About Reading Students Union Reading Students Union (RSU) exists to represent, support, and enhance the experience of students at the University of Reading. Through a combination of representation, activities, and commercial services, RSU reinvests income back into services that directly benefit students. Our commercial operations play a vital role in generating sustainable income while delivering high-quality, student-focused experiences across our venues, events, and services. Business Development Manager (Maternity Cover) Location: University of Reading, Whiteknights Campus, Reading, Berkshire Salary: Circa £41,000 (dependent on experience) Contract: Full Time, 37.5 hours per week (annualised hours) (Evening and weekend working required in line with business needs) Reports to: Director of Commercial Services Responsible for: Events and Partnerships Manager Closing Date : Monday, 9th February, 2026 Role Purpose We are looking for a Business Development Manager (Maternity Cover) to lead the commercial growth and income generation strategy for Reading Students Union, maximising revenue across media sales, sponsorship, advertising, entertainments, events, conferences, and room bookings. Working in close partnership with the Trading Operations Manager, the role ensures that commercial opportunities are strategically sound, operationally deliverable, and aligned with Reading Students Union values and the student experience . Check out our exciting new strategyand candidate information pack. Summary of Key Responsibilities Lead business development activity to grow income across all commercial streams

Maximise revenue from media sales, sponsorship, and advertising

Drive income through events, entertainments, conferences, and room hire

Develop strategic partnerships with external organisations and University stakeholders

Collaborate with the Trading Operations Manager to ensure operational feasibility, delivery and commercial success

Manage sales performance, targets, pipelines, and reporting

Detailed Responsibilities Commercial Strategy & Income Growth Develop and implement a commercial income growth strategy aligned with the Students Union Commercial Development Plan

Identify new commercial opportunities and diversify income streams

Maximise utilisation and profitability of RSU venues, spaces, and platforms

Review and refine pricing, packages, and offers to ensure competitiveness

Media Sales, Sponsorship & Advertising Lead all media sales activity, including digital screens, print advertising, online platforms, and event sponsorship

Create attractive sponsorship and advertising packages for brands and partners

Build and maintain strong relationships with advertisers, agencies, and sponsors

Ensure all commercial partnerships align with RSU values and ethical standards

Events, Entertainments & Room Bookings Drive commercial income from entertainment programming, club nights, conferences, and external hires

Identify opportunities for external promoters, corporate clients, and University departments

Work with the Trading Operations Manager to ensure events and bookings are operationally viable

Support the development of a strong, commercially successful events calendar

Partnership Working Act as a key commercial contact for external organisations and University departments

Work collaboratively with Marketing, Venues, Events, and Student Activities teams

Build strong internal relationships to ensure joined-up commercial planning and delivery

Sales Performance, Reporting & Governance Set, manage, and deliver against income targets and budgets

Maintain accurate sales pipelines and forecasts

Produce regular performance and income reports

Ensure compliance with RSU policies, governance, and commercial procedures

Person Specification Business Development Manager Essential Experience Proven experience in business development, event delivery, sales, or commercial income generation

Experience developing and delivering sales strategies

Track record of achieving or exceeding income targets

Experience working with operational teams in hospitality, events, or venue environments

Skills & Knowledge Strong commercial and negotiation skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Ability to build effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders

Strong organisational, reporting, and forecasting skills

Personal Attributes Commercially focused and results-driven

Collaborative and partnership-oriented

Confident, adaptable, and professional

Values-driven and committed to supporting students

Desirable Experience in media sales, sponsorship, or advertising

Experience in students unions, higher education, hospitality, or events

Knowledge of conference sales, venue hire, or entertainment programming

Experience using CRM or sales management systems

Ready to make an impact? Apply today and help us deliver outstanding services and experiences for our student community!

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