Commercial Manager Uk Visa Sponsorship

Job Description

Job Title: Commercial Manager

Salary: Grade 7 – £40,497 to £45,413 per annum
Hours: Full time (35 hours per week)
Contract Type: Open-ended
Location: University of Glasgow
Visa Sponsorship: Eligible under the Skilled Worker visa route (subject to meeting criteria).
See GOV.UK Skilled Worker visa guidance

Job Purpose

The Commercial Manager will play a pivotal role in developing and implementing commercial strategies that drive business growth. This includes overseeing contract negotiations, market analysis, business risk management, sales forecasting, and building strong customer relationships.

Working closely with the Head of Accommodation Services, the role supports the delivery of the Accommodation Services strategy—focusing on service quality, customer satisfaction, income generation, people and estate management, and compliance with legislation—all aimed at enhancing the student experience and supporting the University’s reputation.

Key Responsibilities

1. Collaborate with the Head of Accommodation Services to deliver commercial and residential strategies aligned with University objectives to support sustainable growth.
2. Identify new market opportunities and analyse industry trends to maximise commercial income, with a particular focus on academic and summer accommodation sales.
3. Review and refine operational processes to improve efficiency and performance across summer operations, working closely with internal teams to enhance customer service.
4. Conduct detailed market research and create actionable business plans, including setting sales targets and tracking performance against forecasts and budgets.
5. Build and manage partnerships with language schools and online booking agents to generate additional revenue.
6. Foster strong relationships with internal departments and contribute to cross-functional projects that support the growth of summer and commercial activities.
7. Lead contract negotiations for student accommodation and summer business deals, in collaboration with the University’s procurement team.
8. Develop and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to evaluate departmental performance, identify areas for improvement, and provide regular reporting to senior management.
9. Work with external partners and system providers to enhance commercial operations and enrich the student experience.
10. Promote the University’s facilities for conferencing and events, particularly to international and out-of-region partners, while ensuring current clients’ needs are met.
11. Oversee resource planning, including delegated project and budget responsibilities, to support departmental goals.
12. When required, provide operational management support across academic and summer business teams.

Person Specification

Knowledge & Qualifications

Essential:

• Demonstrated capability to perform the responsibilities through relevant experience or qualifications (e.g., Ordinary Degree/SVQ Level 4 or equivalent, including professional accreditation).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong commercial awareness of the student accommodation market.
• Understanding of procurement and contract management processes.

Desirable:

• Familiarity with University policies and procedures.

Skills

Essential:

• Strong multitasking and prioritisation skills under pressure.
• Independent decision-making and sound judgement.
• High professional standards and interpersonal skills.
• Effective leadership and the ability to manage and motivate teams.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Strong numerical and budgeting skills.
• Analytical and problem-solving competence.
• Ability to innovate and implement continuous improvements.
• Proficient in coordinating complex activities and projects.

Experience

Essential:

• Significant management experience within accommodation, university, healthcare, or hospitality sectors.
• Proven ability to lead and manage teams effectively.
• Experience in developing and implementing policies and procedures.
• Financial and budget management expertise.
• Strong background in market analysis and commercial strategy development.
• Experience contributing to strategic planning and documentation.
• Demonstrated success in continuous improvement initiatives.
• A track record of building and maintaining key relationships with stakeholders.
• Self-directed work planning using initiative and autonomy.

Desirable:

• Experience using accommodation, finance, or HR systems.
• Previous management experience in a higher education environment.

Additional Information

• This role is primarily Monday to Friday but may require occasional weekend work.
• Relocation support may be available for the successful candidate.
• Applicants who require a Skilled Worker visa must meet UK Home Office criteria to be eligible for sponsorship.

For full details about UK Skilled Worker visa requirements, visit:
https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa