Your Role:
The Commercial Director for CEA CAPA, Global Operations, plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing the commercial strategy across global operations study sites. This senior leader is responsible for driving cost efficiency, optimizing cost of goods, and identifying opportunities for incremental revenue generation. The role requires deep commercial acumen, strong financial management capability, and the ability to influence senior stakeholders across a complex global framework.Working closely with the Chief Global Operations Officer, Regional Vice Presidents, Finance Director and onsite leadership, the Commercial Director ensures that commercial best practices, procurement strategy, and cost‑optimization initiatives are embedded across all global sites.This role will work closely with the Global housing team including the Vice President of Real Estate to drive cost saving efficiencies across our global housing and real estate spend, including supporting in the management of RFP’s and market tenders.
This role is central to strengthening the commercial performance of CEA CAPA, effectively managing costs and ensuring sustainable, scalable operational excellence.This role is eligible to be worked remotely in the United Kingdom.
What You’ll Do:
Commercial Strategy & Leadership
- Develop and lead the commercial strategy for CEA CAPA across all global operations study sites.
- Partner with senior global operations leaders to align commercial priorities with operational and organizational objectives.
- Drive a culture of commercial excellence, cost discipline, and value creation across the global operations organization.
Financial & P&L Management
- Oversee and manage P&L performance for relevant operational areas, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and accountability.
- Analyse cost drivers, operational spend, and revenue streams to identify opportunities for optimization.
- Lead the development and implementation of cost saving initiatives and revenue enhancing strategies.
- Provide commercial insight and recommendations to support strategic decision making.
Cost of Goods & Procurement Optimization
- Own the strategy for cost of goods across global study sites, ensuring efficient, sustainable, and value driven cost structures.
- Partner with relevant leaders to drive vendor strategy, contract optimization, and commercial negotiation best practices.
- Identify and implement opportunities for cost efficiencies, process improvements, and commercial innovation.
- Provide expert support on tender processes including RFP’s and work with cross functional leaders to identify areas for market benchmarking and cost analysis.
Stakeholder Engagement & Influence
- Build strong, collaborative relationships with senior stakeholders including the Chief Global Operations Officer, Regional VPs, Senior Directors, and Finance leadership.
- Act as a trusted commercial advisor, providing insight, challenge, and strategic guidance.
- Communicate commercial performance, risks, and opportunities clearly and effectively across the organization.
Performance Improvement & Governance
- Establish and maintain commercial KPIs, dashboards, and reporting frameworks to monitor performance and drive accountability.
- Ensure robust governance of commercial decisions, cost management, and procurement activities.
- Lead cross functional initiatives to enhance commercial capability and operational efficiency across global sites.
Starting Salary: £90,000
What Makes a Great Candidate:
Essential
- Proven experience managing a P&L in a complex, multi‑site or global environment.
- Strong commercial acumen with deep understanding of cost drivers, financial modelling, and operational economics.
- Demonstrated success in developing and delivering cost saving and revenue generating initiatives.
- Experience working with senior global stakeholders and influencing at executive level.
- Strong analytical capability with the ability to translate data into actionable insight.
- Expertise in procurement strategy, supplier management, and commercial negotiation.
- Prior work authorization in the country the role is based in.
Desirable
- Experience in global operations, multi-site, diverse stakeholder management environments e.g. retail, QSR.
- P&L ownership and management across different sites, with clear accountability for effective cost management.
- Background in commercial transformation or operational excellence programs.
- Ability to navigate matrixed organizations and drive alignment across diverse regions.
Leadership Attributes
- Strategic thinker with a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset.
- Highly collaborative, able to build trust and influence without authority.
- Strong communicator with the ability to simplify complexity and drive clarity.
- Results driven, resilient, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced global environment.
- Committed to continuous improvement and commercial innovation.
We believe great talent comes in many forms and that there is no one size fits all in hiring. If you feel you may be a great fit for this role but do not check all of the boxes, we encourage you to apply and show us why you're the right candidate for this position.
Who We Are:
CEA CAPA is a premier provider of transformative international education experiences, committed to empowering students to become thoughtful and thriving leaders through living and learning abroad. With a presence in 62 cities across 22 countries in Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Australia, we offer comprehensive study abroad and career readiness programs that integrate academic excellence and cultural immersion. Our global footprint includes 11 international study centers, and we proudly support over 10,000 students annually in partnership with more than 375 U.S.
universities and over 50 international institutions. CEA CAPA is in a dynamic phase of growth and is powered by a global team of nearly 700 professionals who are deeply mission-driven and committed to creating inclusive, supportive and enriching environments that help students grow academically, personally and professionally. Our commitment to creating a sense of belonging means we welcome individuals of all abilities, ages, citizenships, educations, ethnicities, family statuses, gender identities, genders, genetic information, languages, marital status, military experiences, political views, pregnancy, races, religions, sexes, sexual orientations, socioeconomic statuses, and work experiences and therefore we encourage applicants from diverse lived experiences to apply.Note: This role profile is intended to provide an overview of the key responsibilities and qualifications for the position.
It is not exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake additional tasks and duties, as necessary and in line with evolving business needs. Any proposed permanent modifications to this role profile will be made in consultation with role incumbents, and relevant stakeholders in accordance with applicable policies and legislative requirements.
Up to 90000.00 (GBP) Annually
