Are you a strategic commercial leader who thrives in a fast-paced, purpose-driven environment? Do you want to shape services that directly impact thousands of students?
Sussex Students’ Union is seeking an ambitious, values-driven and strategic Head of Commercial Operations to lead and develop our diverse trading portfolio, driving innovation, performance, and inclusive service delivery across our commercial activities.
As a key senior leader, you will provide strategic direction and operational leadership across our commercial services and events. You will play a vital role in ensuring our offer remains relevant, financially sustainable, and aligned with the needs and expectations of University of Sussex students. From identifying new income streams and delivering commercial growth, to fostering a high-performing and inclusive culture, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a student-led organisation.
You will lead high-volume commercial operations and deliver excellent student-focused customer service, drive innovation and develop new business opportunities to enhance income and student experience, and develop and manage financial plans, budgets and performance targets. You will build strong partnerships and manage external contracts, embed a positive performance culture across teams, and champion equality, diversity and inclusion across all services and operations. You will also support strategic planning, risk management, and organisational culture and development.
About Us
We are looking for skilled, friendly and highly motivated people who share our values. With our vibrant environment and organisational culture, the Students’ Union is a dynamic workplace that you are unlikely to find elsewhere. Led by students, we are all about working with students to help them get the most out of their time here at the University of Sussex and Brighton and Sussex Medical School. Because we are separate from the University we are free to campaign and lobby on behalf of students.
We collaborate across departments, working together on projects or helping each other out at big events such as Freshers Week or Elections.
Working on Sussex Campus and for the Students’ Union comes with several benefits: staff receive one day off every fortnight as part of a nine-day-fortnight working trial; additional leave of up to 6 days beyond the statutory 20 days of annual leave; and bank holidays. We also provide funding for staff socials, learning and development opportunities, and support through 1-to-1 meetings, an employee assistance programme and professional health services.
Key Information
Job Title: Head of Commercial Operations
Rate of pay: Grade 8.1
Contract: Permanent
Hours of work: Full-time; 36.5 hours per week
Location: Falmer House, BN1 9QF
Applicants: Open to internal and external applicants*
Please note that applications from full-time students will not be considered for full-time positions, as the hours exceed those recommended for higher education students. This applies to both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
For more details please see the full Job Description and Person Specification.
Key Dates
Applications close:
- External applicants: 10 August 2026 at 23:59
Interviews:
- At risk staff: 6 August 2026
- External applicants: 17 August 2026
Start Date: As soon as possible
International Applicants
We welcome applications from abroad. Legal regulations require you to be eligible to work in the UK, which we confirm by checking and retaining the correct original identification/documentation before your first day of work. You may be limited in the hours you are permitted to work. Find out more about applying to work in the UK.
Getting Paid
Everyone working in the UK needs a National Insurance number to get paid. If you are a UK citizen you will have one automatically; if not, you should apply for it at the same time as you apply for the job to avoid payment delays. You can apply here: https://www.gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number. You cannot apply until you are in the UK, but this should not stop you from completing your application for this role.
Commitment to Inclusion
We are committed to maintaining a diverse workforce that reflects the needs of our student community.
We welcome applications from everyone and strongly encourage applications from people with an ethnic minority or Chinese background, people with a disability, people with dependents, and people who identify as LGBTQ+. All interview panels receive unconscious bias training and shortlisting is anonymous. We also consider flexible working for those with care commitments. Please let us know if you have suggestions on how we could improve our language or application process.
We aim to increase representation of Black, Asian or minority ethnic staff within the union. An optional question about your ethnic origin will be asked; not providing it will not disadvantage your application. Staff who identify as Black, Asian or minority ethnic are also welcome to join our BAME Staff Network.
Staff and Applicants with Long Term Conditions
The Students’ Union aims to implement reasonable adjustments for all staff and applicants with disabilities, fostering a culture of cooperation and proactiveness to ensure equitable access to roles.
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