Head of Commercial Operations (Food, Beverage & Retail)
35,000 per year
Cromford Mills, Cromford, Derbyshire
Full-time
Listed today
Head of Commercial Operations (Food, Beverage & Retail) JOB DESCRIPTION The Arkwright Society believes in creating a supportive, teamwork-driven workplace, where collaboration creates the best experience for our employees, visitors, and tenants. The Arkwright Society is a registered charity concerned with the education and conservation of industrial heritage, centred at Cromford Mills in Derbyshire. The Society also owns and cares for the Lumsdale Valley (Matlock), investing in woodland management, nature conservation, and the protection and enjoyment of historic landscapes. Cromford Mills is a large and dynamic site with a visitor exhibition including the award- winning Arkwright Experience, retail and business tenants, catering, visitor welcome, and a busy events and conferencing programme throughout the year. We have an award-winning educational offer and a dedicated volunteer team supporting the visitor experience. The site is internationally significant as part of the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site. Job Title: Head of Commercial Operations (Food, Beverage & Retail) Responsible to: Chief Executive Officer Location: Cromford Mills, Cromford, Derbyshire Salary Range: c. £35,000. Full time position (37.5 hrs) Responsible For: This is a senior and strategic role responsible for leading and developing all commercial trading activity across food & beverage, and retail. The postholder will oversee the operation of two cafés, event/conference catering, and the visitor welcome retail offer, while identifying and delivering opportunities to increase income, enhance visitor experience, and support the long-term sustainability of the Arkwright Society. At an exciting time for the organisation, with development-phase funding secured to explore proposals for a new restaurant and enhanced visitor welcome, this role will play a key part in shaping future commercial strategy, business planning, and growth. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the postholder will contribute to the wider strategic direction of the charity, ensuring that commercial activity supports and aligns with our charitable mission. Main Responsibilities: 1. Commercial Strategy and Business Development • Develop and deliver a commercial strategy across catering, retail, and associated income streams. • Produce annual business plans, budgets, and forecasts to meet income and • margin targets. Identify and implement new revenue opportunities, including retail development around products and merchandising. • Contribute to strategic planning for the future restaurant and visitor welcome offer, supporting feasibility and business modelling, and including a longer term curated retail offer across the site. • Monitor performance through KPIs and reporting, driving continuous improvement 2. Catering and Retail Operations • Oversee the day-to-day operation of the two cafés, event and conference catering and a retail offer across visitor areas. • Develop and enhance the retail offer, including: o Product sourcing and merchandising o o Opportunities to grow retail income across the site including the Integration with visitor experience and heritage storytelling volunteer ‘attic’ offer. • Ensure high standards of customer experience, product quality, and • presentation across all areas Introduce new concepts, menus, and retail initiatives to enhance visitor engagement and spend. 3. Leadership and Team Development • Lead the catering team, ensuring impeccable standards in customer service, food presentation and quality. • Oversee effective recruitment, training, and ongoing development of catering • staff. Implement an ongoing training programme for all catering staff to maintenance high standards and create a positive, inclusive and high performing team culture. 4. Financial, compliance, and Operational Management • Manage budgets, costs, and margins across all commercial activity. • Oversee stock control, purchasing, and pricing strategies. • Ensure full compliance with health and safety, food hygiene (HACCP, allergens, COSHH), licensing and statutory requirements. • Implement the organisation’s policies and procedures, producing regular financial and performance reports for senior leadership and trustees. • Ensure efficient and sustainable use of resources. . 5. Supplier and Partnership Management • Develop strong relationships with local and regional suppliers. • Source high-quality, cost-effective products aligned with brand and sustainability goals. • Explore opportunities for local partnerships and collaborative retail initiatives . 6. Sustainability and Innovation • Drive sustainable practices across catering and retail, including: o Reducing food waste o o Ethical and local sourcing Improving energy efficiency • Support the organisation’s wider environmental and sustainability objectives This is an outline description of the duties and responsibilities involved in the job. It is not exhaustive and may be revised from time to time. PERSON SPECIFICATION Head of Commercial Operations (Food, Beverage & Retail) ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE TRAINING, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS Strong experience in a commercial or hospitality/catering, or retail management role. Proven track record of delivering income growth and managing budgets. Level 3 Food Safety (or equivalent / working towards) Experience leading and developing teams. Experience working in a heritage, visitor attraction, or charitable organisation Experience in multi-income stream environments (e.g. retail + F&B + events) Experience contributing to capital development projects or new openings Full driving licence KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS Strong commercial awareness and business planning skills Experience developing or managing retail offers alongside catering Ability to analyse performance data and drive improvements Excellent customer service focus Strong IT skills, including EPOS systems INTERPERSONAL SKILLS Strong leadership skills for motivating and supporting staff. Sound judgment for clear and timely decision- making. Effective team player with influencing and negotiation abilities. Capability development to help teams grow and develop at their best. Proactive problem-solving skills. The package: Benefits for working at Cromford Mills: • Flexible working at the discretion of the Arkwright Society • Free staff parking and staff discount scheme • Pension scheme • Training & Development tailored to you. The Arkwright Society is committed to providing equality of opportunity. If you have a disability, we would be happy to discuss reasonable adjustments to the job with you.