Commercial Administrator

About the Role

Hay Festival is seeking an enthusiastic, highly organised and commercially minded Commercial Administrator to support the delivery and growth of our commercial activities.

The Commercial Administrator plays a key role in supporting the delivery and growth of Hay Festival’s commercial activities. This varied position provides administrative, operational and commercial support across sales, partnerships, retail, ticketing, hospitality and event delivery, contributing to the successful planning and delivery of the Festival’s commercial programme.

Working closely with teams across the organisation, the role supports exhibitor and partner management, maintains commercial records and databases, prepares reports and sales materials, coordinates commercial projects and assists with marketing and promotional activity. During the Festival, the role also supports the day-to-day operation of commercial areas, including supervising the Box Office and Merchandise Shop during busy periods, ensuring smooth operations and delivering an excellent experience for audiences, partners and traders.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone looking to build or develop a career in events, sales, partnerships, retail or commercial management. Previous festival experience is not essential—we’re looking for someone with strong organisational skills and a genuine enthusiasm to learn and grow.

Responsibilities

This is a varied and fast-paced role, combining administration, sales support, customer service, retail operations and event delivery. During the Festival, you will play a key role in supporting our commercial activities, helping to deliver an exceptional experience for our audiences, partners, sponsors and traders.

• Commercial support
  • Assist with the identification, recruitment and management of exhibitors, traders and commercial partners.
  • Research prospective exhibitors and maintain accurate prospect databases.
  • Support sales activity through lead generation, outreach and follow-up communications.
  • Assist in preparing proposals, presentations and commercial reports.
  • Support sponsorship, partnership and exhibitor administration.
  • Maintain accurate records of commercial agreements and partner information.
  • Support the Box Office during peak periods.
  • Help with merchandise ordering and delivery.
• Administration & database management
  • Maintain and update commercial databases, CRM systems and administrative records.
  • Process contracts, bookings and related documentation.
  • Produce reports and analyse commercial data to support decision-making.
  • Ensure records are accurate, organised and up to date.
  • Support invoicing, payment tracking and other administrative processes.
• Additional duties
  • Support a broad range of commercial and marketing activities, including preparing sales materials, presentations, reports and promotional content.
  • Assist with the coordination of commercial partnerships, retail operations and on-site delivery, ensuring projects are delivered efficiently and to a high standard.

How to Apply

Please send your CV with a cover letter explaining how your experience fits the role by 12.00pm on 3rd September 2026 to penny@hayfestival.org.

Further information and the jobs page: https://www.hayfestival.com/hay-on-wye/jobs