Commercial Manager

Company Overview

The Craft Potters Association (CPA) is the UK’s leading members’ organisation representing studio potters and ceramic artists. With a legacy of promoting excellence in contemporary ceramics, the CPA supports a thriving community of ceramic practitioners and enthusiasts. The organisation operates the Contemporary Ceramics gallery, publishes the internationally renowned Ceramics Review magazine, and organises major ceramics fairs including Ceramic Art London. Our small but dynamic team of 15 staff and freelancers works collaboratively to champion handmade ceramics through exhibitions, publishing, and events.

Summary

The Commercial Manager will lead the CPA’s commercial development across all areas of activity - magazine, gallery, fairs and membership - to strengthen long-term financial sustainability and reduce reliance on any single income source.

Working with the Editor of Ceramic Review and senior team, this new role will identify, develop, implement and manage income-generating opportunities that align with the CPA’s values and promote excellence in studio ceramics.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver a coherent commercial plan for the CPA, identifying and growing income streams across advertising, sponsorship, partnerships and digital platforms.
• Maintain and grow the existing advertising revenue of Ceramic Review across both print and digital platforms ensuring all bookings are managed accordingly.
• Drive future advertising and media sales across print (Ceramic Review and fair catalogues) and digital platforms, providing an excellent client experience.
• Develop and manage sponsorship and partnership opportunities for the CPA’s major events, exhibitions and digital channels – building relationships that add both financial and reputational value.
• Identify and commercialise CPA assets – including content, digital reach, and audience data – to create new, brand-aligned opportunities (e.g. collaborations, retail or content partnerships).
• Support income forecasting and reporting, working with the Finance Manager to set realistic targets and track progress against them.
• Represent the CPA externally, building relationships with potential advertisers, sponsors and partners in the craft, design and creative sectors.

Experience and Attributes

• Significant experience in advertising, partnerships, sponsorship or business development, ideally within the arts, culture or creative industries.
• Proven ability to translate ideas into deliverable, income-generating initiatives.
• Confident negotiator and relationship-builder, able to engage senior decision-makers with credibility.
• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of financial reporting and targets.
• Collaborative, adaptable and motivated by working across creative teams.
• Self-starter with the initiative and ambition to develop and grow the role.
• An appreciation for craft, design and the values of the studio pottery community.

Do you have a creative eye for opportunity? The Craft Potters Association is searching for a Commercial Manager to grow our income and partnerships across our gallery, magazine, fairs, and membership network.

If you’re experienced in advertising, sponsorship, or business development – and passionate about arts and culture – we would love to hear from you. We’re after someone who can turn creative ideas into practical, income-generating projects that support the work of the organisation and promotes excellence in studio ceramics.

How to Apply

To apply, please send a CV and short covering letter outlining your relevant experience to [email protected], with “Commercial Manager application” in the subject line.

Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract

Pay: From £25,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 21.0 – 28.0 per week

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Employee discount
• Flexitime
• Work from home

Education:

• Bachelor's (required)

Experience:

• commercial management: 5 years (required)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in London WC1B