🌿 Commercial and Operations Manager – Aldingbourne Trust 🌿
Location: Aldingbourne Country Centre, West Sussex
Salary: Competitive, based on experience
Hours: Full-time, flexible working required (including evenings/weekends)

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for inclusive visitor experiences and commercial growth? Join the Aldingbourne Trust as our Commercial and Operations Manager, where you’ll lead innovative income-generating initiatives and operational excellence across our vibrant Country Centre and wider Trust.

About the Role
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a socially responsible organisation that empowers people with learning disabilities and autism. You’ll drive sustainable growth across hospitality, retail, events, and fundraising — while ensuring every visitor experience is engaging, inclusive, and memorable.

Key Responsibilities
🔹 Lead strategic commercial initiatives and identify new income opportunities
🔹 Oversee site operations, compliance, and health & safety
🔹 Deliver creative, inclusive visitor experiences and events
🔹 Manage retail and hospitality services to maximise profitability
🔹 Develop stakeholder relationships and community engagement
🔹 Inspire and lead a multidisciplinary team with a focus on inclusion and growth
🔹 Manage budgets, forecasts, and financial performance

What We’re Looking For
✔ Proven experience in commercial and operational leadership
✔ Strong financial acumen and strategic planning skills
✔ Passion for inclusive services and community impact
✔ Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement
✔ Flexibility to support seven-day trading and 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