Commercial Operations Director

Our new Commercial Operations Director will be an inspiring leader who will drive commercial growth. You will lead the development and delivery of a strong and successful Commercial Strategy for Wells Cathedral and Vicars’ Close, to support the Cathedral’s Strategic Plan including the celebration of 850 years since the Cathedral’s foundation.

We are seeking a forward-thinking Commercial Operations Director to lead and oversee commercial innovation and growth to inspire a wider range of people to visit the Cathedral with a creative and engaging approach. You will have a demonstrable successful track record at a senior level and be an experienced operator and a creative problem solver. You will inspire and motivate your teams and set a clear shared vision for your department.

You will be passionate about identifying emerging trends, technologies and consumer behaviours and working collaboratively across all teams to maximise income generation opportunities.

You will be entrepreneurial and highly focused with a real enthusiasm for the internationally important heritage and visitor experience of the Cathedral and the exciting new visitor experience being developed with the Vicars’ Close project. As a commercial leader, you will bring experience in managing large budgets, along with a commercially skilled approach and a high level of self‑motivation and the ability to meet demanding targets within tight deadlines will be essential.

You’ll relish this role if you’re ambitious, focused, commercially astute and committed to providing outstanding customer experiences. We’re looking for someone to support our ambition to be the country’s most joyful cathedral!

Thank you for your interest in the role of Commercial Operations Director.

If you’re motivated by the difference that heritage makes to places and people, about sharing inspiring stories and creating unforgettable experiences, this job may be for you. You will be joining Wells Cathedral at a pivotal time, with our Strategic Plan shaping our work over the next 10 years and the opening of a new dynamic and high‑profile visitor experience celebrating centuries of history.

We want more and a wider range of people engaging with the Cathedral, ensuring the celebration and sharing of Wells Cathedral’s unique assets, and musical tradition.

This role will play a crucial part in our vision for growth and in helping us to achieve our ambitions. As we build connections and relationships with people, and open up more of our heritage and expand our visitor experience, and grow income generation opportunities and innovation, you will be joining a wonderful team at a really exciting time in our history and we’d love to hear from you.

Nerys Watts

Chief Operating Officer, Wells Cathedral