Director of Commercial Services

Director of Commercial Services

Salary: £60,727 Location: University of Reading Students’ Union Contract: Full Time – 37.5 hours per week (worked flexibly)

Reading Students’ Union is seeking a progressive and values‑driven Director of Commercial Services to provide strategic and hands‑on leadership across all commercial services, helping to deliver outstanding spaces, services and experiences for the student community.

Reading Students’ Union is a vibrant, student‑led charity dedicated to enhancing the lives of over 19,000 University of Reading students. Its mission is to provide a platform for good, creating a community where all voices are equal and everyone feels free and safe to express themselves, enjoy time with friends, and feel supported throughout their university journey, leading to a brighter future for all.

Reading SU is more than a Students’ Union; it sits at the heart of a thriving student community, with activities and initiatives inspired by students themselves. The Students’ Union is committed to promoting the interests and welfare of its members, representing their needs, and offering opportunities for personal development through a wide range of social, cultural, sporting and recreational activities.

This commitment to student experience also underpins the Union’s commercial activity. Reading Students’ Union’s venues, services and events are designed to be inclusive, welcoming and vibrant spaces where students can connect, feel a sense of belonging and create lasting memories. Guided by student insight, the commercial services play an important role in supporting the Union’s mission while enhancing student life across campus.

Reading SU are thrilled to be searching for a Director of Commercial Services, a dynamic leader experienced in licensed trade, catering, events, and marketing. This role is not just about maintaining the status quo but about reimagining and diversifying the commercial services in line with student community needs.

The ideal candidate will be both strategic and hands‑on, with an ability to develop Reading SU’s commercial services while also being involved in delivery of the operations.

If you're passionate about shaping successful commercial ventures and creating unforgettable experiences for a thriving student community, we'd be excited to have you on board.

Reading Students’ Union offers an inclusive and engaging working environment and is passionate about developing its people. The organisation is committed to ensuring its workforce reflects the diversity of the community it serves, respecting individual identity and celebrating differences. Applications are encouraged from all candidates regardless of background, and Reading Students’ Union particularly welcomes applications from candidates from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and from candidates with disabilities.

It’s a genuinely exciting time for Reading Students’ Union and we look forward to receiving your application.

Closing Date: Monday 9th February, 12pm

First Stage Interviews (Remote): 16th/17th February (TBC)

Final Interviews (In-person): w/c 23rd February tbc

Optional Q/A session with the CEO and Interim Commercial Director:  to register

Please click 'Apply' to be redirected to our website, where you can download the Candidate Information Pack and apply.

For an informal conversation about the role and the application process, please contact our recruitment partners at Atkinson HR Consulting: sa