Vacancy: Executive Director, Commercial

Salary: £95,000 - £100,000 with a performance-related bonus and car allowance. Location: London or Swindon. Full-time, permanent.

About the role

BCS has significant untapped commercial potential. This role exists to realise it. The Executive Director, Commercial will lead and grow BCS's commercial function, bringing together commercial partnerships, sponsorship, business development, sales, and account management under a single commercial leadership model. The postholder will contribute to pricing and licensing decisions alongside Finance and Product, strengthen existing operations, build missing disciplines and ways of working, and deliver at the level BCS is capable of.

As part of the Executive Leadership Team and reporting to the CFO, the postholder will lead the commercial function, strengthening the commercial capability required for BCS's future growth. Success will be demonstrated through the creation and delivery of a sustainable commercial engine that generates measurable revenue growth, diversified income streams, stronger commercial partnerships, and a commercially disciplined culture across BCS.

Responsibilities

• Commercial Strategy & Growth
  • Develop and deliver BCS's commercial plan, working with the CFO to identify and prioritise new revenue streams across commercial partnerships, sponsorship, advertising, licensing, and direct sales.
  • Contribute to the organisation's pricing and commercial propositions, ensuring they are deliverable and profitable in collaboration with Finance and Product.
  • Lead the commercial function, setting ambitious but realistic targets and taking direct accountability for revenue, margin, and growth performance.
  • Translate organisational strategy into a clear commercial plan, ensuring alignment with BCS's purpose, member value, and brand positioning.
  • Develop new business development opportunities across corporate, public sector, education, and professional body markets.
  • Develop and evaluate new commercial models and revenue opportunities that diversify BCS's income and support its long-term strategic ambitions.
  • Horizon-scan the market for emerging commercial opportunities, competitor activity, and shifts in customer, partner, or sponsor demand.
• Commercial Development & Change
  • Provide strategic leadership for the continued development of BCS's commercial function, ensuring the right capabilities, governance, and operating practices are in place to achieve growth ambitions.
  • Review and enhance commercial performance frameworks, including operating rhythms and accountability, working with Finance and People & Culture on incentive structures to support consistent delivery and continuous improvement.
  • Bring external commercial rigour and market discipline into the commercial function, recommending and driving change through the CFO and Executive Leadership Team.
  • Identify opportunities for growth while strengthening the capabilities and operating model needed for long-term success.
• Commercial Partnerships, Sponsorship & Licensing
  • Own and grow BCS's portfolio of commercial partnerships, sponsors, advertisers, and licensing partners.
  • Lead negotiation and structuring of major partnership, sponsorship, and licensing agreements, balancing revenue generation with long-term relationship value.
  • Identify and develop scalable commercial models, such as licensing, white-labelling, and digital partnerships.
  • Build and maintain trusted relationships with corporate partners, sponsors, and advertisers.
• Sales & Account Leadership
  • Lead, develop, and motivate a high-performing commercial team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and commercial confidence.
  • Set and monitor sales targets, KPIs, and forecasts, ensuring effective use of CRM and forecasting tools.
  • Lead the development and refinement of BCS's go-to-market strategy, driving lead generation, pipeline growth, and deal conversion.
  • Embed an account management methodology that supports growth plans for top-tier accounts and ensures client satisfaction and retention.
  • Personally lead or support high-value pitches, negotiations, and the closing of complex deals.
• Commercial Governance & Performance
  • Work with the CFO to implement commercial governance, pricing discipline, and reporting to provide the Executive Team and Board with real-time visibility of commercial performance.
  • Provide commercial insight to Executive Team and Board decision-making, ensuring strategic investments and organisational priorities are informed by commercial opportunities and return.
  • Own commercial contracting standards and approval routes, working closely with Finance and Legal.
• Collaboration & Brand
  • Partner with the Executive Director, Product to ensure the product roadmap and commercial strategy are aligned, while maintaining clear accountability for product ownership and commercial performance.
  • Identify opportunities to leverage digital channels, technology, and data to accelerate commercial growth and improve customer acquisition and retention.
  • Champion innovative commercial opportunities arising from emerging technologies and evolving market trends.
  • Partner with the Deputy CEO & Executive Director, Marketing, Membership, and Communications to ensure commercial and sales activity strengthens the BCS brand and member proposition.
  • Provide expert advice to the Executive Leadership Team on commercial opportunity, risk, and performance, supporting the CFO in reporting to the CEO and Board.
  • Represent BCS externally at partner, sponsor, client, and industry events, building the organisation's commercial reputation and network.
• Leadership & Culture
  • Lead and develop the commercial team structure, defining the capability needed to deliver the commercial strategy.
  • Inspire and lead a high-performing commercial, partnerships, and sales function, building accountability, confidence, and a genuine performance culture.
  • Coach and develop the commercial team, raising the standard of commercial thinking and client engagement across the function.
  • Model the commercial ambition and discipline expected of the team, setting the tone from the top.