Director of Union Services

Close of applications: 09:00, 1 July 2019

About | Role Profile | Pay & Terms |

Starting salary of £40,792 to £44,559, with substantial progression potential

Permanent role - Full time – Relocation package

Can you lead our commercial services to enhance and grow the offer to our student members? If so, the University of Southampton Students’ Union (SUSU) have an exciting opportunity for a commercially astute, growth focused individual seeking a new leadership opportunity that can make a real difference to the lives of our students.

 

The Role
The Director of Union Services is a high profile, senior leadership role within SUSU, responsible for growing income contribution, leading our commercial services and proactively developing business, sponsorship and partnership relationships. Alongside the Chief Executive, and wider Senior Leadership Team, you will play a significant role in the future development of SUSU by providing high-quality strategic advice to the Board of Trustees and actively engaging in the wider work of the organisation.

You’ll lead SUSU’s commercial services, with responsibility for our commercial strategy and performance.  We anticipate that the portfolio of services will grow and evolve over time and initially includes our catering, retail, bars and business development offer. You will work to develop and revitalise existing and new commercial services, and expanding the offer to meet the current and future needs of our student membership. Your role will drive new business to SUSU, managing key partnership relationships, while generating business and sponsorship leads and revenue streams.

 

About You
Alongside bringing a strong business development focus, you will ensure operational excellence and outstanding customer service across our commercial services. With a passion for people and performance, you will be a self-starter possessing a can-do mindset with the drive to make things happen. You will lead with integrity, with the ability to inspire those around you and build a high performing team that keeps students at the heart of everything we do.

With experience managing commercial operations, you will be able to demonstrate a track record of delivering profitable income growth, while understanding the business reality of the finances. Your prior experience may be from the charitable, educational or commercial sector; ideally, but not essentially, with some experience in retail, catering or hospitality operations.

Agile in your approach, you will be able and willing to flex between operational management, business development and strategy. You will have the will and ability to make a difference, share the values of SUSU and be committed to helping us fulfil our mission. You’ll enjoy the challenge of leading change as part of our senior leadership team and working with our Board of Trustees which includes elected students.

 

The Company
The University of Southampton Students’ Union (SUSU) exists to unlock the potential and enrich the life of every one of our 23,000 student members.  We are a registered charity with a £7M turnover and provide a comprehensive platform of offers, support, representation, services and spaces for our members to enhance the overall University experience across a number of campuses. We are an Investors in People Silver accredited organisation who have approximately 85 core staff, and around 300 casual staff employed throughout the year.

 The University of Southampton Students’ Union has a vision of creating a positive impact with every student during their time at the University.  As a not for profit organisation the Students’ Union provides a comprehensive platform of opportunities, support, representation and places for our members to enhance their overall University experience. 

 

Benefits of Working at SUSU
We recognise our people are our greatest assets and offer a number of benefits over and above your monthly pay:

• Annual leave of 44 days, including a week at Christmas and Easter (including public holidays)
• Generous contributory pension scheme (10% employer contribution and 6% employee)
• A relocation expenses package of up to £2,000 for essential expenditure, subject to criteria
• Attractive contractual family leave options after 6-months service for new parents
• Staff social activities
• Staff discounts on entertainment (including 40% off cinema), eating out, retail and travel
• Free access to LinkedIn Learning and Microsoft Office 365 applications on your device
• Comprehensive induction and strong learning and development offer
• An Employee Assistance Programme
• A beautiful campus, with on-site commercial outlets

 

Apply now
You can apply easily using your CV and covering letter addressing ‘How would you expand and develop our commercial offer in the dynamic and changing student market?’ through our website at:  https://www.susu.org/jobs.  Informal enquiries can be made to Scott McCarthy, Chief Executive, via email to S.C.Mccarthy@soton.ac.uk or by phone on 023 8059 5215.

Closing Date and Time:   Monday 1^st July at 9am, however if sufficient applications are received before this date we may close applications early. Therefore, we would encourage and advise early application if this role is of interest to you. Interviews week commencing 8^th July 2019. Please note feedback will not be provided if you are not shortlisted for interview.

SUSU is an equal opportunities employer which values a diverse workforce and we want to reflect the student body that we represent.  We value diversity, promote equality and challenge discrimination and will ensure that our recruitment activities are mindful of equality and diversity matters.