Purpose of the Role

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Commercial and Operations Manager to drive sustainable growth, improve operational efficiency, and lead innovative income-generating initiatives across the Aldingbourne Country Centre and the wider Aldingbourne Trust. This role plays a vital part in ensuring that every visitor experience is engaging, inclusive, and memorable — while supporting our mission to empower people with learning disabilities and autism to live fulfilling, independent lives.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Commercial Growth

• Develop and implement strategic initiatives to grow sustainable income across hospitality, retail, venue hire, events, and fundraising.
  • Identify and evaluate new commercial opportunities aligned with the Trust’s mission and values.
  • Lead on business planning, creating robust financial models and forecasts to inform decision-making.
  • Ensure that all commercial activities remain inclusive, accessible, and socially responsible.

1. Visitor Experience & Engagement

• Design and deliver engaging, inclusive, and accessible visitor experiences throughout the year.
  • Lead a creative approach to event programming — from seasonal attractions to conferences and community events.
  • Use visitor data and feedback to drive continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.
  • Collaborate with marketing and engagement teams to promote a compelling and consistent visitor journey.
• Collaborate with our service user support teams to develop internal enhanced opportunities for the people we support.

1. Operational Excellence

• Oversee all aspects of site operations, including health & safety, safeguarding, maintenance, and compliance.
  • Ensure all operations meet statutory and environmental standards (COSHH, fire, food safety, licensing).
  • Drive efficiency through cost control measures and sustainable operational practices.
  • Champion continuous improvement across processes, systems, and service delivery.

Retail, Community & Hospitality Management

• Lead the retail and catering operations to maximise profitability while upholding service excellence.
  • Oversee retail stock management, merchandising, and product development aligned with the ACC brand and provide opportunities for product sales at wider Trust events and fundraising activities.
  • Collaborate with marketing to increase footfall, average spend, and customer loyalty.
  • Ensure all hospitality services are inclusive and reflect the Trust’s values of accessibility and community.
• Develop wider stakeholder management, engagement, collaboration and networking opportunities

1. Financial & Resource Management

• Develop and manage annual budgets, forecasts, and financial performance reports.
  • Analyse commercial performance and identify opportunities for revenue optimisation.
  • Ensure effective allocation of resources and robust financial control.
  • Report performance outcomes and insights to senior leadership and trustees.

1. People Leadership & Development

• Inspire and lead a multidisciplinary team to deliver exceptional results.
  • Foster a culture of inclusion, empowerment, accountability, and professional growth.
  • Oversee recruitment, succession planning, and performance management.
  • Support workforce wellbeing and engagement in line with the Trust’s values.

Working Pattern

Flexible working is required to support seven-day trading and evening or weekend events.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Proven experience in leading commercial and operational functions within hospitality, visitor attractions, or related sectors.
  • Strong track record of delivering income growth through strategic planning and execution.
  • Sound financial acumen with experience in budget management, forecasting, and ROI analysis.
  • Demonstrated leadership in managing diverse teams across multiple disciplines.
  • Knowledge of health & safety, safeguarding, and compliance regulations.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
  • High digital literacy and data-driven decision-making capability.

Desirable Experience & Qualifications

• Experience in the charity or social enterprise sector.
  • Background in inclusive visitor experience design, commercial enterprise or community engagement.
  • Understanding of multi-site operations and strategic facilities management.
  • Project Management qualification (e.g., PRINCE2, APM).
  • Experience in customer and visitor marketing engagement.

Why Join Us

At the Aldingbourne Trust, you’ll join a forward-thinking charity that celebrates innovation, inclusion, and meaningful impact. Your leadership will directly help us create opportunities for people with learning disabilities and autism to thrive.

We offer a competitive benefits package including:
• Contributory pension scheme
• 25 days annual leave (plus service-based increments)
• Life assurance (2x annual salary)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Bicycle and eye care vouchers
• Discounted gym membership and staff discounts at Aldingbourne sites
• Peer support groups and wellbeing initiatives
• £200 refer-a-friend scheme and staff awards programme