home improvements.

• Great discounts. Free entry to exhibitions, discounts in our shops, cafes, and access to other museums in the NMDC network.

Open for All is one of the Science Museum Group's five core values and sets out our important aspiration to be a place for everyone. We are working hard to understand our organisation better and to develop a culture that recognises and values different backgrounds, mindsets, skills, experience, knowledge, and expertise. By having greater diversity, we believe that we will be a stronger and better organisation, capable to continue to Inspire Futures.