AIRTATTOO.COM HEAD OF COMMERCIAL CANDIDATE BRIEF INDEX About Us Airshow by Numbers Opportunity – Head of Commercial Responsibilities Competencies How to Apply Pg 5 Pg 6 Pg 9 Pg 10 Pg 12 Pg 14 2 | AIRTATTOO.COM AIRTATTOO.COM | 3 AIRTATTOO.COM | 3 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 4 | AIRTATTOO.COM 4 | AIRTATTOO.COM AIRTATTOO.COM | 5 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 6 | AIRTATTOO.COM AIRTATTOO.COM | 7 AIRTATTOO.COM | 7 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 8 | AIRTATTOO.COM 8 | AIRTATTOO.COM AIRTATTOO.COM | 9 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 10 | AIRTATTOO.COM AIRTATTOO.COM | 11 AIRTATTOO.COM | 11 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 12 | AIRTATTOO.COM 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 AIRTATTOO.COM | 13 AIRTATTOO.COM | 13 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. 14 | AIRTATTOO.COM AIRTATTOO.COM AIRTATTOO.COM | 15 AIRTATTOO.COM | 15
Customer Engagement Executive
Location: Fairford
details
We are seeking a dynamic and personable Customer Engagement Executive. This is a new role in a revamped department, at the heart of the largest airshow in the world. An exciting time to join, you will have the freedom to develop the role, making it your own. With an entrepreneurial proactive can-do solution-oriented approach, your knack for forming relationships, methodical eye for detail, and the pure satisfaction that comes from completing a spreadsheet of actions is next to sublime. This role requires a unique mix of creativity, people engagement and detailed administration.
the main duties of the role would be:
- Support with the promotion, selling, co-ordination and delivery of Showground commercial from promotion and selling, to co-ordination of all onsite delivery requirements for consumer commercial partners including retail traders & exhibitors, interactive activity providers, content partners, sponsor and brand activations
- Deliver a high level of customer service, coordinating partner requirements
- Ensuring contract fulfilment, strengthen existing relationships whilst developing new business, with a focus on revenue and profit growth.
- Ensure that all sales activities are accurately recorded, invoiced, and recorded using MS Excel and CRM systems.
- Co-ordination of RIAT Showground commercial administration including all insurance and health and safety documentation is received and approved
- Support the Customer Engagement team, to ensure successful delivery of all business activities through smooth onboarding experiences and high levels of customer service.
- Support with the co-ordination of RIAT merchandising experiences and online store, with product research, stock management, order fulfilment and click and collect items on site.
- Support the Head of Business Development and Customer Care in the recruiting, training and managing temporary staff and volunteers for the respective Customer Engagement teams.
- Supporting the overall Customer Experience Department to deliver a successful RIAT
education
- Educated to GCSE standard or higher
- Suitable further education including college and / or university ideally in relevant sector
experience
- Experience in admin, sales, marketing or customer facing role
- Desirable experience in the events or the hospitality sector
skills
- Microsoft Office software knowledge to an intermediate / advanced level
- Desirable knowledge of customer relationship management consumer markets.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, comfortable presenting to all management levels.
- Good numerate skills
- Strong organisational and negotiation skills with an entrepreneurial mindset.
- Able to prioritise tasks and deliver to agreed timescales and deadlines
- The ability to remain calm under pressure in a solution-based environment
qualities
- Positive can-do attitude, strong teamwork ethos, with the determination to succeed
- Personable and a natural relationship builder
- A proactive self-starter with the ability to work on your own initiative
- A creative and imaginative approach, happy to contribute ideas
What we will offer
A competitive salary is accompanied by pension, private healthcare and 4x life assurance, we also hold staff wellbeing and social events throughout the year. You will also be given two complimentary tickets to The Royal International Air Tattoo and a staff discount of 50% for an additional six.
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. Closing date 20 January 2026.
See here for full details and to apply.
Volunteer Engagement Administrator
Location: Fairford
DETAILS
The Royal International Air Tattoo has been running for over 50 years and is staged in support of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust. The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust’s vision is to ignite the passion for aviation and space, and inspire young minds upwards. Empowering them with the knowledge, skills, inclusive opportunities and experiences to aspire and pursue a rewarding and innovative career in the field of aerospace.
WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
We are looking for a Volunteer Engagement Administrator who will support the Volunteer and RAF Engagement Manager in the delivery of RIAT 26.
YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE:
- Assist with keeping volunteer database up to date
- Plan volunteer accommodation, using reporting and excel.
- Review & process volunteer applications, recruitment and selection.
- Ensure all role profiles are up to date.
- Respond to volunteer and staff email enquiries in a timely manner, helping to resolve issues
- Review & approve registrations, sending out reminders
- Liaise with marketing to produce various materials, including service certificates and distribution
- Assist with coordination of welcome packs, including pass printing
- Assist with set up and delivery of Team Reception
- Assist with delivery of the Volunteer Village, including accommodation and entertainment
- Any other business associated with the department’s outputs
WHAT WE WILL OFFER:
A salary of £25,000 pro rata is accompanied by pension and a focus on staff wellbeing and social events throughout the year.
You will also be given two complimentary tickets to The Royal International Air Tattoo and a staff discount of 50% for an additional six.
ABOUT YOU:
The ideal candidate will be educated to at least ‘A’ Level standard and bring desirable experience within the events industry. They will possess a strong understanding of databases and data reporting, supported by a basic understanding of the Military and Defence sector. Highly organised and capable of managing time effectively, with the ability to remain calm under pressure and consistently meet tight deadlines. A confident telephone manner, strong written and verbal communication skills, and high levels of numeracy and literacy with excellent attention to detail are crucial.
The role requires solid IT literacy, with relationship management and negotiation skills considered advantageous. Personally, you will be confident, a committed team player, and driven by excellence, ambition, and pride. They will prioritise exceptional customer service and maintain a strong focus on safety at all times.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
To apply, please submit a CV together with a covering letter outlining your interest in the role and how your experience aligns with the requirements.
FIND OUT MORE AND APPLY:
Applications close 31st January 2026.