Commercial Director

Job Reference EQQB
Closing Date Tuesday 02 Apr 2019

Closing Date: Tuesday 2nd April 2019. 

The Royal Collection is one of the largest and most important art collections in the world. It comprises almost all aspects of the fine and decorative arts, and is spread among some fifteen royal residences and former residences across the UK, most of which are regularly open to the public.

Royal Collection Trust is a department of the Royal Household and the only one that undertakes its activities without recourse to public funds.  It incorporates a charity regulated by the Charity Commission and the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator, The Royal Collection Trust, and its wholly owned subsidiary trading company, Royal Collection Enterprises Limited.  Royal Collection Trust is charged with the care and preservation of the Royal Collection and its presentation to the public.

Royal Collection Trust is also responsible for the management and financial administration of public access at multiple sites, including Buckingham Palace Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It promotes access to the Royal Collection through publishing, retail merchandise and the Picture Library, in support of The Royal Collection Trust’s charitable objectives.

Between 2008 and 2018 total annual income from all commercial activities across Royal Collection Trust has more than doubled from £30M to £62M in 2018, with retail growing from £9M to £18M in 2018. Annual visitor numbers over the same period have also increased by 49% to reach just under 3M in 2017/18. The £37M Future Programme project (with a completion date of Summer 2020) will deliver an enhanced visitor experience at both the Palace of Holyroodhouse and at Windsor Castle, as well as providing significantly enhanced Learning and educational facilities.

Royal Collection Trust is now seeking exceptional candidates for the new role of Commercial Director.  The post-holder will develop and deliver the commercial strategy for the Trust and oversee the day-to-day-delivery of all commercial and customer-facing operations, including visitor services, retail, ticket sales and Learning.  Sitting on the Strategic Development Committee (Executive Board) and Management Board, the post-holder will play a key role in wider strategic decision-making for The Trust.  Candidates will bring significant commercial experience, ideally gleaned in a heritage, arts or wider not-for-profit context.  The post-holder will be a visible and inspiring strategic leader, with strong communication skills and a naturally collaborative style.  Candidates should bring great business acumen and curiosity and be in touch with the latest developments in commercial visitor operations.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to Royal Collection Trust on this appointment.  For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference EQQB.  Alternatively telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours).  Applications should be received by noon on Tuesday 2nd April 2019.