STA Travel is recruiting a Commercial Director to be based in London.

Role description

Reporting to the Group Managing Director, the Commercial Director will be responsible for leading and managing STA Travel's product, trading and sales teams, ensuring that they meet the strategic objectives of the business. This role is both operational and strategic, with involvement in developing and executing the overall strategy for the business, whilst leading and guiding a large part of the senior management team.

Key responsibilities:


Provide input to STA Travel's mission and strategic plan in the UK, covering the core business and the recently established 'Bridge The World' brand
Add value, commercial insight and an entrepreneurial mindset to the retail/sales and product performance of the business, overseeing a focussed, category management approach to trading
Provide coaching, guidance, leadership, assistance and direction to improve the performance of your direct reports
Create a highly motivated and entrepreneurial culture, with a commercial focus that delivers profit growth whilst retaining a customer-centric approach
Analyse the competitive environment, developing and executing a 3-5 year strategic plan for product, trading and sales, aimed at increasing market share, improving productivity and growth
Develop and manage strategic alliances that will help to support and grow the business

Key performance indicators:


Achieve or exceed monthly sales, revenue and profit targets
Introduce a more detailed, systematic and disciplined approach to the category management framework, delivering demonstrating growth across all product categories (accommodation, tours, insurance etc)
Achieve increased customer demand through offline sales channels

Who we're looking for

Applications are invited from commercial trading, sales or operations professionals, ideally from within the retail industry. Suitable individuals are likely to have a proven track record of delivering revenue and profit growth, of leading and developing a senior management team and of building excellent working relationships internally that will enable you to influence cross functionally. This newly created role has been established as part of an ongoing investment campaign intended to ensure that the business continues to flourish. As a result, this opportunity requires someone of the highest calibre, with an impressive intellect, genuine commercial flair and real gravitas.

Whilst the Commercial Director will be expected to add value across the business, there is a strong emphasis on the successful applicant being a talented trading, category management and product procurement specialist, who will bring a fresh perspective to the management team.

About our client

STA Travel is the world's leading travel specialist for students and young people, providing access to a unique range of flights, accommodation, tours and expeditions. Established more than 30 years ago, STA Travel's knowledgeable and passionate staff are dedicated to providing outstanding customer service, competitive pricing and unbeatable flexibility. With operations in more than 90 countries, a large branch network and a compelling online proposition, STA Travel is a thriving and profitable organisation.

What's on offer

Competitive six figure package

Michael Page Contact

For further info, apply or phone on 0207 831 2000. Job Ref: 13218848
Your application will be sent to David Angel.

How To Apply

To apply for this position please click on the 'Apply' button