Interim Director of Commercial Operations
Job Summary
Contract Type:
Fixed Term
Working Pattern:
Full time
Advert Start Date:
18/08/2026
Advert End Date:
Closed for applications on 04/09/2026 23:59
Job Category:
Executive / Managerial
Employment Location:
North Tyneside
Further Information
Are you a sharp, values-driven commercial leader who thrives on
variety, autonomy, and real strategic impact?
We’re seeking an exceptional interim leader to step into a pivotal,
high-visibility role at YMCA North Tyneside. Reporting directly to the
CEO, you won’t just be keeping the lights on - you’ll lead, empower,
and grow a commercial portfolio that directly fuels our charitable
mission.
From our thriving Nursery, Gym and Cafe to the stunning Patterdale
Hall Estate in the Lake District, you’ll lead an established team of
Heads of Service during the maternity cover period to drive financial
performance, elevate customer experience, and deliver ambitious
growth projects.
The Role
This is a hands-on leadership role overseeing our Social Enterprise
businesses, Patterdale Hall Estate Ltd (PHEL), and Marketing &
Communications. You’ll work closely with established Heads of Service to maintain strong performance and a positive, supportive culture.
You’ll bring clarity, direction and constructive challenge — ensuring our
income-generating services deliver excellent customer experience,
strong financial results and high-quality operations. You’ll also sponsor
key commercial projects, including the launch of our new Reformer Pilates Studio and development opportunities at Patterdale, keeping plans on track and risks well managed.
Working alongside the CEO and Executive Leadership Team, you’ll ensure commercial activity supports our wider charitable mission. This interim role is designed to maintain momentum, strengthen performance and keep our commercial services thriving while the substantive Director of Community and Social Enterprise is on maternity leave.
This is a 12-month fixed-term contract.
The Successful Candidate
You will be an experienced, project-led commercial leader who can step
confidently into a diverse portfolio and keep multiple business units
performing at a high standard. You’ll bring strong autonomy, clear judgement and the ability to interrogate information, challenge
assumptions and drive delivery across wellbeing, hospitality, fitness,
childcare and the Patterdale Hall Estate.
You’ll understand business plans, budgets, marketing strategies and
operational KPIs and know how to keep projects and services moving
against them. You’ll work effectively through established Heads of
Service, offering constructive challenge, coaching and support while
maintaining positive, respectful relationships.
You’ll have the confidence to sponsor and lead commercial development projects, the discipline to track budgets and risks, and the commercial instinct to spot underperformance early. Most importantly, you’ll bring a values-driven leadership style that motivates teams, strengthens performance and keeps our social enterprises thriving during this 12-month interim period.
Your Experience and Skills
- Senior leadership across multi-site or multi-unit environments (e.g. social enterprise, leisure, nursery, hospitality).
- Line-management of senior managers or Heads of Service, providing direction, challenge and coaching.
- Budget ownership and financial analysis including P&Ls, mid-year forecasts and commercial sustainability.
- Project sponsorship or senior project leadership for commercial developments (facility launches, service expansions, capital projects).
- Commercial acumen with the ability to quickly understand operational dynamics and implement corrective action.
- Project oversight including budget tracking, risk management, milestone monitoring and stakeholder coordination.
- Performance management using data, KPIs and insight to hold senior leaders to account constructively.
- High autonomy and independent judgement, operating confidently without constant direction.
- Constructive challenge — interrogating information, asking the right questions and not taking things at face value.
Next Steps and Key Dates
- Advert closes Friday 4th September.
- Shortlisting will take place w/c Monday 7th September 2026.
- Interviews will take place week commencing 20th September 2026.
- Friday 2nd October – This is the date of our annual All Staff Conference. We would be delighted for our new Interim Director to attend, as it provides an ideal introduction to the YMCA, our people, and our Board of Trustees. It will also offer valuable insight into our
culture, priorities, and strategic direction from day one.
Want to know more?
Please review the job description and person specification attached to the vacancy.
You can also explore our YMCA North Tyneside website for information on our organisational priorities, values and ambitions.
If you’re excited about this opportunity and would like an informal
conversation before applying, please contact
Hollie.Sturrock@ymcanorthtyneside.org, People & Culture Manager.
Please note
This job is closed for applications.