Job role: Head of Commercial Operations

Location: Royal Holloway Students’ Union

Salary: £58,946 - £65,800

The role

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and sitting on the Senior Leadership Team, the Head of Commercial Operations will play a pivotal role in leading the Union’s commercial and building services strategy. The postholder will oversee a diverse portfolio including commercial services, events and entertainment, facilities management, and health and safety, ensuring that all operations are innovative, efficient, and aligned with organisational priorities.

Leading a team of experienced managers, this role will drive the long-term commercial strategy, focusing on sustainable income growth, service improvement, and the development of new opportunities aligned to student needs. The postholder will ensure that services and facilities are continuously enhanced, efficient, and fully compliant.

A key priority will be leadership by building and empowering high-performing teams, fostering a collaborative culture, and driving organisational change. The role will also play a central part in financial planning and performance, overseeing significant budgets and ensuring delivery against strategic objectives.

The successful candidate will bring strong experience in commercial or operational leadership, with a proven track record of delivering strategic outcomes and leading complex, multi-functional teams in a dynamic environment. They will demonstrate excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and build partnerships across a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

For more information about us please look at our Job Pack here

About us

Royal Holloway Students’ Union (RHSU) is a vibrant, student-led organisation at the heart of the Royal Holloway, University of London community. Dedicated to enhancing the student experience, RHSU delivers a wide range of services, activities, and opportunities that support student life, wellbeing, and development. With a strong focus on community, inclusion, and innovation, the Union plays a vital role in shaping a positive and engaging university experience.

Our work focuses on:

Building Communities for all Students
Building Stronger Student Voice and Representation
Providing Inclusive Activity and Spaces
Providing Advice and Advocating for Students

We’re committed to fostering a collaborative, inclusive culture and investing in our people, infrastructure, and sustainability to ensure we’re fit for the future.

If you’re excited to challenge the status quo and help shape student life, we’d love to have you on our team!

Benefits

We offer an extensive benefits policy including the following:

22 days annual leave, rising each year up to 27 days (plus the 8 bank holidays)
8 extra days off during our winter closure
Birthday day off and 0.5 day “Milestone Day” for special life events
Employee discounts and savings opportunities
Contributory pension scheme
Wellbeing support including a Non-contributory Health Cash Plan and Cycle to Work Scheme
Hours based on a 35 hour/week, 5 day week
5 half-days of Development Leave for personal or professional growth

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Grade and salary range: Grade 9, £58,946 - £65,800. Salary is subject to RHSU’s Pay & Reward Policy, which includes an opportunity for annual pay progression.

Work Location: Hybrid Working Policy in place with guiding principle of 60% office based (role dependent)

Closing date: Thursday 7th May 2026