Full job descriptionMLC Partners are delighted to be partnering with Caterham School, one of the UK’s leading independent co-educational schools, to recruit a Director of Commercial Services.
This is an exciting opportunity for an accomplished commercial leader to play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering the commercial strategy across the Caterham Family of Schools. Working closely with the Chief Operating Officer and senior leadership team, the successful candidate will drive sustainable revenue growth, identify new commercial opportunities and maximise the potential of the Schools’ extensive facilities, services and partnerships.
The Opportunity
As Director of Commercial Services, you will provide strategic leadership across a diverse commercial portfolio, including sports facilities, summer and holiday programmes, venue hire and wider income-generating activities.
With responsibility for developing new revenue streams, strengthening existing operations and building long-term commercial partnerships, you will help shape the future commercial direction of the Family of Schools, ensuring financial performance is balanced with the organisation’s educational values and community commitments.
Key Responsibilities
*Develop and implement a comprehensive commercial strategy, driving sustainable growth and maximising non-fee income across the Family of Schools.
*Provide strategic leadership across commercial operations, including sports centres, sports academies, holiday programmes and facilities hire.
*Identify and develop new business opportunities, partnerships and income streams that align with the Schools’ strategic objectives.
*Lead, develop and inspire commercial teams, fostering a high-performance culture focused on innovation, collaboration and results.
*Take ownership of commercial financial performance, including revenue targets, pricing strategies, financial planning and return on investment.
*Strengthen the Schools’ commercial brand and market presence through effective business development, sales and marketing strategies.
*Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders, external partners and the wider school community, ensuring commercial activities deliver long-term value.
About You
We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute leader who combines strategic vision with the ability to deliver tangible results.
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
*A proven track record of senior commercial leadership, with experience driving revenue growth, profitability and business development.
*Strong commercial acumen and the ability to identify, evaluate and deliver new income-generating opportunities.
*Experience of, or a strong understanding of, the education sector and its commercial opportunities.
*Excellent leadership and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate at senior level.
*Strong financial, analytical and negotiation skills, alongside experience developing and implementing commercial strategies.
*An entrepreneurial, proactive and hands-on approach, with the drive and resilience to deliver results while remaining aligned with the Schools’ values.
The Opportunity to Make an Impact
This appointment represents an opportunity to take ownership of a varied commercial portfolio within a highly regarded educational organisation. The successful candidate will have the scope to influence commercial strategy, develop new partnerships and make a lasting contribution to the continued success of the Caterham Family of Schools.
Location: Caterham, Surrey
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time
Salary: Competitive + Benefits
Start Date: January 2027
Application Deadline: 9am, Friday 6 November 2026
Early applications are encouraged, as the School reserves the right to appoint before the closing date.
To discuss this opportunity confidentially or to apply, please contact Briar at MLC Partners.
Caterham School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be subject to appropriate safeguarding and pre-employment checks, including DBS checks.