Head of Commercial

Tonic is collaborating with a UK-based not-for-profit charity in the hospitality and drinks sector to recruit a Head of Commercial Development. This senior role, based in the South of England, involves securing high-value partnerships and identifying commercial opportunities. The successful candidate will receive a salary of £70,000 to £80,000, along with performance bonuses and benefits. Key responsibilities include leading business development strategies, cultivating partnerships, and collaborating across teams. Essential skills include experience in commercial partnerships, strategic planning, and exceptional communication abilities. The ideal candidate will be action-oriented, customer-focused, and adept at managing senior stakeholder relationships.

Head of Commercial Development – Not-for-profit/Charity – Hospitality/Drinks Sector Flexible Location (South of England) – £70,000 – £80,000 package plus excellent benefits
Tonic is partnered with a UK-based, successful, commercially driven, not-for-profit/charity that is seeking to appoint a Head of Commercial Development to their SLT to play a vital role in their ongoing success for the years to come. This is a senior, externally facing role accountable for securing new high-value partnerships and identifyinginnovative commercial opportunities across the drinks and hospitality sectors.
What’s in it for the successful Head of Commercial Development?

• Salary £60,000 – £70,000 commensurate with experience
• Performance-related bonus scheme: 8% of salary
• 10% employer pension contribution
• 3x salary life insurance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Free therapeutic wellbeing services
• Private medical cover
• Fully paid expenses

What are thekey responsibilities of the role?
Lead on the strategy and execution of new business development, including pipeline generation, prospect research, segmentation, targeting, and reporting
Cultivate high-value partnerships, from initial approach to proposal writing, pitching, closing, and stewardship
Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, fundraising, programme delivery, and senior leadership to ensure outstanding partner experiences, and identify and develop innovative commercial initiatives
Monitor and report on performance, targets, and milestoneshighlighting risks and growth opportunities
Act as a key external ambassador, representing the charity at events, industry functions, and high-level meetings
Contribute to a strong team culture, sharing insights and mentoring colleagues where appropriate
Essential skills & experience to be considered for the Head of Commercial Development role –
A strong track record of securing new high-value partnerships and meeting/exceeding commercial or fundraising targets
Experience in business development, commercial partnerships, or corporate fundraisingideally connected to the drinks or hospitality sectors
Excellent strategic planning and pipeline management capabilities and a good understanding of Excel and CRM systems
Skilled in writing compelling proposals, developing presentations, and confidently pitching to senior stakeholders
Ability to lead conversations, understand partner motivations, and shape offers that balance charity needs with business goals
Outstanding relationship management and communication skills, with the ability to influence and inspire at all levels
Comfortable working autonomously, with the initiative to spot and act on opportunities in a fast-moving environment
Personal attributes our client desires –
Action-oriented: Takes initiative and works with pace to deliver results
Customer-focused: Builds trust with internal and external stakeholders, always seeking to add value
Strategic & organised: Thinks big while staying focused on detail and delivery
Compassionate & empathetic: Understands and advocates for the people we support
Interpersonally savvy: Builds rapport quickly and manages relationships with diplomacy and professionalism
Confident around senior leaders: Can engage, influence, and communicate with senior industry stakeholders with ease

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