Commercial Director

Role Overview

The Commercial Director is a key member of the HISW senior leadership team, responsible for driving innovation, business growth, and commercial excellence. This role ensures HISW leverages industry expertise, professional networks, and strategic partnerships—both nationally and internationally—to enhance economic development and revenue generation.

The Commercial Director leads delivery of the commercial strategy for HISW’s portfolio, providing strategic oversight, performance management, and governance across its programmes and services. A core focus is on securing new income opportunities while supporting wider investment in the South West Peninsula’s economic and healthcare innovation ecosystem.

The Commercial Director also provides direct leadership for the Office for Life Sciences (OLS) Commission, overseeing its operations, strategic direction, and impact. The role reports to the HISW Director of Innovation and collaborates closely with other senior leaders to ensure commercial objectives align with HISW’s wider mission.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Commercial Development

• Refine and implement a comprehensive commercial strategy, contributing to HISW’s financial sustainability and its reputation for innovation.

• Lead business development initiatives, securing strategic partnerships across academia, healthcare, and industry to position HISW as a leader in commercial innovation.

• Identify new funding streams, income-generation models, and investment opportunities to diversify HISW’s revenue sources.

• Provide direction for HISW’s engagement with NHS England, NHS Improvement, and the Office for Life Sciences (OLS), ensuring alignment with national priorities.

• Establish and oversee a robust network of innovation, and commercial experts to support HISW’s strategic and operational goals.

2. Leadership & Team Development

• Provide direct leadership and management of the Office for Life Sciences Commission, ensuring efficient operations and measurable impact.

• Lead and mentor a high-performing team of innovation and commercial professionals, fostering a culture of excellence, inclusivity, and continuous learning.

• Actively contribute to HISW’s senior leadership, helping shape delivery of the organisation’s strategic direction.

• Champion professional development, supporting career growth and leadership progression within HISW.

3. Partnership Development & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including NHS England, regional health networks, commercial entities, and academic institutions.

• Represent HISW at national and international forums, advocating for health innovation, commercialisation, and economic growth.

• Work collaboratively with internal and external partners to align commercial objectives with healthcare innovation priorities.

• Drive HISW’s contribution to regional economic development, ensuring alignment with the broader South West Peninsula strategy.

4. Corporate Contribution & Organisational Impact

• Lead strategic initiatives that enhance HISW’s long-term sustainability, growth, and impact.

• Ensure HISW’s commercial and innovation programmes align with its values, mission, and overall strategic direction.

• Support board-level reporting, providing insights on commercial performance, income generation, and strategic opportunities.

• Promote an inclusive and adaptable working environment, fostering a culture of collaboration, resilience, and continuous improvement.

5. Budget & Financial Management

• Manage financial planning and budget control for the Office for Life Sciences Commission, ensuring resources are effectively allocated.

• Provide expert insight and advice [AL1] to HISW’s executive leadership team on investment strategies and commercial models that support long-term financial sustainability.

• Develop financial models that reduce reliance on core NHS England commissions, ensuring HISW’s financial resilience.

• Ensure commercial contracts, funding agreements, and investment partnerships align with HISW’s financial objectives and risk management policies.

Key Skills & Competencies

Strategic & Commercial Expertise

• Proven ability to develop and implement high-impact commercial strategies within the healthcare, life sciences, or innovation sectors.

• Strong understanding of business development, revenue generation, and investment models in a public-private partnership environment.

Leadership & Influence

• Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and develop high-performing teams, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities.

• Skilled in managing complex stakeholder relationships across healthcare, academia, and industry.

• Experience working at a senior leadership level, influencing national and regional innovation strategies.

Financial & Budget Management

• Expertise in budget management, financial forecasting, and investment planning.

• Ability to identify and secure new funding streams, including grants, commercial partnerships, and strategic investments.

Stakeholder Engagement & Networking

• Strong ability to build and manage strategic partnerships that drive innovation and commercial success.

• Skilled in navigating the healthcare and life sciences landscape, ensuring HISW’s role as a key player in national innovation initiatives.

Problem-Solving & Adaptability

• Ability to anticipate and respond to emerging industry trends, positioning HISW for long-term success.

• Strong analytical skills to assess commercial opportunities, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies.

Why Join HISW?

This role presents an exceptional opportunity to lead high-profile commercial and innovation initiatives that shape the future of healthcare and economic development. As a key figure in HISW’s senior leadership team, the DECB will play a critical role in transforming innovation into tangible economic and healthcare advancements.

If you are a strategic thinker, commercial innovator, and dynamic leader, we invite you to bring your expertise to HISW and contribute to the future of health and life sciences innovation.