The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust
RAF Fairford
Full-time
AIRTATTOO.COM

HEAD OF COMMERCIAL
CANDIDATE BRIEF

INDEX

About Us

Airshow by Numbers

Opportunity – Head of Commercial

Responsibilities

Competencies

How to Apply

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ABOUT US

The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) has been running for over

International delegations use RIAT as a platform for diplomacy and

50 years and is staged in support of the Royal Air Force Charitable

strategy, whilst corporate attendees, including defence primes,

Trust. The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust’s vision is to ignite the

leverage the event as an opportunity to support their nations’ air

passion for aviation and space, and inspire young minds upwards.

force and enhance their international visibility. With 71 air force

Empowering them with the knowledge, skills, inclusive opportunities

and government delegations, and representation from 52 industry

and experiences to aspire and pursue a rewarding and innovative

leaders, RIAT plays a key role in developing vital diplomatic and trade

career in the field of aerospace.

relationships.

The Royal International Air Tattoo is more than just an airshow.

It is a three-day event that will overwhelm your senses. From the

roar of jet engines ripping through the air to the cheer of the crowd

line – it’s an experience like no other. Experience sights, smells and

sounds that will leave your heart racing and raise the hairs on the

back of your neck as aircraft and nations descend on RAF Fairford

for a festival of flight.

Beyond the public airshow, RIAT is an event which focuses on

progressing strategy partnership with, and investing in, the RAF

and UK defence, providing dedicated time in the annual calendar to

advance these relationships.

Three-day event (plus three arrival and departure days)

Held at RAF Fairford, in the glorious Cotswolds

Over 175,000 visitors

29,000 upgrade enclosure customers

Unrivalled networking opportunities for the military,
areospace and defence sectors

224 aircraft, representing 27 nations

Over 18 hours of incredible flying displays

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AIRSHOW
BY NUMBERS

9,300
Corporate guests

52
Global commercial partners

71
Senior government
delegations

56%
Visitors attend with families

9.5
Hours, average time spent
at the airshow

200+
Media reps attending each
day incl. BBC, ITV & Sky

130,000
Followers on Instagram

182,000
Followers on Facebook

20,500
Followers on YouTube

Excellence is difficult to achieve, and even harder to sustain and then enhance.

73,000
Followers on X

41,000
Followers on TikTok

58,000
 E-newsletter subscribers

That you are doing this, and therefore allowing the Group to deliver on its objectives of promoting
the RAF and inspiring young people, is simply exceptional and we are most grateful.

AIR MARSHAL PHIL OSBORN CBE FRAES
CHAIR OF THE ROYAL AIR FORCE CHARITABLE TRUST

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OPPORTUNITY
HEAD OF COMMERCIAL

The Head of Commercial will be the driving force behind delivering an

as a convening power amongst the most influential figures in the world

exceptional experience for corporate, military and govement visitors to

of defence aviation, including the Ministry of Defence (MOD), Royal Air

the Royal International Air Tattoo. With relevant experience in premium

Force (RAF), United States Air Force (USAF) and NATO, the successful

events, they will possess the vision and determination to retain and develop

candidate will be instrumental in shaping the strategic success in the

the Company’s reputation as the premier, and unique networking and

years ahead. They will manage, and generate new corporate partners and

engagement event that it has become.

sponsors, pursue opportunities with corporate partners to demonstrate

the advancements in sustainable aviation, and increase participation to

As a member of the senior leadership team, reporting directly to the CEO,

showcase the cutting-edge of sustainable technology and the people behind it.

Gavin Gager, this role will lead a passionate and dedicated team responsible

for delivering a suite of world-renowned, first-class events and experiences

Making sure that our iconic airshow is a success every year is at the core of

to our commercial customers, their guests, and the most senior members of

this role. This opportunity is for someone who wants to take our airshow

international defence forces. This visionary leader will have a proven track

to the next level. You should be ready to propel the show and our parent

record of building exceptional business relationships, founded on integrity,

charity, the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, into the limelight faster and to

excellence, and trust.

new audiences to enable our profile to stand out as we think it should, and

enabling the Trust to use the funds we generate to inspire young people to

Joining the Company at a pivotal time, as the organisation embarks on

fulfil their potential in air, space and technology.

an ambitious 10-year business vision, building on a renowned reputation

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RESPONSIBILITIES

Serve as a contributing member of the senior leadership team and support

To manage and develop senior strategic stakeholder relationships within the

the delivery of its purpose. Actively contribute and participate in thorough

RAF, wider MoD, specialist membership organisations and other significant

business planning, policy development, and implementation. Lead, direct

Company supporters

and manage the Commercial Department to achieve the Group’s expected

To ensure corporate clients derive maximum benefit at the events through

outputs

carefully considered seating planning and meeting management

Lead by example, and collaborate with all colleagues to drive, innovate and

Lead, oversee and support the research, development and delivery of the

continuously improve its events and activities

hospitality offering for all corporate clients

Develop and implement the vision and strategies that support the

Oversee and sanction all department revenue generation and expenditure in

corporate partnerships and guest experience across the event

accordance with the Company’s procurement and sales policies, including the

Lead the development, implementation and delivery of commercial

preparation of budgets and targets, the provision of accurate forecasting and

strategies and plans to generate corporate revenue and deliver optimum

the management of comprehensive tender processes

profit margins

Oversee department activity to ensure that all HSE and CDM regulations are

Be accountable for, and manage where required, the delivery of all

implemented, compliant and co-ordinated with the operations teams.

sponsorship packages and activities

Prepare and present accurate and high quality reports, presentations and

Lead, oversee and support the planning, delivery and management of first-

briefings for the Board and external stakeholders as required

class corporate events

Ensure the Commercial Department is adequately resourced in both

Lead, direct and support the guest management operation to include the

permanent and fixed term personnel to deliver its outputs including the

setting and managing of policies and the delivery of networking activities

recruitment, personal development and performance management of the team

and visit programmes for guests and clients

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COMPETENCIES

Education:

Knowledge:

•  Degree level educated or equivalent

Account and stakeholder management

•  Significant and proven track record in a senior

Military and diplomatic procedures

management position

Contractual and financial management

•

Commercial experience in the scoping, planning and

IT applications and database management

delivery of a premium, large-scale national event

•  Extensive experience of working with the military

and defence community

Skills:

Leadership and motivation

Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines

Excellent attention to detail, organisation and project

planning

Excellent communication skills with the ability to

converse at all levels

Relationship management

Excellent sales, negotiating and networking

IT literate

Excellent writing skills

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Qualities:

People focussed leader

Enthusiastic, confident and well-presented

Team player

Results oriented

Commitment to excellence

Ambition and pride

Customer service oriented

Training Requirements :

See Department Training Matrix

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HOW
TO APPLY

In order to apply, please submit a comprehensive CV along with a covering

letter which sets out your interests in the role and encapsulates the aspects

of your experience.

Direct applications to: Trish.williams@tfconnect.global

PERSONAL DATA:

In line with GDPR, we ask that you do NOT send us any information that

can identify children or any of your Sensitive Personal Data (racial or ethnic

origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union

membership, data concerning health or sexual orientation in your CV and

application documentation.

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Head of Commercial - THE ROYAL AIR FORCE CHARITABLE TRUST | Work In Charities