Commercial Director
Christchurch
- Empower Student Success & Wellbeing.
- Lead. Innovate. Grow. Make a difference.
- Support and build a sustainable and financially agile future.
Are you a visionary commercial leader ready to shape the future of one of Aotearoa’s most dynamic student organisations?
The University of Canterbury Students’ Association (UCSA) is seeking a Commercial Director to drive innovation, performance, and purpose across its diverse business portfolio. From hospitality and retail to early learning centres and strategic ventures — this is your chance to lead with impact.
About UCSA:
Founded in 1894, UCSA is a registered not-for-profit organisation dedicated to helping students succeed and feel a sense of belonging. Governed by a student-elected executive and supported by over 300 staff, UCSA offers a wide range of student-focused services including advocacy, welfare support, subsidised dental and optometry care, early childhood education centres, club coordination, campus events, and student media.
To support its operations, UCSA runs several commercial ventures. It provides around 4,000 healthy lunches daily to Christchurch schools through the Ka Ora, Ka Ako programme, manages a catering business (OnCampus), owns half of the University Bookshop, and operates popular campus venues like The Foundry. With an annual turnover of approximately $16 million and net assets of $14 million, UCSA has grown into a diverse and dynamic organisation serving the UC student community.
What you will do:
- Lead multi-site commercial operations with a focus on growth, excellence, and profitability.
- Drive strategy and deliver results across hospitality, retail, childcare, and joint ventures.
- Champion innovation by identifying new business opportunities and diversifying revenue streams.
- Oversee assets, fleet and capital projects, and manage contractors, ensuring compliance, operational efficiency and financial performance.
- Inspire teams and build a culture of customer-centric excellence.
- Act as 2IC to the Chief Executive and play a key role in shaping UCSA’s future.
What you will bring to the role:
- 10+ years in senior business leadership, with multi-site experience.
- Proven success in hospitality, food service, and business development.
- Experience opening and acquiring new businesses.
- Strategic mindset with strong financial acumen.
- Exceptional communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills.
- A passion for purpose-driven work and student success.
- A business-related degree or equivalent experience.
- Innovative and trustworthy with ability to handle complexity.
Benefits:
- Be part of a values-driven organisation making a real impact in students’ lives.
- Lead diverse and exciting commercial operations.
- Work in a supportive, inclusive, and innovative environment.
- Enjoy a role with variety, challenge, and purpose.