Interim Head Of Commercial & Membership

We are looking for a highly experienced, hands-on commercial leader with a strong track record of driving membership growth, sponsorship, strategic partnerships and income generation. The immediate priority is to accelerate membership growth, renewals and commercial opportunities, strengthen the pipeline, and deliver sustainable income across a portfolio of high-value relationships and partnerships. Working closely with Membership, Policy & Research, Programmes and Communications colleagues, the postholder will provide senior commercial leadership across Membership, sponsorship and partnerships, driving immediate income growth while ensuring Membership plays a central role in Creative UK's Strategic Growth Plan, future commercial model and long-term sustainability. REPORTS TO: Managing Director, Commercial Growth & Income Generation Lead commercial growth across Membership, sponsorship, strategic partnerships and high-value accounts, with a particular focus on membership acquisition, retention, renewals and income growth. Build, manage and convert a robust pipeline of income-generating opportunities, driving lead generation, opportunity progression, conversion and renewal activity. Develop compelling commercial propositions aligned to Creative UK's membership offer, research, events and strategic priorities, ensuring activity delivers against set income targets. Strategic Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement Build and maintain senior-level relationships that enable membership growth, sponsorship and partnership income. Develop strategic partnerships that generate commercial value while advancing Creative UK's wider organisational objectives. Work collaboratively across Membership, Policy & Research, Programmes and Communications teams to identify and maximise growth opportunities. Membership Strategy & Development Work with Membership and wider colleagues to drive and strengthen the membership proposition, member value and routes to growth aligned to commercial objectives Identify opportunities to increase membership income through sponsorship, strategic partnerships and account development. Contribute commercial insight, market intelligence and pipeline assumptions to the development of the 2027/28 Membership Business Plan. Performance Management & Reporting Lead pipeline, forecasting and performance reviews, monitoring acquisition, retention, renewal and income performance against targets. Use CRM systems, data and market insights to drive decision-making, improve performance and identify growth opportunities. Provide clear reporting and recommendations on commercial performance, risks and opportunities WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

• Growth in membership, partnership and sponsorship income against agreed targets.
• A healthy and active pipeline of qualified opportunities, with clear visibility of risks, renewals and conversion activity.
• Strong membership and partnership retention rates.
• Strategic partnerships that deliver measurable value, influence and income.
• Demonstrable use of sector insight, member feedback and stakeholder intelligence to inform commercial decision-making and proposition development.
• A clear and evidence-based contribution to the 2027/28 Membership Business Plan, including pipeline assumptions, income opportunities and growth priorities.
• Practical recommendations for how Membership can contribute to Creative UK's Strategic Plan, future commercial model and sustainability.
• Accurate forecasting, effective CRM management and clear reporting on commercial performance.
  
  Creative UK is the independent network for the UK Creative Industries, and we know that connection changes everything. Our overarching mission is to leverage the economic, social and cultural value of the UK's creative economy. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.
We connect and champion the creative industries across the UK, bringing together businesses, freelancers, policymakers, investors and industry leaders to unlock growth and opportunity. Through our programmes, networks, policy work, investment activity and strategic partnerships, we help drive a thriving and inclusive creative economy. Creative UK Membership connects creative talent across the UK's cultural and creative industries, providing unrivalled access to influential networks, policy insight, research, profile-raising opportunities and dedicated support to help organisations grow, connect and shape the future of the sector.

CONTRACT: Initial fixed term engagement of 6 months, with scope to extend subject to business need. Full time preference or minimum 3 days per week. Mid-September 2026 start date preferred. SALARY : up to £60k FTE dependent on experience. Equivalent freelance day fee for part-time applicants available by request. PRIORITIES
• Deliver commercial growth across Membership and strategic partnerships
• Accelerate sponsorship and partnership opportunities linked to Membership, Research, Events and sector engagement activity.
• Build and convert a robust pipeline of income-generating opportunities.
• Support development of the 2027/28 Membership Business Plan.