Business Development Manager (Maternity Cover)
Reading Students' UnionAbout 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 strategy and 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!