Commercial Director
Location: Welsh Mountain Zoo Colwyn Bay
Salary: £45,000 - £46,758.99 (dependent on experience)
Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)
Lead commercial growth at the National Zoo of Wales and help shape the future of one of Wales' most iconic conservation charities.
At Welsh Mountain Zoo, our mission is simple: To inspire passion for nature with every unforgettable visit. Every visitor, every partnership and every commercial decision helps us protect wildlife, educate future generations and secure the long-term future of the zoo.
As Wales' oldest and most established zoo, we're home to more than 60 species across a spectacular 37-acre site, welcoming over 160,000 visitors each year while supporting conservation projects in the UK and around the world. Every commercial success helps fund our vision of a future where the natural world is valued, understood, and protected.
We're looking for an ambitious, commercially minded leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as Commercial Director.
This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys combining commercial thinking with purpose. You'll provide strategic leadership across our commercial functions, including Guest Services, Marketing, Fundraising, Partnerships and Finance, ensuring every aspect of the visitor journey contributes to an exceptional guest experience and sustainable commercial growth.
Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Director of Living Collections and Board of Trustees, you'll help shape the zoo's long-term strategy, identify new commercial opportunities and ensure our commercial objectives support our conservation and charitable mission.
Working closely with our Chief Executive Officer and Director of Living Collections, you'll play a key role in shaping the zoo's future, developing new revenue opportunities while remaining true to our conservation and charitable objectives.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced commercial leader to make a lasting impact on the future of a much-loved visitor attraction, conservation charity and nationally recognised organisation.
What you'll lead
You'll be responsible for:
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Developing and delivering the zoo's commercial strategy to support long-term sustainability.
- Providing strategic leadership across our Guest Services, Marketing, Fundraising and Finance teams.
- Developing new income streams while maximising revenue from admissions, memberships, retail, experiences, events, fundraising and strategic partnerships.
- Leading major commercial projects from concept through to successful delivery.
- Building strong relationships with sponsors, local businesses, community organisations and key stakeholders.
- Driving innovative marketing campaigns that attract new and returning visitors while strengthening the Welsh Mountain Zoo brand.
- Leading annual budget setting, financial planning, forecasting and commercial performance, ensuring robust financial stewardship and long-term sustainability.
- Preparing strategic reports, business cases and performance updates for the Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees.
- Using commercial insight, KPIs and performance data to drive informed decision-making and continuous improvement.
- Working collaboratively across the organisation to align commercial objectives with operational, conservation and animal welfare priorities.
- Championing outstanding visitor experiences and exceptional customer service.
- Contributing to organisational strategy as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team.
No two days are the same
One day you may be presenting commercial performance to the Board of Trustees; the next, launching a new visitor experience, negotiating a corporate partnership, developing the annual budget or supporting a major conservation fundraising campaign. This is a varied, strategic role offering the opportunity to make a tangible impact across every aspect of the organisation.
About you
We're looking for someone who combines commercial acumen with strong leadership and a genuine passion for conservation.
You'll ideally have experience leading commercial functions within a visitor attraction, tourism, hospitality, leisure or charitable organisation, together with:
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A proven track record of growing income and identifying new commercial opportunities.
- Experience managing budgets, analysing performance and making data-led decisions.
- The ability to motivate and develop multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- Experience in marketing, partnerships, fundraising or business development.
- A proactive, collaborative approach with the confidence to lead change.
Above all, you'll be someone who thrives on making a positive impact and wants to help secure the future of Welsh Mountain Zoo.
Why join us?
As Commercial Director, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the National Zoo of Wales, working closely with the Chief Executive Officer and Board of Trustees to deliver our long-term vision. Alongside a competitive salary, we offer:
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Pension Scheme
- 33 days' annual leave (including bank holidays)
- Enhanced company sick pay following qualifying service.
- Flexible working arrangements where operationally possible.
- A senior leadership role with genuine influence over organisational strategy and commercial direction.
- The opportunity to work directly with the Chief Executive Officer and Board of Trustees.
- Autonomy to develop and deliver the zoo's commercial strategy and shape its future success.
- Free admission to the Zoo for your immediate family.
- Complimentary access to BIAZA member zoos across the UK and Ireland.
- Staff discounts across Zoo retail, catering and visitor experiences.
- Discounted gym membership.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
- Free on-site parking.
- Uniform provided where applicable.
- Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities.
- The opportunity to make a lasting impact by helping secure the future of the National Zoo of Wales and supporting vital conservation work.
Closing date: 29th July 2026
To apply: Please submit your CV together with a covering letter explaining why you're the right person to help shape the future of Welsh Mountain Zoo.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of suitable applications. Early applications are therefore encouraged.
Please visit https://www.welshmountainzoo.org/ for more information
