Commercial Development and Hires Manager
The Commercial Development and Hires Manager will lead on maximising the revenue potential of the Bernie Grant Arts Centre (BGAC) by driving commercial hires, developing strategic partnerships, and ensuring exceptional client service. This role is pivotal in managing the Centre’s multi-purpose spaces, including theatres, studios, office spaces, and our café/bar, ensuring they are utilised to their full commercial capacity while aligning with the Centre’s artistic and community mission. Responsibilities Develop and execute a dynamic commercial strategy to maximize income from venue hires, tenants, and in-house services. Lead on creative solutions to expand revenue streams, including the management of the café/bar, merchandise sales, and additional trading opportunities. Identify, negotiate, and secure high-value hires and partnerships that align with BGAC’s mission and financial targets. Devise and implement a multi-tiered strategy to promote BGAC’s spaces and services, increasing visibility and driving bookings. Represent BGAC at exhibitions, trade shows, and networking events to build relationships and enhance the Centre’s commercial profile. Venue Hires & Events Coordination Serve as the primary contact for all hire enquiries, ensuring prompt, professional, and accurate responses to prospective clients. Manage and optimise the booking system (YesPlan) to schedule, track, and report on hires and events. Conduct site tours, production meetings, and client consultations to understand requirements and tailor solutions. Issue contracts, raise invoices, and ensure timely collection of payments. Liaise with internal departments (Operations, Marketing, Technical) to ensure smooth event delivery and maximize upsell opportunities for catering, technical services, and equipment hire. Act as onsite Event Manager for commercial events, ensuring client satisfaction and resolving issues promptly when needed. Client Relationships & Customer Service Develop and maintain strong relationships with long-term tenants, short-term clients, and partners. Ensure excellent customer service throughout the client journey, from enquiry to event delivery and follow-up. Organise regular tenant forums and feedback sessions to address needs, concerns, and opportunities for collaboration. Maintain a proactive approach to client retention, securing repeat business and long-term partnerships. Reporting & Data Management Track and analyse venue hire trends, conversion rates, and income streams, providing regular reports to the Senior Leadership Team. Prepare impactful updates on commercial activities, identifying opportunities for growth and areas for improvement. Conduct post-event evaluations and internal debriefs to assess success and implement improvements. Building Management & Compliance Liaising with the General Manager to ensure cleaning, maintenance and repairs of hire and event space to ensure all areas are in top condition. Ensure all activities comply with Health & Safety regulations, GDPR, and BGAC’s policies on equality, diversity, and inclusion. Conduct risk assessments and implement safety protocols for all hired spaces and events. Minimum Requirements Ideally at least 3 years’ experience in commercial development, event sales, or venue management in a cultural or multi-purpose venue. Proven track record of meeting and exceeding sales targets and generating significant commercial revenue. Experience managing complex events, from corporate conferences to community functions, ensuring high-quality delivery. Strong negotiation skills with the ability to secure favorable deals and maintain positive client relationships. Exceptional organisational and project management skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Proficient in IT systems, including Microsoft Office, GDrive and venue management software (experience with YesPlan or similar is a plus). Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and engage with a diverse range of clients and stakeholders. Knowledge of the cultural and creative landscape of London and the wider UK sector. Reporting to:
Executive Director Contract:
Permanent, Full-time To apply, please submit your CV, covering letter outlining your suitability for the role, and equal opportunities monitoring form to
recruitment@berniegrantcentre.co.uk
by
Monday 20th January at 5pm.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Commercial Development and Hires Manager will lead on maximising the revenue potential of the Bernie Grant Arts Centre (BGAC) by driving commercial hires, developing strategic partnerships, and ensuring exceptional client service. This role is pivotal in managing the Centre’s multi-purpose spaces, including theatres, studios, office spaces, and our café/bar, ensuring they are utilised to their full commercial capacity while aligning with the Centre’s artistic and community mission. Responsibilities Develop and execute a dynamic commercial strategy to maximize income from venue hires, tenants, and in-house services. Lead on creative solutions to expand revenue streams, including the management of the café/bar, merchandise sales, and additional trading opportunities. Identify, negotiate, and secure high-value hires and partnerships that align with BGAC’s mission and financial targets. Devise and implement a multi-tiered strategy to promote BGAC’s spaces and services, increasing visibility and driving bookings. Represent BGAC at exhibitions, trade shows, and networking events to build relationships and enhance the Centre’s commercial profile. Venue Hires & Events Coordination Serve as the primary contact for all hire enquiries, ensuring prompt, professional, and accurate responses to prospective clients. Manage and optimise the booking system (YesPlan) to schedule, track, and report on hires and events. Conduct site tours, production meetings, and client consultations to understand requirements and tailor solutions. Issue contracts, raise invoices, and ensure timely collection of payments. Liaise with internal departments (Operations, Marketing, Technical) to ensure smooth event delivery and maximize upsell opportunities for catering, technical services, and equipment hire. Act as onsite Event Manager for commercial events, ensuring client satisfaction and resolving issues promptly when needed. Client Relationships & Customer Service Develop and maintain strong relationships with long-term tenants, short-term clients, and partners. Ensure excellent customer service throughout the client journey, from enquiry to event delivery and follow-up. Organise regular tenant forums and feedback sessions to address needs, concerns, and opportunities for collaboration. Maintain a proactive approach to client retention, securing repeat business and long-term partnerships. Reporting & Data Management Track and analyse venue hire trends, conversion rates, and income streams, providing regular reports to the Senior Leadership Team. Prepare impactful updates on commercial activities, identifying opportunities for growth and areas for improvement. Conduct post-event evaluations and internal debriefs to assess success and implement improvements. Building Management & Compliance Liaising with the General Manager to ensure cleaning, maintenance and repairs of hire and event space to ensure all areas are in top condition. Ensure all activities comply with Health & Safety regulations, GDPR, and BGAC’s policies on equality, diversity, and inclusion. Conduct risk assessments and implement safety protocols for all hired spaces and events. Minimum Requirements Ideally at least 3 years’ experience in commercial development, event sales, or venue management in a cultural or multi-purpose venue. Proven track record of meeting and exceeding sales targets and generating significant commercial revenue. Experience managing complex events, from corporate conferences to community functions, ensuring high-quality delivery. Strong negotiation skills with the ability to secure favorable deals and maintain positive client relationships. Exceptional organisational and project management skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Proficient in IT systems, including Microsoft Office, GDrive and venue management software (experience with YesPlan or similar is a plus). Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and engage with a diverse range of clients and stakeholders. Knowledge of the cultural and creative landscape of London and the wider UK sector. Reporting to:
Executive Director Contract:
Permanent, Full-time To apply, please submit your CV, covering letter outlining your suitability for the role, and equal opportunities monitoring form to
recruitment@berniegrantcentre.co.uk
by
Monday 20th January at 5pm.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
