The Steamship Shieldhall charity is seeking to appoint an experienced freelance Commercial Manager to generate additional income to support the ongoing conservation, sustainability and operation of the ship. The commission is an important element of the “Steamship Shieldhall: towards 2055, the next 10 years” project which is supported by a Development Phase grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The appointment is intended to cover both the Development Phase and the first two years of the Delivery Phase of the project but will include a break-clause between the two phases. The Delivery Phase contract is contingent on a successful Delivery Phase grant application to the Heritage Fund and a satisfactory performance review. There may be an option for the freelance post to become an employed role, if preferred by both parties.
Shieldhall’s primary income stream is ticket sales from a public sailing programme. Alongside this, income is generated from other areas such as catering, static events/hires, membership of the charity, and fundraising/donations. The Commercial Manager will be responsible for identifying and realising new opportunities for revenue generation for Steamship Shieldhall, as well as supporting Shieldhall’s experienced volunteers with maximising income from existing activities.
The appointment will develop a network of contacts (both new and existing) to attract new clients, research new business opportunities and oversee growth projects to develop earned income to a level where it is making a substantial net contribution to the organisation.
The focus of this role is very much hands-on with an emphasis on developing existing and securing additional revenue streams. We are not seeking development of detailed and theoretical business plans although the Commercial Manager should produce a clear, succinct strategy and implementation plan which includes proposed deliverables/events, costs, targets for numbers/types of events and level of net income generation to be agreed.
Ideally we are seeking an experienced freelancer who understands the visitor attraction and business partnership sector, particularly in the local area, and can lead consultation with local groups and businesses to understand their needs and develop an appropriate offer.
Tenders must be submitted by no later than midday on the 22nd June 2026 via email or WeTransfer or other file sharing system to joanna.w@conservationplus.org and the email subject title to state “Shieldhall: Commercial Manager”.
Location: Southampton
CLOSING DATE: 22 June 2026
Please note: This closing date may be an estimate. If you are interested in this role, apply as soon as possible. This role may be closed before the date listed here.