Head of Commercial

**Title: Head of Commercial & Operations, Dovecot Studios**

**Location: Edinburgh**
**Salary: c.£35-40k plus benefits**
**Reports to: Director**

**Full time: 37.5 hours per week excluding breaks**

**Days: Monday to Friday, working flexibly at weekends and evenings**

**Pension: Dovecot operates a group pension scheme**

**Annual Holidays: 28 days + 9 bank holidays pro rata**

**Background**

Dovecot is a landmark centre for contemporary art, craft and design built around a world-renowned tapestry studio in the heart of Edinburgh. Established in 1912, Dovecot continues a century-long heritage of collaboration with leading international artists to make exceptional handwoven tapestries and gun-tufted rugs. Alongside the tapestry studio, Dovecot runs an exciting public programme of exhibitions and events to further explore contemporary art, craftsmanship and creative endeavour.

Dovecot Studios Ltd is the wholly-owned trading subsidiary of The Dovecot Foundation, a charity and company limited by guarantee. Dovecot’s vision is to be the world’s leading tapestry studio and gallery. Our mission is to secure the future sustainability of Scottish tapestry weaving alongside the advancement of the arts, heritage, culture and education. Our strategy to achieve this is by working within and promoting the use of the extraordinary building known as ‘the Dovecot’, and delivering the programme through our digital platforms and collaborations with UK and international partners.

**The Role**

This is an exciting time to join Dovecot as the international profile and ambition of the organisation grows. The Head of Commercial & Operations is a key member of Dovecot’s Senior Management Team with responsibility for running all commercial and visitor operations, developing business strategy, increasing income and setting excellent standards for the professional delivery of all aspects of Dovecot’s day-to-day activities. In so doing, the post holder will ensure a consistently high level of planning, organisation, quality control and excellent customer service to improve the overall visitor and client experience across the building, including the Tapestry Studio.

Reporting to the Director and working collaboratively with the Dovecot Senior Management team as well as with the Commercial Operations team, you will implement a strategy that delivers significant incremental growth. You will take full accountability for the successful delivery of sales targets; reaching and building new audiences, whilst ensuring that Dovecot’s brand values are maintained and strengthened. You will be responsible and accountable for the management of the Dovecot Commercial Operations team, ensuring that agreed levels of cost of sales and staffing, and agreed profit margins are met. The post holder is also responsible for supporting the Head of Finance & Resources to bring the buildings, technical and managerial infrastructure of Dovecot to the highest standards.

**Key Responsibilities**:
The key responsibilities for the role include:

- Set the commercial budget and meet sales targets for the Commercial Operations team, including profit targets for venue hire, catering, ticketing, retail and events programme.
- As a member of the Dovecot Senior Management Team, align the Commercial Strategy with the mission of the tapestry studio and communicate the strategic direction for future success, with clearly defined financial checks and balances and KPIs.
- Develop the venue hire business and lead from the front in managing the delivery of corporate and private hire bookings.
- Broaden and extend the ambition of Dovecot exhibitions and public events programme to include opportunities for fundraising, partnership, retail and sponsorship.
- Oversee the management of commercial contracts and negotiation with third-party suppliers to ensure exceptional standards, including the Dovecot catering and café agreement.
- Lead Dovecot’s marketing and communications strategy and data insight functions.
- Ensure the efficient and effective delivery of all day-to-day business, maintaining a professional service to customers at all times, to uphold and exceed Dovecot’s status as a 4* visitor attraction.
- Lead and oversee effective technical infrastructure, including booking, EPOS and CRM systems.
- Line manage the Business Development & Sales Manager, Commercial Manager, Marketing & Communications Manager and assist the Commercial team with their professional development;
**Person specification**
- A successful background of driving growth in multi-channel commercial operations such as retail, hospitality, publishing, or media;
- An understanding of the centrality of creating an excellent customer experience;
- Sound commercial acumen with excellent leadership skills;
- The ability to spot trends and translate them into successful projects;
- A demonstrable commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion;
- Demonstrable experience of engaging with and