Interim Commercial Director - Cranfield University

Organisation: Cranfield University, Commercial Faculty or Department, Cranfield Campus, Cranfield, Bedfordshire.

Position: Interim Commercial Director.

Employment Details

• Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday (flexible working considered).
• Contract: Fixed term (initial 6-month appointment).
• Salary: Level 8 – open band.
• Posted: 15 Oct 2025. Apply by: 26 Oct 2025.
• Documents: JD & Person Specifications (PDF).

Role Description

We are seeking a highly experienced, credible and inclusive commercial leader with a significant track record of leading commercial activities including account management, sales and marketing and creating new opportunities, preferably from the HE sector, for the new role of Interim Commercial Director (CD).

About the Role

Reporting to a member of our Executive Board, the Interim CD will be responsible for the day‑to‑day line management of the newly created commercial team as well as leading the implementation of agreed new roles and structures. You will lead our commercial activity, looking for improvement opportunities in terms of costs and improving outcomes, enhancing revenue and margin streams, driving profitable growth and streamlining business operations. As a key member of Cranfield’s Senior Leadership Team, the ability to work effectively with colleagues across the University is essential. You will have previously operated at senior management level and have proven experience of commercial leadership and line management, with strong business and analytical skills. An understanding of Higher Education, including its purpose, governance, funding, and markets, is desirable.

Key Qualifications and Experience

• Significant track record in commercial activities: account management, sales and marketing, and creating new opportunities.
• Senior management-level experience.
• Strong business and analytical skills.
• Experience in Higher Education is desirable.

Values and Commitments

Our shared, stated values help to define who we are and underpin everything we do: Ambition; Impact; Respect; and Community. Find out more here. We aim to create and maintain a culture in which everyone can work and study together and realise their full potential. Find out more about our key commitments to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Flexible Working here.

Working Arrangements

Collaborating and connecting are integral to so much of what we do. Our Working Arrangements Framework provides many staff with the opportunity to flexibly combine on-site and remote working, where job roles allow, balancing the needs of our community of staff, students, clients and partners.

How To Apply

For an informal, confidential conversation about this opportunity and to apply, please contact either Jenna Moore, Senior Business Partner – Employee Relations, email: Jenna.Moore@cranfield.ac.uk or Anne West, Business Partner – People and Culture, email: anne.west@cranfield.ac.uk.

Your application should include your CV and a covering letter (maximum two pages) outlining your vision and ambition for the Commercial Team and your ability to contribute as a member of the University leadership team. Please ensure your CV includes any details of any other jobs you currently hold.

Closing date for receipt of applications: 26 October 2025. We reserve the right to interview and appoint before the closing date, so early applications are strongly encouraged.