Head of Commercial Venues and Partnerships

About the Council

The London Borough of Hounslow is a forward-looking local authority dedicated to delivering excellent services for residents. The organisation operates in a borough known for its diversity, ambition and strong partnership culture, with a clear focus on improving outcomes for the community.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Hounslow is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where difference is valued and barriers are reduced. Its five guiding values are: Lead with Heart, Do New, Pass on the Power, Harness the Mix and Be a Rock. The council aims to reflect the diversity of its community across its workforce and leadership, supports employee networks, and provides learning and development that helps reduce inequality, inequity, injustice and bias.

As a Disability Confident Employer, reasonable adjustments can be made for candidates, and applicants are encouraged to share any support they need through the application process.

Role Overview

This newly created leadership position will shape the commercial direction of one of London’s most ambitious boroughs. The postholder will establish and grow a new team and embed effective ways of working across the council’s commercial venues and partnership activity.

Working within the Communications, Culture and Engagement Division, you will lead the strategy to increase income from venues, events, advertising, sponsorship, filming and commercial partnerships. The role involves developing attractive commercial offers, identifying fresh opportunities, and building partnerships that deliver revenue while also benefiting residents and local businesses.

You will manage teams covering venue sales, event account management and contract management, while personally leading advertising and sponsorship sales. In addition, you will work with senior leaders, elected Members and external partners to strengthen Hounslow’s position as a place for events, investment and commercial collaboration.

This is a strategic commercial leadership role that goes beyond sales. It includes shaping pricing approaches, developing new products, negotiating high-value partnerships, using market intelligence to guide decisions, and ensuring commercial work aligns with place-making, culture, economic growth and social value objectives.

As part of Hounslow’s Leadership Group, you will contribute to organisational priorities, support innovation and take an active role in the broader leadership of the council.

Key Focus Areas

Initially, the role will focus on increasing income from seven venues: Hounslow House, Boston Manor House, Hogarth’s House and four public halls. The portfolio also includes council publications and communications channels, corporate and community events such as Community Awards, Films on the Green, Summer of Culture events and fireworks, as well as filming and outdoor advertising. The scope of the portfolio is expected to expand over time.

What the Council Is Looking For

Hounslow is seeking someone who can help build new income streams and lasting partnerships while making a visible contribution to a borough of almost 300,000 residents.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in commercial strategy and income generation, preferably in venues, events, sponsorship, advertising, partnerships or destination marketing. You should be able to combine entrepreneurial thinking with commercial rigour, use data and customer insight to guide decisions, and make sound judgements based on financial performance.

You will need to form trusted relationships quickly and negotiate confidently with senior stakeholders, commercial partners and investors. The role also requires the ability to balance commercial growth with governance, reputational considerations and social value within a complex organisation.

Leadership capability is essential, including the ability to motivate teams, encourage collaboration and create an environment where people can innovate and deliver ambitious outcomes.

Hounslow also notes that applicants do not need to meet every single requirement to be considered; those who meet most of the criteria are encouraged to apply.

Interview and Contact Information

For an informal discussion or additional information, candidates can contact Ben Knowles, Director of Communications, Culture and Engagement. The interview date is to be confirmed.

Additional Information

The role is based in Hounslow, England, United Kingdom and is a full-time, on-site position. The number of vacancies, salary details, application deadline and start date were not specified in the source information.