Commercial Director

Full-time Permanent Director

Posted 08 Jul 2026

Description

Commercial Director

Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)

Lead commercial growth at the National Zoo of Wales and help shape the future of one of Wales' most iconic conservation charities.

At Welsh Mountain Zoo, our mission is simple: To inspire passion for nature with every unforgettable visit. Every visitor, every partnership and every commercial decision helps us protect wildlife, educate future generations and secure the long‑term future of the zoo.

As Wales' oldest and most established zoo, we're home to more than 60 species across a spectacular 37‑acre site, welcoming over 160,000 visitors each year while supporting conservation projects in the UK and around the world. Every commercial success helps fund our vision of a future where the natural world is valued, understood, and protected.

We're looking for an ambitious, commercially minded leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as Commercial Director.

This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys combining commercial thinking with purpose. You'll provide strategic leadership across our commercial functions, including Guest Services, Marketing, Fundraising, Partnerships and Finance, ensuring every aspect of the visitor journey contributes to an exceptional guest experience and sustainable commercial growth.

Working closely with the ChiefExecutive Officer, Director of Living Collections and Board of Trustees, you'llhelp shape the zoo's long‑term strategy, identify new commercial opportunitiesand ensure our commercial objectives support our conservation and charitablemission.

Working closely with our ChiefExecutive Officer and Director of Living Collections, you'll play a key role inshaping the zoo's future, developing new revenue opportunities while remainingtrue to our conservation and charitable objectives.

This is an exciting opportunityfor an experienced commercial leader to make a lasting impact on the future ofa much‑loved visitor attraction, conservation charity and nationally recognisedorganisation.

What you'll lead

You'll be responsible for:

• Developing and delivering the zoo's commercialstrategy to support long‑term sustainability.
• Providing strategic leadership across our GuestServices, Marketing, Fundraising and Finance teams.
• Developing new income streams while maximisingrevenue from admissions, memberships, retail, experiences, events, fundraisingand strategic partnerships.
• Leading major commercial projects from conceptthrough to successful delivery.
• Building strong relationships with sponsors,local businesses, community organisations and key stakeholders.
• Driving innovative marketing campaigns thatattract new and returning visitors while strengthening the Welsh Mountain Zoobrand.
• Leading annual budget setting, financialplanning, forecasting and commercial performance, ensuring robust financialstewardship and long‑term sustainability.
• Preparing strategic reports, business cases andperformance updates for the Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees.
• Using commercial insight, KPIs and performancedata to drive informed decision‑making and continuous improvement.
• Working collaboratively across the organisationto align commercial objectives with operational, conservation and animalwelfare priorities.
• Championing outstanding visitor experiences andexceptional customer service.
• Contributing to organisational strategy as a keymember of the Senior Leadership Team.

No two days are the same

One day you may be presenting commercial performance to the Board of Trustees; the next, launching a new visitor experience, negotiating a corporate partnership, developing the annualbudget or supporting a major conservation fundraising campaign. This is a varied, strategic role offering the opportunity to make a tangible impact across every aspect of the organisation.

About you

We're looking for someone whocombines commercial acumen with strong leadership and a genuine passion forconservation.

You'll ideally have experienceleading commercial functions within a visitor attraction, tourism, hospitality,leisure or charitable organisation, together with:

• A proven track record of growing income andidentifying new commercial opportunities.
• Experience managing budgets, analysingperformance and making data‑led decisions.
• The ability to motivate and developmultidisciplinary teams.
• Strong communication and relationship-buildingskills.
• Experience in marketing, partnerships,fundraising or business development.
• A proactive, collaborative approach with theconfidence to lead change.

Above all, you'll be someone whothrives on making a positive impact and wants to help secure the future ofWelsh Mountain Zoo.

As Commercial Director, you'llplay a pivotal role in shaping the future of the National Zoo of Wales, workingclosely with the Chief Executive Officer and Board of Trustees to deliver ourlong‑term vision. Alongside a competitive salary, we offer:

• Pension Scheme
• 33 days' annual leave (including bank holidays)
• Enhanced company sick pay following qualifyingservice.
• Flexible working arrangements whereoperationally possible.
• A senior leadership role with genuine influenceover organisational strategy and commercial direction.
• The opportunity to work directly with the ChiefExecutive Officer and Board of Trustees.
• Autonomy to develop and deliver the zoo'scommercial strategy and shape its future success.
• Free admission to the Zoo for your immediatefamily.
• Complimentary access to BIAZA member zoos acrossthe UK and Ireland.
• Staff discounts across Zoo retail, catering andvisitor experiences.
• Discounted gym membership.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Free on‑site parking.
• Uniform provided where applicable.
• Ongoing professional development and careerprogression opportunities.
• The opportunity to make a lasting impact byhelping secure the future of the National Zoo of Wales and supporting vitalconservation work.

Closing date: 29th July 2026

To apply: Please submit your CVtogether with a covering letter explaining why you're the right person to helpshape the future of Welsh Mountain Zoo.

We reserve the right to close thisvacancy early should we receive a high volume of suitable applications. Earlyapplications are therefore encouraged.