Oxford Brookes University is distinctive in nature. We are a modern and forward-thinking institution rooted in, and connected to a city with a rich history of culture and learning. We are a globally recognised University focused on providing high-quality teaching, delivering impactful research and an excellent student experience. Our vision is simple: “shape tomorrow through our unique blend of the modern and the traditional, by embracing diversity, seeking out the new and excelling in education and research.”
Our refreshed People and Culture Strategy is driving our vision to create and encourage an environment where our staff and students have the opportunity to develop, progress and thrive.
Our people are at the heart of our University - the engagement, capability and wellbeing of our people is fundamental to our success in research and knowledge exchange, and teaching, where we currently hold the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Silver award.
The role
The Commercial Operations Manager will provide leadership to the Oxford Brookes Venues team, driving the promotion of meeting spaces and accommodation while overseeing the seamless operational delivery of a diverse range of events.
Working with colleagues in Estates and Campus Services, this role will cultivate a customer-focused and commercially driven culture, identify new revenue opportunities, and ensure exceptional service standards.
About the team
The University's Estates and Campus Services team are a multi-disciplinary team based predominantly at our Headington campus, and are responsible for the University’s physical estate. The Commercial Operations Manager will be responsible for the direct line management of a team of 4 people.
What will I be doing?
● Lead and manage Oxford Brookes Venues, ensuring commercial success and operational excellence
● Deliver outstanding customer service and maintain the highest standards
● Develop and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders to enhance business growth
● Inspire, manage, and motivate the team to deliver financial targets and operational goals.
Further details can be found in the attached job description.
What skills do I need?
We are keen to hear from people with a commitment to delivering outstanding conference and event experiences who thrive in a dynamic, customer-focused environment while driving commercial success?
● Strong track record of customer-focused service delivery
● Proven experience in managing a hospitality business of similar scale and complexity.
● Excellent stakeholder management and collaboration skills.
● Experience in leading and motivating teams to achieve business goals.
Interviews will take place on 3rd April 2025
About the location
Based at our Headington Campus, you’ll experience the vibrant campus atmosphere and benefit from our modern office environment. The campus is one mile from the center of Oxford and is served by regular public transport.
This role is a full-time permanent position, contracted on a 5 out of 7 basis. Flexible work patterns including some weekends will be required. Hybrid working around the demands of the role will be supported.
Benefits
As an Oxford Brookes employee, you will enjoy 25 days holiday, rising with your service, plus eight Bank Holidays and additional University Concessionary Days (approximately five per year).
We encourage and support hybrid working where the role allows and ensure that you have the necessary equipment to allow you to work flexibly.
We have an extremely competitive Local Government pension scheme with a 19.2% employer contribution rate, as well as providing all staff with financial education, a comprehensive employee assistance helpline. Employees also benefit from access to Edenred which is an employee discount portal offering discounts on shopping, lifestyle, health and wellbeing.
We prioritize the wellbeing of our employees—both physically and mentally, as well as financially. That's why we provide a diverse and comprehensive benefits package to support our colleagues
In addition, all employees have access to:
● Discounted rates for the University sports and gym facilities
● Brookes on-site Nursery
● Discounted travel options
● TOTUM student discount card discount scheme
● Relocation scheme (for moves over 30 miles)
● Training and development opportunities
● Connected community - Brookes have a wide variety of staff networks offering employees a space for support, guidance and friendship.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
At Oxford Brookes, we're committed to equality, diversity and inclusion; we proudly hold the Athena Swan bronze Award and are a Stonewall Top 100 Employer.
Inclusivity is one of our five guiding principles: we take positive steps to create an environment in which we celebrate, value and provide equal opportunity to all. We are committed to recruiting from the widest possible pool and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates who embrace our values, regardless of their background.
As a Disability Confident Employer we guarantee to interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential selection criteria.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident .