Overview
Senior Commercial Manager – South Downs,East Dean, United Kingdom
We are looking for an ambitious and commercially astute Senior Commercial Manager with extensive experience in hospitality to lead our retail and food and beverage operations at Birling Gap, delivering outstanding results while helping to support the National Trust’s charitable purpose. Reporting to the Commercial Area Manager you will lead a large commercial team of up to 50 staff and volunteers, whilst working closely with wider property team. This a full-time position including weekends and bank holidays on a rota basis.
This is an exciting opportunity to combine commercial leadership, outstanding compliance, operational excellence and people development in an iconic environment where the success of our business directly contributes to the conservation of one of the UK’s most special places.
Birling Gap is a unique and distinctive landmark set within the South Downs National Park welcoming visitors from across the globe 363 days a year. You will be responsible for prioritising improvement opportunities and driving consistent enhancements to service quality and the overall visitor experience across the property.
Working for the National Trust offers the opportunity to combine a rewarding commercial leadership career with a meaningful purpose.
You will have the opportunity to:
- Lead and drive significant commercial operations.
- Develop and inspire a talented team of staff and volunteers.
- Make a tangible contribution to the visitor experience.
- Influence commercial performance and innovation.
- Play an important part in supporting the conservation of our special places.
As Senior Commercial Manager, you will take overall responsibility for the performance and development of the large commercial operation, encompassing retail and food and beverage at our Birling Gap site.
You will be responsible for driving income, maximising profitability, developing high-performing teams and ensuring visitors enjoy an exceptional experience every time they visit. You will ensure that the commercial operations are run safely and compliantly adhering to health and safety and National Trust policies. You will be accountable for maintaining product quality, food safety, efficient labour deployment, stock control and production planning and consistent high presentation standards across all commercial operations.
The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
• Rental deposit loan scheme
• Season ticket loan
• EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
• Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
• Flexible working whenever possible
• Employee assistance programme
• Free parking at most Trust places
Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.
South Downs, Birling Gap, East Dean, BN20 0ABSenior Commercial Manager – D.pdf Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK
Closing Date: 22 November 2026
To apply for this vacancy simply click the ‘apply’ button in the top right hand side of the page.
If you need any help with your application, i.e. due to technical difficulties, please call us on 0370 240 0274 or email us at recruitmentenquiries@nationaltrust.org.uk
If you require an adjustment to the application process, for example due to disability or medical condition, please call us on 0370 240 0274 or email us at adjustments@nationaltrustjobs.org.uk and we’ll support you as best as we can. For examples of how, please see our supporting you page.
Equal Opportunities Statement
The National Trust celebrates diversity and is committed to creating a fair and equal society, free from discrimination. You can read more about our commitment to inclusion and diversity here.
Safeguarding Statement
The National Trust is committed to a safe recruitment processes to help the organisation attract and appoint the right staff/volunteer for the role and responsibilities as set out in the vacancy advert. We will not accept applicants who are not suitable to work with children, young people or adults at risk. If you have any questions around your suitability for this vacancy, please contact the people service centre.
IMPORTANT: Before applying for this role, please make sure you have the right to work in the country where the role is based. Unless it clearly stipulates within in the job advert above that the hiring company is looking to or able to sponsor applicants it is deemed that the hiring employer will only consider applications from those able to comply with and work in the country where the role is based.
